Code Reader/Programmers

Durametric seems to offer the most credible code readers and scanners. Their basic model which is mostly just a reader costs about $300, and the professional one that does programming is around $700. Both models only work with Porsche and one is limited to three VINs. Foxwell has a new model for $170 which reads and programs. Apparently unlimited VINs can be used, and additional low cost software can be purchased to allow use on other vehicle makes. Posts on the 997 forum indicate on some cars it can turn side markers into blinkers, fix the rear spoiler up or down, reset oil and service alerts, remove seat belt annoyers, turn on ABS pump, display overrevs, etc. Indy quoted $150 to read out codes so the below will pay for itself right away, and will let us do some programming to improve our rides.

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I have scanners for all of my cars. Saved me a lot of money. Those things have paid for themselves many times over. I've heard lots of positive things about the Foxwell scanners, but don't have much experience with the company. Seems like the Durametric is the gold standard if you can't afford a Porsche PIWIS system. If you purchase the Foxwell, please report back on how it works out for you. Maybe a YouTube video?

I would contact them and ask if it supports the 996 and what systems. Just because it says Porsche doesn't mean it supports all models. I had that issue with another company.

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Please elaborate on some of this. 1. Did your Indy quote $150.00 to scan codes or Diagnosis the problem. BIG DIFFERENCE between the two. 2. Define the word "programming" better. Again, big differences between bi directional controls to actuate things like fans or actuators, reseting oil service, resetting codes, and programming new modules. Basic generic code reader with limited controls, Durametric scan tools and factory scan tools are vastly different. A generic reader is good for a lot. But is very limited in what it can do. Things like graphing O2 sensors and watching for glitches in throttle position sensors are almost impossible due to the horrible refresh rates of these tools. Your higher line scanners and factory tools are much more capable. It depends on whos hands they are in. I highly skilled tech with a generic code reader can be a just a bad at diagnosing a problem as a person who has no business being under the hood with a Factory Scan Tool. All i am trying to point out is make sure we are comparing apples to apples.

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I have Durametric, biggest issue I have is lousy tech support. When I first bought it , I did what I wanted to do " reset ABS/PSM issues but when I tried a few things as it relates to The Targa Top and it's "separate functionality checks, the software didn't recognize the module, When I made Durametric aware and I got Tech Support involved. I couldn't upload their Log files no matter what I tried at their suggestion. Repeated efforts produced nothing. I asked about just sending Targa log file , but they could tell me where it was in their file structure, "It is bundled in application." I replied Application log file extraction process was what it\s Bundled or better yet bungled. Never did get any help. I looked at it as, I got my moneys worth but hope nothing happens to where I need it to diagnose Targa top issues. I understand Cabrio owners of S/W have same issue. I recently purchase a Code reader for my MB, similar scenario, It did what I needed right there, but wouldn't allow me to upgrade it to latest firmware even though it said it was supported. . Company is in China, so no viable real time support. Buyer beware on these things, Big company products might fare better, but be warned, most of these companies have 10-12 products, not all make the grade for updates.

In case you didn't know, you can get a 20% discount on a Durametric when you order two (or more). It's not on the website but you can call them to order. Here's a thread ( https://rennlist.com/forums/parts-ma...l#post16195386 ) where people can find each other. Or you can do what I did and buy two then sell one. If you do get the Foxwell definitely report back on how it works on your 996!

Ordered, $186 with tax. Will post what I learn.

I have both the Foxwell and Durametric (and cables/readers/software for several other makes). I like the Foxwell for quick code reads, airbag light reset, that kind of thing. Or when someone else needs a hand with their Porsche. The Durametric is much better for detailed diagnostics BUT the enthusiast model that I have is VIN limited, so I am careful about how many cars I plug it into.

