Resident Sicko

What is the best option oiut there for resetting codes and checking engine operation, ecu, etc?

Slow Guy

There have been several threads on this recently.

Resident Sicko

Oops. Sorry. Will check thread dates. Figured the latest technology is a day to day topic.

Chuck W.

Sounds like you want the Durametric. I believe you can put three Porsches VINs into it.

http://www.durametric.com/default.aspx

If you are just looking for the readiness flags and to check the codes on check engine lights and clear codes to turn off the check engine light, there are a number of them out there. I have a Actron CP9180.

I looked into the Durametric. Great unit. But you have to hook it up to your lap top to use it. For some it is the way to go. I just don't think I would use all of its features.

FisterD

We use the Durametric at the shop. It is nice but works better on the newer cars. It is a bit limited on the 993.
For a quick read, reset of the error/readiness codes we also have an Actron. They are inexpensive and can be found at most auto part stores.

haygeebaby

Wich model actron is best for early 993's with OBD1.
Do you need to get any special plugs?

1pcarnut

I like the idea of the Durametric, just went to their site. But I tend to change cars fairly frequently and if I understand the usage, after using it on three cars, your limit is up? So if I use it on my current 993 and my daughter's 944 I have one more car I can use it on and that's it, game over, won't work on any other cars? Darned if I want to spend $350 for a "three-use" car tool.

ilko

I have one of these: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/U380-...motiveQ5fTools

It's a little over $20 and reads and clears codes. It's all I ever needed for the 993.

pcarhombre

Hey brother ilko: does it give you status info on the different systems? Does the code info read generic?

Silver993

1pcarnut,

It's my impression that Durametric are pretty good to work with. It would not surprise me if they would "enable" you to use a unit on more cars, once you hit the limit, as long as you weren't a professional trying to get around buying the professional version. This would certainly be worth asking before you purchase.

kjr914

No harm in asking of course, but it would surprise me if they "gave" away their product, so to speak. There's an unlimited option, you just have to pay up for it, so I don't see them giving anyone a free pass. See options here:
http://www.durametric.com/buyus.aspx

Durametric is a bit pricey for me. Another i've seen mentioned multiple times and I'll probably get if nothing better shows up is the equus/innova 3030 (not exactly sure of which model, 3030/3020/3100....need to do the research again...)

911Dave

My biggest complaint with the Durametric software is that there's currently no active drive link for brake bleeding, which is necessary for the C4/C4S/Turbo cars. It looks great otherwise. Too bad there just aren't that many monitored systems on the 993 compared to the later cars.

Kiwi Carguy

I have the Durametric which I find great however its doesn't clear the airbag light even though it is supposed to, so be aware of that or at least ask. It has way more functions than I have used though and as others have said a simple handheld tool may do all you need.

ilko

It's generic. Only gives you hard codes that make the CEL light up.

Kiwi Carguy

After this thread I emailed Durametric as I always meant to. Here is their response below.

On Aug 9, 2011, at 9:34 PM, James wrote:


Hi there,

Has the 993 been added to Version 6 yet?

Also my Durametric software/cable works great but will not clear the airbag light which I mainly why I purchased it. Why is it doing this? It is not a faulty module or connection etc as my dealer/independent has no problem clearing it with the Porsche Scan tool? The Durametric website clearly states that it clears it on my model car which is a 1996 Varioram 993. Any ideas or help?

Hi James,

Thank you for writing. Yes, version 6 now includes support for the 993. You can install the program from our website: www.durametric.com/downloadv6.aspx. Though for the most part version 5 worked very well on the 993, we encountered some intermittent issues with the communication with the airbag units in those cars. Those issues have been corrected in version 6.

Let us know if you have any further questions.
Owen Sutton
Diagnose Technic
888-854-5523