School me on the Durametric
 

For the DIY guy new to the 986 world, is the Durametric the scan tool to have?
Anything that does same job for less money?
Are these tools usable with just general/not so much/just barely computer skills, or do you need to be a computer guy to make them work?
Lastly, where to buy? Any special place that caters to our needs?

Thanks for your help!
Perry

Read this first
http://www.durametric.com/Durametric_Software_Instruction_Manual.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEBvXp6sJSk
http://www.durametric.com/Demos.aspx

Not if you have a '98 or '99 and possibly some other years. There is a problem with the Durametric cable and they no longer stock the older cable that worked with these cars.

Yes the durametric is the tool to have. Yku can get a chinese knock off for around 20 bucks that works fine for most engine diagnostics. The real version is more versatile with functions that can turn options on and off.

But to really to take advantage of the duramettic you have to have good understanding of modern fuel injection. All the durametric shows are error codes and values which if you dont know how ti intrrpret them the durametr ic will be of little value.

For example a common error code is an oxygen sensor reading out of spec so many guys will just replace the sensor only to find the code doesnt go away. The problem is that some other problem like a vacuum leak is causing the o sensor to read out of spec and if you dont undsrstand how the whole fi system works you wont get the diagnosis right.

The Durametric is great, if you can get it to work. It took me 3 months of back and forth with them to finally get a cable that would work on my '99.

Then there are the laptop issues. If the specs aren't up to par, or if the laptop is too new, you can have trouble with the cable and program running right.
The Durametric is huge PITA. :(

You might look into the Autel...looks good from what I've seen and it is self contained (no laptop required). It has some advanced functions, but I'm not 100% sure how it's abilities stack up next to the Durametric.

It's my understanding that some (or all?) Durametrics are only good for a certain # of VIN #'s.
Do the dealerships purchase a commercial version with unlimited VINs?

They sell 2 versions. One will do up to 3 vins and another that will do unlimited number of vins. Visit their website for details.

I just need my OBC turned on after I upgrade my 3 stalk for a 4 stalk this weekend.
I'm hoping to find someone in the Port Saint Lucie - West Palm Beach, FL area that has one as opposed to buying one for just that. (or heaven forbid......having to go to the dealer.....)

The Durametric is a good tool if you are willing to learn some technical auto diagnostics or would like the folks on this forum help you diagnose issues.

In your case with the older model you may be more compatible with a knock off cable that runs version 5 Durametric software.

The knock offs actually run the same but older versions of the real, prior to v6, Durametric software.

I don't think the Durametric software will allow you to enable the OBC though in any case. Not sure if the latest version does either.

If you buy the Durametric clone for ~$20 you will have the best cost/benefit ratio of any tool you can buy for your Boxster except for perhaps the Bently service manual.

Try the clone first due to the compatibility issues currently with the real Durametric.

Since the basic Durametric has a limited number of VINS, most people will not share it with the causal aquainance.

You need to find someone with the unlimited version. Indy shop.

Plus, I don't know that a Durametric can enable the OBC? Perhaps the unlimited version? You can check the durametric website.

i have the cable and i already used the 3 VIN's. but a little bird told me that sometimes these cables will do more.
we tested the cable on the "little bird's" boxster, and it worked.
if you wish to drive another half an hour south, i will be more then happy to give it a try.
but i'm just not sure 100% it will work.
worst case we can flip some steaks and kill a six pack before you drive back.:D.

Sounds like a chance worth taking.
Thanks.
I'll PM you after the new stalk is in and we can compare schedules.
Thanks for the offer!!


BJS

I believe you are correct, sir.
I found this in the procedure:
"When the installation is complete, the computer will not work, unfortunately, until the coding is modified in the instrument cluster using the Porsche factory PST-2 or PIWIS programming tool.

For some reason I think I just jumped to the conclusion that it could be done with a Durametric.

:(

I enabled the OBC on my '04 with my Durametric (enthusiast) after I installed the correct OBC stalk w/wire (thanks, pdwight).

sounds like a plan.
BT, just to take away the confusion, the durametric (legal version) has the ability to turn on the OBC.
i have done it myself on my 01S.

Yes, the cluster OBC can be activated with version 6 and up of the Durametric software. ;)

Thanks!! :dance:

Thanks!! :dance:

Thanks!! :dance: