Newbie to diagnostic testing

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I am really excited at receiving my PIWIS cable and disc today. Can't wait to use it as I am dying to find out why my ABS light keeps coming on. Hope it's not something too serious. Is there anything I need to know or be aware of. For example, I expect the car needs to be switched on but does it need to be running? Is there an order of things that I need to be aware of? Etc etc. Thanks

Hopefully you will have instructions on the disk. I don't know what laptop you intend to use, or what version of the Durametric software it came with, but I had experience of one recently that wouldn't install on Windows 7. I managed to install it on an XP Mode Virtual Machine on W7, but it was a lot of faffing around. If you have an old XP laptop, I would use that. Also, don't try using a later version of the Durametric software, or you could brick the unit. Edit: Note: I am talking about the clone versions of the Durametric cable here, not the genuine version. Clones usually come with Version 3.1 of the Durametric software, which is very much out of date, and does not contain some of the later features that were added in versions 4 and 5. This is also why the software can be difficult to install on W7 and W8, especially the 64-bit versions. The genuine Durametric Version 6 is compatible with all Windows versions. I upgraded my old Durametric Version 5 cable to Version 6 recently, and I'm very impressed.

I don't have a Durametric cable myself David, but you might find this p-9 article useful: http://www.planet-9.com/reviews/miscellaneous/p205--durametric-software-diagnostic-tool.html Jeff

Thanks Richard. I was going to use windows 8 but will probably try XP or indeed windows 98. I loaded the software onto my main computer to have a trial run but it needs to have the USB connected to the car. Just really wanted to know if I am safe with this technology, ie I don't cause any serious damage to the car.

Thanks Motörhead, I did download the free software on the forum suggested but it is very diverse and quite difficult to find porsche related issues. I find the PCGB forum still provides the best advice. However, if you come across any topics that may benefit the forum I'm sure we would all appreciate it. All the best

One issue I frequently encountered was an error message "Cable is not ready" The advice I followed was this connection sequence: 1) Switch on ignition 2) Turn on hazard lights (so the CAN bus does not go to sleep) 3) Connect CABLE to USB port on COMPUTER 4) Start Durametric program on computer 5) Before selecting a model in the software, connect cable to CAR 6) Select Car model in the program Maybe just my computer/car combination but this made my connections less frustrating PS Per Durametric "We expect support for the new Cayman to be included in the next release of the program. We do not yet have a date set for the next release, but it will likely be in the next couple months."

Update. Loaded software onto windows XP program on an old laptop. System didn't seem to run first time. Second time I got some response when going into the engine section but was hoping I could find out why my ABS light keeps coming on. Anyway, any help with this would be appreciated. Engine 5.2.2 P1125 Factory fault code 35 -oxygen sensing adaptation range 1 ( cylinders 4-6) P1128 Factory fault code 26 -oxygen sensing adaptation range 2 ( cylinders 1-3) P1123 Factory fault code 27 -oxygen sensing adaptation range 1 ( cylinders 1-3) P1130 Factory fault code 34 -oxygen sensing adaptation range 2 ( cylinders 4-6) I assume these are nothing to worry about. When testing all other areas, including ABS I got the following; Module failed to initialize....make sure he key is in the on position or wiring problem/ not connected. This was the result on ABS, Alarm, instrument cluster etc. The version I am running is 2005-06. My car is a 98' Carrera C2. Any advice please, thanks

You have some completely conflicting codes there. P1123 and P1125 indicate the engine is running rich, and P1128 and P1130 running lean. I suspect that one pair may be old codes, so I would clear them all and run the car again to see which ones come back. Either way, these are typical codes you get when the MAF sensor is failing. Try reading the Actual Value of the MAF output. It should be around 17Kg/hour at idle, and increase with engine revs. As for the failure to initialise, it sounds like it can't connect to the module requested. This may be because it is c clone cable, and the software isn't compatible. What is the actual version number of the software? If you have it, try Version 3.0.15, which seems to be compatible with most clones. If you don't have it, email me.

Hi all, Richard, deleted the codes that were in my previous correspondence. As you say, they may have already sat there in the system from the previous owner. Anyway, have plugged in again but am not getting anything other than the previous statement which advises to switch the ignition on or cable not connected. Think I will try ralphmusic instructions to see if I get anything different. Version is 3.0.15.0 and has the following options; Motronic 5.2.2 engine DME Tip tropic Airbag ABS 5.3 ABS 5.7/PSM Alarm Heating and air conditioning Seat memory Instrument cluster I've even tried having the engine running. Is there anything you think I'm doing wrong. Ie do things have to be connected in a specific sequence etc

Further to my last email. Have tried different sequences connecting everything. On every occasion simply reads 'failed to initialize'. Any thoughts please. Really disappointed and frustrated.

Ralph's instructions are only correct for the Version 6 cable. I would try the earlier version of the software. If you have tried to email me via the forum, I won't receive the message, as the system is down. Try richard996 at gmail d0t c0m

Looking at option myself for the Cayman and I believe that there are issues with third party 'clone' cables but have no real personal experience to support this other than what I have gleaned from other forums etc.