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mikefocke · 01-09-2011, 06:32 AM

and Check Engine Light and codes introduction is at https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/acheckenginelight%28cel%29 It will also show you the Actron I use (a 9135).

I would also look at the Durametric site (http://www.durametric.com/default.aspx) as it will outline capabilities the Durametric cable and s/w provide that a basic code reader doesn't. But the costs for a code reader and the Durametric are very different.

For $50-100 US you can get a hand held reader that reads fault codes and resets the CEL once the problem is fixed....for all recent cars. I used mine on my Honda and Acura. For $350 you can get s/w that runs on a Windows laptop and will tell you more about what is happening and will address some non-engine related codes and issues on a Porsche but which won't help you on other brands of cars. I opted for the cheaper option since I'm not sure I'd have understood enough of the theory to benefit from what the Durametric would have told me and I'd have had to buy a laptop....then lug it out to the garage, hook it up, etc. The Actron can travel in the car with me if I want.

Given your geography, I'm not sure I'd be owning a Porsche no matter how much fun or I'd decide that for any but the simple things it was going to get put on the back of a flatbed truck and carried to the dealer (assuming the dealer had competent mechanics, some don't). You can't tow a Porsche.

01-09-2011, 06:32 AM	#11
mikefocke Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sanford NC Posts: 2,537	A basic reader and Check Engine Light and codes introduction is at https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/acheckenginelight%28cel%29 It will also show you the Actron I use (a 9135). I would also look at the Durametric site (http://www.durametric.com/default.aspx) as it will outline capabilities the Durametric cable and s/w provide that a basic code reader doesn't. But the costs for a code reader and the Durametric are very different. For $50-100 US you can get a hand held reader that reads fault codes and resets the CEL once the problem is fixed....for all recent cars. I used mine on my Honda and Acura. For $350 you can get s/w that runs on a Windows laptop and will tell you more about what is happening and will address some non-engine related codes and issues on a Porsche but which won't help you on other brands of cars. I opted for the cheaper option since I'm not sure I'd have understood enough of the theory to benefit from what the Durametric would have told me and I'd have had to buy a laptop....then lug it out to the garage, hook it up, etc. The Actron can travel in the car with me if I want. Given your geography, I'm not sure I'd be owning a Porsche no matter how much fun or I'd decide that for any but the simple things it was going to get put on the back of a flatbed truck and carried to the dealer (assuming the dealer had competent mechanics, some don't). You can't tow a Porsche.