Code clearing question
 

Is 'Durametric' the only way to clear *all* Porsche codes?

Is there anything else (like something I can run down the street and buy at AutoZone) that will clear everything?

As in CEL? An OBDII reader reads CEL codes but not deeper codes like over rev. Those will reset the CEL.

Well....Airbag would be an example.

Airbag, no. only other option is a trip to the dealer.

Rats. Thanks.

Will the Durametric clear airbag codes? A byproduct of my valve spring replacement was me starting the car with the passenger seat removed. Doh. Airbag light is now on... local indy's "computer" is broke at the moment. I'm looking for an alternative to a trip to the dealer.

Yes.................

Yes, the Durametric will clear the airbag code. They have 2 versions, enthusiast and pro. Either one will work.
Diagnostic Tool for Porsche | Durametric


Stay away from the ebay/amazon clones for around $20-50, word is they can cause problems with the ECU (don't know firsthand)

Ah, nice... $287 mistake. I wonder what the dealer would charge to reset?

What else would I actually use the Durametric for? I mean, unless there is a problem? And my OBD2 reader takes care of non Porsche specific codes...

You can get lots of real time info, reset the service indicator, and more
not to be an ass, the website gives you a bunch of info on what it can do

Since you are VERY handy with a wrench, probably makes sense to get one

Besides the dealer would probably charge you an hour to do the reset and if you DIY stuff, its likely you will have other resets to do

There are cheap Chinese Durametric knock-offs that will read and reset engine and airbag codes. I bought mine for $30.

I didn't take that as being an ass. I did read the website. I saw what it comes with and what you can do with it. I just don't see myself using it if the car is running well. I was hoping someone would spell out something I missed that would make me go, ah, I never thought of that... Yes, I need one!

I'm all ears. Any links?

I just found this one...

Piwis Cable for Porsche

$51.99 with free shipping. All I need is the airbag code reset at this point. Tempting. 2-3 week delivery is making this less appealing.

A local indy (one that I have never used before) just quoted me $100-135 to reset my airbag light. Said it would be charged just like a diagnostic check and figure 45 minutes to an hour.

Sadly that is a 5 minute job.

There are lots of those on amazon and eBay. I was tempted as well, but after reading posts abou them saying they could damage the ECU, I was wary. Also they dont work on the latest version of software and probably never will. I found a real one being sold privately that had 2 vins left for $175. Even at $290, I fiigured it was worth the extra cost for the latest version, free software updates and piece of mind that it would not damage my car

I like living on the edge...

Piwis USB Car Diagnostic Scanner Cable for Porsche Vehicles | eBay

I just ordered this one for $39. I'll let everyone know how/if it works...

Hopefully that won't turn out to be the most expensive money you've ever saved. Remember, the ECU runs on smoke - if you let the smoke out it won't work anymore.

The Durametric only costs about $100 in the long run because you can sell it when you're done with two VIN's left on it for about $200. It doesn't make sense to me to buy a risky clone running outdated software for the sake of saving about $50. Especially given the time and money you have already spent repairing your car.

I had one of those clone cables and it was a piece of crap. I bought it thinking it was a real one, and I have since replaced it with a real one.

I'd avoid the knockoff Durametric tools as it essentially takes away from the work they do. Do I wish Durametric wasn't tied to 3 VINs (enthusiast version) and had more functionality like the Ross-Tech VCDS tool (for Volkswagen/Audi)? You bet. However, my Durametric has already paid for itself in data analysis and code clearing.

A basic OBD2 scanner can only handle the MIL/CEL, and related emissions codes. Durametric can also check the other systems in the car as well, including the testing functions and output data. I can say I'm happy with mine.

Thanks again all for the updates. Curious on what Aneal finds out.....

My recommendation would be to get the real Durametric cable (enthusiast). With the cheap Chinese clone cables you will be tied to using an early bootleg version of the Durametric software (it won't work with newer versions). Plus, you'll be waiting a week or two just to get it (shipped from China).

2nd best thing to do would be to buy a used cable with at least 1 vin remaining from someone on the forums. If you do that make sure it's the newer version cable (compatible with the v6 software). Check the Durametric website for info on determining the cable version.

Last (and cheapest) thing would be to buy a cheap Chinese clone cable. The sellers will send you a download link to a really old (bootleg, some might say pirated) version of the software. It may work, and if it does it should be able to clear your airbag code.

I bought a Durametric cable and feel it is worth every penny. Allowed me to clear an airbag code (caused by a dead battery) and to diagnose worn out variocam tensioners (via high camshaft deviations).

Ok, I see you went the clone cable route... Good luck and let us know how that works out.


Just my 2 cents...

Update
 

Ok, I know everyone on this thread has been waiting on this response so here is goes: So I purchased a "PIWIS USB Car Diagnostic Scanner Cable for Porsche Vehicles" off of eBay for $39.99 from obdinnovations. My 98 Boxster was in the list of compatible vehicles. They did a great job and had it shipped very quickly. I installed the software and could not get it to work with my car. The LED on the cable would never change from red to green, per the seller. I actually tried installing on three different laptops in case something else was wrong - this was again after contacting the seller and confirming what I was doing and how it was supposed to work. The seller provided me a return shipping label and said they would check it out when it was returned and if it was defective they would send me another one and if it wasn't they would issue me my money back. OK.... So without notice they issued me all of my money back. I'm extremely disappointed this cheap solution didn't work. But it didn't catch my car on fire nor did it erase my computer, just wasted some of my time as I did receive a full refund. So maybe some of them work, but this one did not work for me.

Not to worry if you let the smoke out of the ECU. Lucas makes a smoke replacement kit, and while its designed for British cars, I've read it works on German cars also.

Lucas Replacement Smoke Kit