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He said 150 to diagnose and would deduct that from any repair work he did. I try to do the work so he would have read codes and probably given me tips on what is the cause or maybe told me the cause, which could be worth more than 150. Your question was good as it showed additional value an experienced tech can provide and I hadn't thought of that. There's 3 words I've seen used; Command - lower a window, position speedometer needle etc., Code - modify software inside a module to disable spoiler change door locking etc., Programming - same definition as coding but more readily understood. Programming capability, or coding, seem to be a big line separating these tools into groups of readers and reader/programmers. That's the second big dividing line with these tools; factory Porsche with their vast inside knowledge and tens of thousands of dollars in product cost, and everyone else on the outside with their hundreds of dollars in costs. The price of the Porsche reader/programmer means there is no choice for most persons, when we need something like a new key we go back to the dealer.

Glad to see you understand the difference. As a tech i can tell you its very frustrating when people don't understand why we charge to diagnose a car. People look at you and without fail the will say " Autozone will run my codes and tell me what the problem is, why are you going to charge me?". 99% of the time you are paying for the techs knowledge, experience, and the over $100,000 worth of tools he has. SO many times people will come in and its obvious they are going to fix the car themselves once we tell them whats wrong. Why should i tell someone whats wrong with their car for free? Thats another story in itself. You are on the right page. They only thing i will add about functionality is a little bit of understanding for some of the people who may read this and not know. Manufacturers use different names behind what they do so the terminology may be different. But to help with the "programming" part........Coding in most cases is a situation where the program is already their. all you are doing by coding things is turning a hypothetical switch on in the software. A good example would be the 997 turn signal parking lights. Another example would be on most fords, the cruise control stuff is already present. Except the buttons on the steering wheel. Get a used or new wheel with the buttons and go into the scan tool and turn the cruise control to "equipped" and now you have cruise. This is very different from actual programming. If you have a dead computer and need to replace it, it will not come programmed. That will need to be done and aftermarket scan tools will not do this. You will need the factory scan tool or a J2534 pass thru device and a subscription to do this. Anything can be done by a DIY. You just have to understand it all and know the limitations of the stuff you purchase.

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Ok I see the difference between coding and programming, and code is more correct to describe what these tools are doing.

There have been a number of posts with alarm problems particularly it randomly goes off, and as I understand the alarm module stores which sensor set it off. If correct then there are two sets of data stored in the alarm module; individual alarms and system fault codes. An interesting point will be if there are two data sets in the alarm or any other module, can they be accessed with Foxwell or Durametric class tools, or does it require the Porsche factory scanner? I suspect the lesser tools will access both data sets because for example overrevs are available and those are individual data points not system faults.

I have the Foxwell. I have used it to reset the airbag light, actuate fans, and pull info (like hard-set redlines). I've heard claims that it can "code," but I have nothing to add on that front.

For me its the ability to do the cab calibrate functions.. Adn the cam deviation.

I currently have the following scanners/scopes: Durametric Pro for checking Porsche over revs Bavarian Technics for BMW coding Snap-on Ethos Pro for all OBD2 vehicles( including European) Snap-on Solus Pro for OBD1 vehicles Hantek 1008C for bench scope work Snap-on Modis for portable scope work My favorite is the Snap-on Ethos Pro. It is my go-to scanner. The Durametric is slow and bulky compared to the Ethos Pro. The only thing the Durametric can do that the Ethos Pro can�t that I�ve ever needed for the 996 is the over rev info. You can find used Ethos Pros on eBay for about the Durametric Pro price.

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I "believe" cab calibration is limited to Durametric Pro or PWIS, correct?

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I'm going to call them next week to verify..Before I drop the coin.

Received Foxwell code reader/coder 5 days after ordering. Plugged in and menu lists many Porsche models 911 and others. When unlocking our 996 usually get two beeps indicating alarm system fault. With Foxwell connected and after unlocking; Foxwell shows passenger door unlocked and driver side locked. Alarm system is receiving signal driver door locked when it is not, and so alarm controller beeps twice indicating something is amiss, which is bad microswitch inside driver door latch. Could be wiring between latch and alarm module but probably not. So Foxwell device along with knowledge of vehicle identified which door and which part had problem and paid for itself in first few minutes of use. Full system scan shows faults in multiple modules. It may be possible to store these inside Foxwell for future investigation, if car battery is to be disconnected and all memory erased. Learning modes related to transponder, remote, and key. I thought only Porsche tool could program these, all mine work so I won't experiment and risk messing something up. In my quick review I didn't see overrev info, coding functions like door locks, or calibration of cabriolet top. Right now don't need those functions so will look for them later.

