Scan Gauge II Code & Engine Vitals Reader Group Buy OEM Flush Mount 97-04

[Nine8Six]

Looking good, thanks for the great write-up

Can you somehow set the unit to report faults/codes as they occur? real-time? or needs manual scanning

thanks

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Looking good, thanks for the great write-up

Can you somehow set the unit to report faults/codes as they occur? real-time? or needs manual scanning

thanks

It can only handle "global" OBD II codes, but not those that use proprietary code access (air bags, ABS/PSM, cam deviation values, maintenance alert resets, etc.).

[JohnENC]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

It can only handle "global" OBD II codes, but not those that use proprietary code access (air bags, ABS/PSM, cam deviation values, maintenance alert resets, etc.).

New here, got occasional dashboard warning lights for "PSM OFF" and "BRAKES" on my 2002 986 S. My cheap OBD II scanner didn't find any fault codes, even with those two dash lights illuminated. Any recommendations on how to read the fault that is triggering those lights? Brake pedal feels normal, plenty of brake fluid. Looking to avoid the 90 minute drive to the dealership and small fortune it would cost.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by JohnENC

New here, got occasional dashboard warning lights for "PSM OFF" and "BRAKES" on my 2002 986 S. My cheap OBD II scanner didn't find any fault codes, even with those two dash lights illuminated. Any recommendations on how to read the fault that is triggering those lights? Brake pedal feels normal, plenty of brake fluid. Looking to avoid the 90 minute drive to the dealership and small fortune it would cost.

I would load test the battery; many times you see these codes (ABS/PSM) are related to weak batteries. And as for your global OBD II tool, there are more things that it cannot see on these cars than what it can. If you are going to work on it yourself, you need to have a Porsche specific scan tool like the Durametric system.

[onefasazn]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Looking good, thanks for the great write-up

Can you somehow set the unit to report faults/codes as they occur? real-time? or needs manual scanning

thanks

It will not do auto reporting of CELs. No Scangague I've used has done that, although I haven't really checked the manual. You can check it out here:

http://www.scangauge.com/wp-content/uploads/documentation/sgii-legacy/SG_Manual_2-51.pdf

Its good to read global OBDII codes on the fly, but I would use a Durametric for proper diagnosis.

[Nine8Six]

Thanks for the confirm JFP

One, cheers for linking up, interesting stuff

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by onefasazn

It will not do auto reporting of CELs. No Scangague I've used has done that, although I haven't really checked the manual. You can check it out here:

http://www.scangauge.com/wp-content/uploads/documentation/sgii-legacy/SG_Manual_2-51.pdf

Its good to read global OBDII codes on the fly, but I would use a Durametric for proper diagnosis.

Check page 3 of the manual you linked, it does do global OBD II codes that would trigger a CEL.

[GatorLapis]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Check page 3 of the manual you linked, it does do global OBD II codes that would trigger a CEL.

That means... EVERYONE should buy one! Amazon raised the price from 109 to 136

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by GatorLapis

That means... EVERYONE should buy one! Amazon raised the price from 109 to 136

Not really, you can get a $10 tool that does the same things.

[GatorLapis]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Not really, you can get a $10 tool that does the same things.

send me the link... this gauge is not just a code reader.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by GatorLapis

send me the link... this gauge is not just a code reader.

I am referring to the cheap Cen Tech scan tool that Harbor Freight has on sale from time to time for under $10 ($9.99 on sale with a coupon, if memory serves). It will read or display everything your gauge does. May not look as cute, but gets the job done.

Any "global" scan tool should be able tor read any data available from the OBD II port on any post 1996 vehicle, which includes all of the stuff this thing does. Some display it in a prettier fashion than others, but the data is what is available on the vehicle, not the tool. That is the basis of the OBD II standards put in place by the EPA when they wrote the rules for what the port has to be able to read.