Advice on Purchasing Code Scanner
 

I'm interested in purchasing a basic code scanner/diagnostics tool to have on hand for DIY projects . I've come across products by Actron, Innova and the like. Any recommendations on which one to buy ?

JD
p.s. The simpler the better .

Depends upon where you are going; for Porsche only work, the Durametric system is you current best bet. For general purpose OBD II on multiple makes, Actron makes some great tools at very reasonable prices, but they cannot read or clear Porsche “protected code” areas (ABS, airbags, etc.), while the Durametric can, but cannot be used on non-Porsche vehicles…………

For starters, I'm looking to clear a code (P0102) involving the MAF sensor. I don't imagine that I will ever have a need to address issues with the ABS, airbags ect... Will the Actron reset this code ?

Yes. The areas where it won't work (protected codes) are all "saftey" related, such as ABS, PSM, PASM, airbags, etc. The Actron (as well as just about everyone else's OBD II scanners) also cannot activate the "drive modules" like the Durametric system can.

I bought this one and works great.. on my Lexus, wifes Escalade, and the Porsche.. easy to use and not too expensive..



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CRAFTSMAN-87702-OBD2-DIAGNOSTIC-TOOL-BRAND-NEW-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5643d68f02QQitemZ37050 5322242QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

I've got an Actron that I purchased back in 2005. It works great on my 00 986, but it doesn't work on my wife's 07 BMW X3.
I've seen OBD II apps for my iPhone, and I am intrigued.

I've also got the Durametric, and I am a bit disappointed (got it with my Softronic reflash). Yeah, it does all of the OBD II stuff, and I can reset an airbag light, but I was hoping for more. It allows you to test many systems by activating them with the engine off, but it does not permit permanent deactivation of anything. I need to disable the spoiler mechanism (I've got the Aerokit II, so all of the factory moveable spoiler is gone), remove the door airbags, and get rid of the secondary air injection. All of that is beyond the Durametric programing.

I purchased an Actron...does the job for me, though it is very basic. I use it more on the daily drivers than I do the Box, as it has never thrown a code.

You can't get more basic or more portable (or cheaper) than the one I bought:

http://www.launchx431.ca/c-reader-iv.php

I paid $40

There's a slew of no name brand scanners going for cheap on ebay. I wonder if any of them are acceptable for what I need it for ?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBD-II-SCANNER-OBD2-2-SCAN-TOOL-CODE-READER-OBDII-ENHAN-/380335464236?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item5 88dc29f2c#ht_8585wt_1167

+1 Actron
 

I've had this a few years and it works for most issues. Neighbors and friends have borrowed it a few times too and they all give it a thumbs up. It's versatile and easy to use.

for the money, Durametric really isn't much more than a generic hand scanner. it doesn't even do coding like activate/deactivate airbags or turn on the OBC.

check out VAG-COM for vw's/audis if you want to see what a pc-based scanner should be.

http://www.ross-tech.com/

using Vag-Com on a vw you can recode just about anything you can think of.

when Durametric is at the level of Vag-Com or the factory scan tool, i'll think about it.

If you only need to clear the code and nothing else you could just disconnect the battery. In fact that might be a good idea anyway for a MAF sensor issue because you want the car to discard all its previous fuel trim adaptation values. Sometimes clearing the code with a scanner will do it but disconnecting the battery is guaranteed to force the car to relearn.

I would never recommend going that route; "dump" clearing of codes often leaves you knowing less than you did when you started. First, with out knowing what codes are involved, you are flying totally blind and trying to diagnose the car based upon guess work rather than facts. Often, there is more than one code, plus underlying "pending" codes that taken together will point you in a different diagnostic direction than you had planned.

We recently had a car in the shop who's owner had repeatedly replaced several different and expensive components in an attempt to end a persistent CEL; all without ever running a scan on the car. We scanned it, read two codes, did a $65 repair, and the CEl had not returned; and our bill was a small fraction of what he had already spent.