Looks good. I'd like to know more about the transponder/remote functions.

..

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Can Snap-on Ethos Pro check for cam deviation as well?

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The Snap-On Verus and Solus can so i would assume the Ethos should

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Yea me too !! It would be a big PLUS for the Foxwell if it can do key learning. I would have had to go into that exploring, but you may find the next screen to say "Visit Porsche Workshop for Key Learning" ...lol

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Yes it can.

@996.2 Can you let us know if this Foxwell unit is able to read cam deviation? Thanks!

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It let me advance to another screen and apparently would let me put in data. That's as far as I was willing to go lest risk a tow to the dealer to undo my curiosity.

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Snap-on Ethos, Solus, and Verus cost $3k-10k, we'll see how close the $180 Foxwell gets to them.

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I think I looked at all available menus, and cannot find cam deviation. I suppose engine must be running for that test and I started it, but still can't find that function. And there is no instruction manual just a very basic quick start guide, so pretty much have to go through and figure everything out. I don't think cam deviation is available with this unit.

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Can you view PIDs data? Check there for camshaft angle.

The menu has what looks like all modern Porsche models, and when selecting 997 choices presented are "Diagnosis" which has all the modules, "Special Functions" which has reset oil light, and "Programming" which has many many choices. When selecting 996 only "Diagnosis" is present, hence apparently at least this model of Foxwell is very limited for our cars and can do no coding. I didn't see that anywhere in the advertising, it just says "coding" leading one to believe that function is available for our cars. This is one page of the about two pages available for coding a 997.

With 996 selected and then choosing the convertible top or Tiptronic modules, this displays comes up. Other modules come up fine and I tried multiple times so apparently this model of Foxwell is unable to communicate at all with those two modules, both of which are present in our automatic transmission cabriolet. I will check again for cam deviation, but it appears to lack that function as well as coding for 996s, and is unable to communicate to two important modules in our 996, so I think we have to return this and try the beginner level Durametric. For most owners of a manual coupe' 996 this Foxwell will be a good match, but for someone that goes deeper into their vehicle including engine monitoring we need to spend more than $180. The immobilizer/remote function is unexplored, and I'll be surprised if we can do anything but get in trouble with that in this low-cost unit.

I have the foxwell NT520 pro and it shows cam deviation when looking at live data.

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Cam deviation, overrevs, and total hours should be stored in the DME/ECU, and the menu and most submenus of that module are displayed below. I don't see that info in this model NT 530 which I thought was the most recent Foxwell scanner. On the box it says "ECU Coding" and because that is not available for the 996 and it doesn't communicate with our convertible top or automatic transmission modules we have received a return authorization for it. There are maybe 3 times the menu options for a 997 so it might be a good fit for that model or a 996 manual coupe'. DME Control System Menu ECU Information submenu Actual Values submenu scrolled up Actual Values submenu scrolled down Input Signals submenu Active Test submenu Drive Links Active submenu

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If possible...can you post a pic of the screen when showing cam deviation?.....my interest has increased considerably.....

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Looks like there is more info for "ECU information" available if you scroll down?

Whats under the "actual values" selection..

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Yes more info when scrolling down, I tried to open those "Block" lines but was unable. There is no user manual and I am new to this so could have missed something. It's already shipped back so unable to test further, plan to order Durametric soon.

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I believe the below is all the entries in the actual values submenu. Many submenus aren't labeled but say "Custom List", which makes it hard to keep track of them after taking pictures. I didn't need any information from that submenu so didn't try to use them. On another submenu I was able to turn on the radiator fans and activate a solenoid on the charcoal canister, so the device works it just doesn't have the deep information we need to fully maintain our 996, or at least we didn't figure out how to extract it. Actual Values submenu scrolled up Actual Values submenu scrolled down

