code reader

[tommy782]

Hi,

I read a lot about the obd2 code reader on the forum. with my old audi, I had the VAG COM tool with ross tech program and it work great because I have had more information about the code on my laptop like description. I see that many people just buy a small obd2 readers just to read the code. I want to spend around 100$ on the code reader. I know that many other peoples have the diametric tool and that is a very nice tool but I don't want to spent 250-300$ on the tool. I want to know if you have brand and model for me like ELM tool or something else.

choice:

small tool EBD2
cable ELM + program that install on my computer
bluetooth cable can work??

thanks for the info!

[Mark_T]

Just a suggestion - you can likely pick up a used Durametric with one vin left on it within your price range, and then you would have the best possible reader.

Which brings up a question, and I apologize for hijacking the thread, but how do you know how many vins have been used up on a Durametric tool? I bought one with 2 vins left, or so I was told, and now I've used one of them, but I didn't have to enter the vin when I first used the tool. Does it pull this info automatically? Does it give you a warning when you use the last one, or does it just say "Sorry dude, you lose" when you connect the fourth car? Is there a menu where the vins used by a given tool are displayed?

[tommy782]

ok but like you say how you can know if the tool have 1 or 2 car left when you buy a used one... its hard to say and easy to lost your money... (sometime you find good person when you buy used but sometime you can find wrong person...)

cheapest model I see (I know its ebay but you can find good stuff)

Car fault reader code scanner diagnostic tool OBD 2 CAN | eBay

this:

V1 5 Super Mini ELM327 OBD2 OBDII OBD II Bluetooth Diagnostic Interface Can Bus | eBay

this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190606035926?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_2804wt_1056

or this:

V1 5 ELM327 Elm 327 OBD2 OBDII USB Can Bus Car Diagnostic Interface Scanner UK | eBay

thanks in advance...

[particlewave]

If you want to spend $100, just add $50 or so to your budget and get a used Durametric. Otherwise, any $10-20 OBD2 will do for reading most codes.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by tommy782

Hi,

I read a lot about the obd2 code reader on the forum. with my old audi, I had the VAG COM tool with ross tech program and it work great because I have had more information about the code on my laptop like description. I see that many people just buy a small obd2 readers just to read the code. I want to spend around 100$ on the code reader. I know that many other peoples have the diametric tool and that is a very nice tool but I don't want to spent 250-300$ on the tool. I want to know if you have brand and model for me like ELM tool or something else.

choice:

small tool EBD2
cable ELM + program that install on my computer
bluetooth cable can work??

thanks for the info!

You need to also be aware that non Porsche specific OBD II tools are well known for reading false codes (non existent or erroneous) on Porsche's due to the unique diagnostics system used in the DME, and there are an entire laundry list of codes that it will not be able to clear if it can actually see them on a Porsche.

[tommy782]

ok thanks for the info JFP. so if I understand if I buy a cheap OBD2 reader, I will not able to clear all the code and occasionnally the code reader can give false code right?

so all the cheap code reader I see on ebay can't work on porsche exact?

[Topless]

This has been my little friend for 7 yrs. Simple, accurate, without giving me TMI. It just works.

Amazon.com: Actron CP9125 PocketScan Code Reader: Automotive

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by tommy782

ok thanks for the info JFP. so if I understand if I buy a cheap OBD2 reader, I will not able to clear all the code and occasionnally the code reader can give false code right?

so all the cheap code reader I see on ebay can't work on porsche exact?

No, there are several "proprietary code areas" in your car that a "global" (read cheap) OBD II scanner cannot see or clear codes; examples are airbags, ABS, PSM, etc. A lot of cheap scanners also throw either improbable or non existent codes as well, which tends to send you on wild goose chases.

There are some good aftermarket scanners, like the Actron mentioned, but even that cannot see or clear many codes.

[tommy782]

ok thanks a lot. so the only good code reader is durametric right?

[Gerrox]

Hi, what exactly will the Durametric lead & software give you? Is it easy to use.