Any useable codes from a regular OBD2 reader?
 

Greetings,
I plan on getting a Durametric, but not until at least next year. That being said, can I get any usable codes for my 99' Boxster using a regular OBD2 reader?

Yes.

I use a regular OBDII all the time on my Boxster. It only spits out the code - then I go here http://www.iwantaporsche.net/BoxsterCheckEngineLightCodes.htm

Do a search here - lots of OBDII use.

Thanks GoodManners! That helps a lot!

Is the Durametric maybe 3 time more capable? Yes.

Is a "regular" OBD2 code reader helpful? Lots of times for many engine and emissions related codes.

The Durametric site generally has a list of all the airbag, transmission, settings, etc that it will do that a OBD2 won't. Lots of Porsche specific things the OBD2 standard doesn't require a manufacturer to reveal but which Durametric has figured out over the years. Great tool.

If you are going to do serious work on a Porsche, Durametric is highly recommended.

Oh, no doubt that the Durametric is the way to go! I just wanted to see what my standard OBDII reader was going to pull up, since my CEL was on. I was fully expecting a long list of codes, but I was lucky and only one came up, P0430 (Catalytic Converter Conversion Too Low- Cylinders 4-6). Which through a search here is probably due to a faulty O2 sensor.

This forum is awesome! TONS of great info with people willing to share, maybe I'll get a Durametric for Christmas!

The Acton pocket reader is my preferred diagnostic tool. Only the info I can use and nothing beyond my backyard wrench status that will cause me to overthink a problem and change a bunch of unnecessary parts. It is always in my car.

That said, I think it is unlikely that a bad O2 sensor is causing your code. You can pull it and do a visual inspection but P0430 usually means a weak/failing/sooted cat. If the sensor is failing you will usually get an "aging sensor" code instead.

Good luck!

Obd ii
 

I bought a RioRand from Amazon and downloaded the Torque Pro app on my tablet.It works on Bluetooth.It works fine and it will clear codes.I bought it before I had the IMS changed. I wanted to know right away what the code was if it flashed. Mike is right though. The Durametric is the one to buy if you plan on doing a lot of DIY.

Yes, basic scanners like elm327 will do.

Basic readers do have their place. I love the convenience of the blue tooth ELM 327 when I need to reset random and intermittent 1128 and 1130 codes which I think is a phantom vacuum leak I have been unable to trace. It is easier to pull out the phone and reset them without booting up the Durametric.

So here is a question on the Durametric itself.....When you clear a code with a Durametric, as opposed to a generic OBD2 reader, will the car pass inspection? Or will the garage still be able to see the error even though the CELis off? Here in NY, a CEL is an automatic failure.

As with any car, just clearing a code does not clear the car for state inspection. All OBD II equipped cars (basically anything built after 1996) have an "I/M Readiness" function built into them, which requires that the car run several full duty cycles before the car's computer resets to "ready" status to pass inspection. So just clearing a code will never get you through inspection; the reason for the fault needs to be repaired, then the car has to be run, sometimes for as much as 100 miles, before this Federally mandated trap clears in the computer. This was done to prevent clearing a code just prior to inspection in order to pass. If you tried to do this, the inspection would generate "not ready" and the car will not pass.

This is not a Durametric fault, all scanners, even the mighty PIWIS behave this way.

Thanks JFP. That's what i figured. The car is buttoned up for the winter, and I will address the issue in the spring seems to be either one of the cats or O2 sensors.

What codes are you getting?