I was focused on operating the scanner and not analyzing information it provided. In the "ID" column fault codes are displayed as a 2-digit number, next to them descriptions giving some info about the fault, and I'm used to seeing 5-digit codes that start with a letter such as P0335. The Bentley manual lists 5-digit codes, has more information about a fault than displayed on the Foxwell scanner, but doesn't have a chart to cross-reference the 2-digit codes and doesn't have trouble-shooting steps. We have two Porsche service manuals and they both list the 2-digit codes, using different formats they have trouble-shooting steps, and one of them shows the 5-digit code so those can be cross-referenced but not necessarily easily because I don't see them on a chart but scattered throughout the thousands of pages. The percentage of 996 owners who will be able to obtain the information and tools to do deep maintenance on their Porsche is very small.

it's been a bit since I had looked thru the options. I tried to find over-revs, but I didn't see it anywhere.

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Thanks for posting it !...I wonder if it allows to do some other testing as well...like fans and what not...a cheaper version of durametric....

I have actuated my fans with it before.

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That tools is looking better by the minute...thanks !

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Accoding to the Foxwell website and the vehicle support chart in detail, it shows for the NT530 that it supports all kinds of functions for the Convertable top and auto trans.. are you having troble with your car on those systems? or were you just preparing for future trouble?

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Convertible top and automatic transmission 100% operational. The NT530 has a quick scan; and when it finishes all modules are displayed along with faults if any, except the top and transmission modules are not there. Modules can also be individually accessed; and when doing that as shown in one of the above posts no communication is established as if the module isn't installed in the vehicle. The modules are there because the top goes up and down and the transmission shifts perfectly. Previously a Jag XJ I owned failed a California smog check because the ECU wouldn't communicate with the test stand, and the computer had to be reflashed. It is possible our Porsche top and transmission modules are operating fine but not communicating, and we'll find that out when Durametric arrives. It's also possible info on the Foxwell website is for another model of Porsche like the 997, which has maybe 3 times the choices on menus. It will be edifying to compare the NT530 with Durametric, and would be even more so if a NT520 was available. Future trouble hehehe. Learned long ago that's inevitable. Over the next few years we're obtaining the knowledge and tools to do almost anything to a 996. A little ironically replacing a convertible top and rebuilding the auto tranny are probably the lines we won't cross.

Received Durametric Enthusiast (basic) and quickly found overrev values (1550 Range 1, 0 Range 2), and saw where cam deviation and fuel trims are displayed but didn't have engine running to observe those. All that critical info I did not see in the Foxwell NT530, if it was there couldn't find it. Dura also has cabriolet top calibration which Foxwell NT530 did not. We did not test this function as our top works fine and didn't want to chance inducing a problem. Also Dura recognized Tiptronic and Convertible Top modules where Foxwell acted like they didn't exist, which seems like a major flaw in the Foxwell.

A common problem with 996s is microswitches in door goes bad. Foxwell NT530 will lock and unlock door and shows state of microswitch. In the screenshot below we had unlocked the doors, and yet driver's door microswitch shows as closed, this causes an alarm fault where it double-beeps upon unlocking, and it indicates exactly what part on the car needs to be replaced the driver's door latch. My initial look at the Durametric Enthusiast shows it will lock and unlock the doors, but I did not see the state of microswitch displayed. I will e-mail the manufacturer and see if it can display the function, but if it can't then the Foxwell has a definite huge feature advantage which is facilitating trouble shooting of components. Also when I powered up the Dura and tried to read out stored codes it seems to have erased them all and reset the monitors, which would be a big set back if I hadn't first read them with Foxwell and recorded them, or if we were going for a smog check because most monitors now not set. Another difference when interrogating the alarm module the Foxwell seemed to access more data, it might have been able to read out individual triggering events which would help find if one of the sensors was intermittent. A final minor feature I saw in the Foxwell is it shows the status of monitors if they are set, I didn't see that in the Dura and if not there that requires availability of a second code reader to see if monitors set for a smog check. It seems each scanner has features the other does not, and for almost twice the price the Durametric should have all the features. Maybe it does and we need more knowledge about it.

The Durametric doesn't automatically clear codes when you read them. It does show system readiness status.

