31 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHOBD Readers
Leading reported evidence
Check code, cleared it and it hasn't come back
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Checked the code, cleared it and it hasn't come back.
Leading evidence: 'Check code, cleared it and it hasn't come back' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check any codes' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
For the deeper problems, I use Durametric on a laptop.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I have a generic OBDII Actron plug in reader that I use on every car around, including the 996.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Useful for checking for any codes that pop up, and clearing them.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
I've only used it for simple stuff -- I bought it to replace a cheap code reader that died -- but IMO it's worth the money.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
31 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T190023Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I was just in my local Harbor Freight Tool and saw OBD readers starting at about $49. Are these any good or is it worth it to buy one with more bells and whistles.
I also bought one from HFT . Gets the job done. I also have BT1 Bluetooth OBD2 adaptor connected to my iPad mini. Provides you with a lot more options and works well.
I paid $39- several years ago @ Harbor Freight and it really does a good job in all of our vehicles. It won't erase seatbelt/air-bag lights, but will read any CEL and Google will get you an answer from there. I carry it in my 996 C2, and have used it in a GMC pickup, Volvo wagon, Audis with good results.
I've got a $20 Bluetooth OBDII reader, and use it with (free) software on my android; it's absolutely the way to go. I even have it paired up to provide telemetry data (usually just speed & RPM) to my phone for datalogging autocross runs. In addition to reading/clearing CELs, you can access a lot of data on these cars, including plotting/logging real-time O2 sensor output, MAF, fuel rate and other parameters that can be invaluable for troubleshooting.
Again, this is in a $15-20 BT reader; the cheap standalone modules usually just clear codes. Don't get those, get the BT and go all Fast & Furious on your phone
I'll second (or third) the Bluetooth OBD2 senders. (actually Wi-Fi if you use an iPhone or iPad, BT doesn't work w/Apple)
I also have owned a nice plug in code reader for a long time but they don't display real time events and haven't used it since picking up the $20 wireless ELM32 unit on Amazon (BT is only $10).
The free apps have a plethora of live data that can be read. HPFR pressure, intake plenum temperature, accurate coolant temps, etc...
I have a generic OBDII Actron plug in reader that I use on every car around, including the 996. Useful for checking for any codes that pop up, and clearing them. Paid around $50 at AutoZone. Very handy to have.
For the deeper problems, I use Durametric on a laptop. Very wise investment for your Porsche.
The basic read/erase codes units are handy but I prefer one with more features.
Years ago -- sometime between 1996 and 2000 -- I bought an Actron which I can use to read active and pending codes, examine freeze frame data, clear codes, run some tests, and view data in real time, and log around a minute's worth of this data.
The unit, which cost me then around $200, has paid for itself many times over.
Not only did I use it with my Mustang, I used it with my Boxster, VW Golf, Turbo, and a number of family and friend cars.
Thanks IM, I did and started reading but couldn't find a thread that explains about the software, its capabilities, what it can and can't do. Something like that for the novice like me! Ralph
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WIFI-ELM327-...-/161376637007
I have this one, but it say's blue tooth as well, not just wifi. Anyways I've had it for 4 years now, it has stayed in my DD ever since I got it, so that means temps from 130 interior all the way down to -30 f in the winters. It still works great. Use it with an app called Torque.
Getting ready to pull the trigger on one of these. I want that realtime O2, MAF, fuel trim, etc, and clear codes.
I'm seeing $7-20 on amazon/ebay but no vendors I recognize, some from china, so how to pick a vendor?
I know $7 sounds like nothing, but you want some reliability, right?
I have the BAFX, $24 from Amazon. Paired flawlessly with an old Android tablet, works with Torque. I've only used it for simple stuff -- I bought it to replace a cheap code reader that died -- but IMO it's worth the money.
I've got the bluetooth ELM327, black plastic with the blue & yellow label. Cheap but no issues whatsoever. Only updates at 1-2Hz is my only real complaint, but I gather slow refresh is ubiquitous amongst these. The Torque app's the way to go. I use this OBDII with ALapRecord for competition.
BAFX arrived today, earlier than expected, worked 1st time, good purchase experience.
Question for users (like me, now) - can I leave it plugged into the car overnight, all day, all week (re: battery drain)? Thanks.
Just keep an eye on the battery drain if you leave it plugged in. I haven't had it plugged in long enough to see if matter on my 996 but I had it plugged into my BMW E60 and by the end of the day I was getting battery drain errors on my OCB. My ELM32 is WiFi, BTW.
I bought an Autel Autolink AL619 on ebay back in January for $140. It is a new model that reads and erases ABS and SRS codes in addition to OBDII. Used it to diagnose a SRS light on my Saab 9-7x and it paid for itself right there. Also recently bought a Saturn Sky with an SRS light on. Checked the code, cleared it and it hasn't come back. It is actually well built and easy to use and shows lots of real time data. I have 2 other cheap Actron OBDII code readers that have worked well even if they have limited capabilities. A couple of years ago I bought a cheap Chinese SRS code reader for BMW, and it was junk.
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