Purchased two of the cheap chinese code readers. First one on ebay for $20 never worked. Second on NewEgg for $39 worked once and thereafter would not recognize connection to vehicle, even with the connection light at the connector lite and the laptop recogizing the USB connection to Durametric cable. This one also turned out to be junk. Going to have to cough up the $285 and get the real thing.

Yes happens alot. Thanks for searching & reporting your experience. Durametric works great.

give Durametric a call and ask they have any refurbished ones. Might save you a few $$

I have done a lot of searches and find conflicting data.

What can Durametric Enthusiast version do that an Actron tool (CP9135) cannot do?

I would like to diagnose which microsensor is failing in my 2001 Boxster S.

I would also like to see the count of over-revs on the car.

Finally, I would someday like to turn on the OBC.

Thanks!

John

If the sensor is in a "protected" sub system, the Actron cannot help you. It will also not read the over revs, or turn on the OBC. The correct Durametric system will do all of them.

Thanks for the quick reply. Can you tell me if a current "Enthusiast" durametric tool will give me the over-revs or the OBC?

From their website is the following:

"Differences

There are two main differences between the Enthusiast and Professional Kits:
The number of cars supported:
The Professional kits support an unlimited number of cars. The Enthusiast kits support up to three cars only. The limitation of the Enthusiast kit is based on the car's VIN - not model.
The Coding and Command Console features:
Beginning with Durametric version 6, Durametric supports the Coding and Command Console features. These features are included with the Professional kits only.
The Coding feature provides for the ability to enable or disable predefined features in the car such as airbags, daytime running lights, cruise control, and the rear spoiler where applicable.
The Command Console feature is a means of communicating with the control units using very low-level communications. This feature is very seldom used."

What I read is that "the ability to enable or disable predefined features in the car..." is what I want to do with the OBC so the Enthusiast version will not work. Is that an accurate interpretation?

Thanks, John

Yes, you can activate OBC via Durametric, and check on the over-revs if I am not mistaken.

The Enthusiast version can read over revs and activate the OBC, but cannot do some other activations such as cruise control, which requires the Pro version.

Get the durametric if you want to log real time...activate/deactivate certain things to rule out/diagnose etc etc....airbag light many many more functions

If you're not into more complicated/electrical DIY etc just by a OBD2 connecter and download torque app(5 bucks) on your android and you can monitor basic functions and read/delete check engine codes. Not bad if your purpose if for basic stuff.
I have quite a few of these obd readers that are just sitting around as I use durametic more but they worked perfectly fine

My only experience with the Durametric people was a very professional one.

The first time (and only one) I called them was to order their Professional unit, and they talked me out of it.., saying that most likely the Enthusiast unit was all that I would need, and if for some reason I decided to buy their Professional unit, I could return the one I bought and pay the difference for the Professional one.

It made me feel very comfortable with their attitude and so far I am happy the way the Enthusiast unit has help me out, IMHO if you a DYI is a must have tool ;)

Vag-Com / to read modules on Boxter
 

Vag-Com will not work on a Porsche Boxter, will it?

Not for any Porsche specific codes. Maybe Ok for generic codes.

A durametric will give you the Porsche specific codes and reset airbags and other stuff

code reader
 

Anyone have experience with the icarsoft cr v2 ? Poersche 2015 Cayman S and 2017 Ford F250 fx 4 off road with a gasoline engine ?

Does anyone know if you actually can test the locks via Durametric?
I have an error code lock not secured and another. But I would like to test which side it is. And I can't do that with my Foxwell tester :)
And is it possible to delete error codes in the alarm module?

/Kim

Yes on alarm codes and pretty sure you can activate about all systems. Though for more in-depth alarm/immobilizer work the Pro version might be required. The enthusiast version is great though.

http://www.durametric.com/modelfeaturematrixv6.aspx#986
Ah, I can see that it can clear alarm codes.
The only difference between Pro and Enthusiastic is that Pro can take unlimited VIN where as Enthusiastic is limited to 3 VINs. And Pro has the ability of coding some things.