My biggest complaints with the Durametric is speed and coding. The speed issue is partially to do with my old Panasonic ToughBook shop computer. My Snap-on scanner is probably always going to be faster than booting up a laptop. Mine has SSD and boots pretty quickly, but not Snap-on quick. I also use the Bavarian Technics software for BMWs and on their website it tells you what you can code by vehicle. The Durametric website doesn�t have that broken down. The only way to find that out is to spend $600 and plug it in and see. I paid $600 expecting the same level of coding For the 996 as similar year BMWs. Sadly that is not the case.

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Finding the Piwis software isn't so difficult. I wonder what special hardware is needed ?

Durametric shows Camshaft position 1 deviation -.7 degree, and Camshaft position 2 deviation 2.8, and they don't vary with rpm. Readings up to 6 degrees are considered ok, and up to 4 some feel shouldn't be exceeded, so ours are very good and good. There are many many other values to read and I don't find from Durametric or anywhere else what they should be. Since our 996 has no drivetrain fault codes or anything wrong we are aware of, we are simply taking pictures to record current values, and in the future when something goes wrong hopefully we can reference back to the baseline being recorded now. One value we can read and don't know what it means is Actual angle for inlet camshaft bank 1 and bank 2; readings are -.08 and -.53 at idle, and -5.5 and -6.5 at around 2500 rpm. Are those bad or great? We have no idea. The below picture shows as we understand "fuel trim" (RKAT and FRA), and as we understand they should be close to 1. So does our fuel system have a problem? We have no idea due to lack of explanatory documentation. We didn't yet access FRAU whatever that is, because the Durametric glitched and locked up again and that will be examined more in a future post.

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The above from another thread is the most complete and concise information I've found on 996 fuel trim. I would just add Durametric reads RKAT and this might be called TRA on another code reader/scanner and tolerance to set CEL might be different than above. Below values show our 996 is well within tolerances and this means good MAF, O2 sensors, injectors; and intake system, crankcase, and exhaust are not leaking. We've established a baseline for future troubleshooting. The right tool and knowledge gives a lot of info on health of our vehicle.

Durametric shows 5 readiness monitors, Actron 8. Don't know if Actron displays some not needed for smog check, if Dura missing a few, or if Dura has them and must look on another page. They use different terminology, and wish had checked NT530 before sent back to help determine if Dura missing some monitors. Actron - - - - - - Durametric Catalyst - - - - - Catalytic converter efficiency Sec Air - - - - - - Secondary Air System O2 Snsr - - - - - Oxygen Sensor O2 HTR - - - - - Oxygen Sensor heater Evap - - - - - - - Fuel tank ventilation (this Dura reading might match with "Fuel" Actron) Misfire - - - - - - ??? Fuel - - - - - - - ??? Comp - - - - - - ??? Readiness monitors used to determine if pass or fail a smog check, not to show individual values such as number of misfires. Difference in number of monitors between these two tools again shows none seem to perform all functions, and unfortunately owners must purchase two or more.

This has always been the case, unfortunately. I'm current using a blue driver blue tooth dongle with my iphone/ipad for quick and easy stuff. Does everything and more you would expect for ~$100. A very nice selection of live data and scanning features. For anything more indepth, I have the pro version of Durametric that I bought at a discount for buying two through the aforementioned discount. I've been very curious to read feedback on a scan tool like the Autel MaxiSys. It's a price point is more attractive than a snap on scan tool, and Autel does not charge for updates like tool truck brands do. Bosch also has some nice scanners that I would think plays nicely with Porsche.

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Unless there's no choice we stay away from anything not hard wired because wireless connections are not as reliable and the associated "app" usually or always allows a large corporate entity to gather, sell, and get hacked information about us often without our knowledge or ability to stop it. The plug-in Foxwell NT530 is 100% self-contained and didn't lock up like our cable/software/laptop/more software Durametric system, it did important functions Dura doesn't like displays the position of microswitches inside 996 doors, but it didn't communicate with our transmission or convertible top modules and I couldn't find fuel trim and camshaft deviation and overrev info so we had to compromise and get the Dura. Foxwell with a little more development could knock Dura out for good, or another company like Autel or Bosch.