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Old 01-08-2011, 09:03 PM   #1
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What about the Actron series of handheld code readers. Are they any good?
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Old 01-09-2011, 06:32 AM   #2
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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.
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Old 01-09-2011, 11:53 AM   #3
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Thanks Mike.

Your honesty hit home. Probably is silly to buy a car where there is no dealer support. I am going hunting today to try and find someone that might have a scan tool. If I have no luck I will probably bite the bullet and throw it on a trailer and take it to Porsche Cairns myself. Might be a good excuse to stay a few nights and enjoy the area.
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Old 01-09-2011, 01:09 PM   #4
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81F/21C degrees now

I'd be in Cairns in a heartbeat. I was last there in October 2001. Few who haven't been there appreciate your geography...AU is as big as the US. We covered 30k miles (48km) by air just while we were there.

Below freezing here awaiting snow and ice. Car parked under cover with a battery maintainer on.
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Old 01-12-2011, 12:47 AM   #5
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Car is now with local mechanic. He started it up and it died on him a minute later. He said it sounds fuel related. Will run it through the scan tool and have a look at all the basic things first. Seems pretty keen and enthusiastic. Will keep you all posted when I hear more.
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Old 01-15-2011, 12:09 PM   #6
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Fuel pump?

My mechanic is 100% certain it is fuel related as when the car died at idle we lost all fuel pressure. He has been told not to remove or replace the fuel pump unless he can get hold of a porsche computer to re-calibrate it once it goes back in. Apparently the car won't restart if he can't do this.

Does anybody know if this is true?
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Old 01-15-2011, 03:28 PM   #7
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In this tutorial

There is no mention of recalibration. Ask the mechanic if that isn't '02 and later.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php/tutorials/article/61-fuel-filter-replacement-to-my01
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