Do I Need A Durametric?

Please bear with me. I realize this sounds a bit stupid, but I've searched the forum for Durametric and read quite a bit about people using them, but I'm still not sure of something: I do work on my own car, but I haven't ever used a Durametric. What specifically will the Enthusiast version allow me to do beyond what a generic OBDII Code Reader will do? I've seen the model chart matrix here: http://www.durametric.com/modelfeaturematrixv6.aspx#996 I'm just still not sure what it will allow me (an average DIY mechanic) to do. I'm not even sure what the Coding Feature of the Professional will allow someone to do. As I said, I realize this seems a bit dense, but I'm not sure of practical application other than reading codes and turning off lights for Airbags and ABS/PSM. Please educate me.

Read camshaft deviations and see an overrev report. Besides that, you can probably hold off until you have an issue that requires advanced troubleshooting.

It all depends on what you're trying to do. Durametric is good for the following: - cam deviation monitoring - misfire counters - MAF voltage reading Cam deviation needs to be far out of wack before CEL is tripped but you may want to address it way before then. Misfire counters are useful if you're dealing with rough engine running type of problems. Durametric also shows you the clutch switch and brake light switch state...useful for diagnostic. The alarm sensor/immobilizer faults that won't trigger any CEL.

All depends on what you want to do. A "standard" OBDII reader will read all Porsche OBD codes, but it may/may not know what it means. However, with the code, you can search Google and it will give you a pretty good idea what the issue is. As an example, I have a simple Harbor Freight reader - the cheapest one. It has no idea what a P1341 code is - it just says "Mfr Code" or something like that, along with the P1341. Now with a durametric, it will not only tell you what it means, but can dig deeper as noted above. I also have a durametric and love it. Just for some examples: - can turn on/off any of the front or engine cooling fans - can reset ABS or airbag fault codes - these are not part of normal OBD II - can activate the antilock brake servo for when you're bleeding brakes. - can read / suggest door lock/security system codes My sons gave me the durametric for Christmas last year. Great kids or what? Of course, they each have their own Porsche, so since the enthusiast version allows up to 3 cars, they get to benefit from it as well. (#2 son actually took it with him when he was looking at candidate cars....)

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Great examples. I would also add SAI pump activation, fuel pump activation, and injector disabling. Also, instrument panel test.

I don't regret purchasing the Durametric; it's not as convenient as other solutions, but having the ability to reset the airbag light, dig into the diagnostics of the other systems that aren't accessible via OBD-II, the various pump activations, etc. etc. have definitely paid for the unit.

So what extra capability does the Coding Feature of the Professional allow someone to do? Is it possible to disable the post-cat O2 sensors with it?

A lot of the coding options apply to newer cars. For example, you can use the coding feature to determine whether the side markers on a 987 will work as running lights (on with the headlights) or as a directional indicator (with the turn signals). The matrix on the Durametric site indicates that coding functionality only works with the ECU, whereas newer cars like the 987 have coding features for nearly every module.