Least expensive scanner with live data and ability to reset airbag light?

For my 2000 Porsche 911 C4, Ive got a BlueDriver which is very handy for checking/resetting engine codes, but it wont reset my airbag light that I triggered when I cranked my car with the passenger seat removed. Also, Im getting a P0430 code, which is pointing to a bad cat, and I want to look at my O2 sensor readings to confirm it is indeed a bad cat. NOTE: I'm NOT tech savvy and dont need the latest and greatest, just want to know the least expensive way to get the two capabilities I mentioned above. What is my best option? Thanks

Best all around compromise, PIWIS 3 FOR $75 , read the thread get the system. It can do most anything on our cars. Cheapest would probably be a cheap $15 ELM 327wifi_ Amazon Amazon $11 ELM 327 bluetooth_ Amazon Amazon Either combined with the free version of 'Torque' or For-Scan in the app stores. Limited use for Porsche compared to piwis3 but it will do what you want plus read clear basic codes.

It may be more than what you want to spend but the Durametric will reset the airbag light plus plenty more.

Quotes source post: 20537709

Im looking for a standalone unit that will do what Im looking for like the Ancel, Vdiagtool, Foxwell, etc... wondering if anyone has any experience with these. That Bluetooth unit looks less capable than my Bluedriver, which doesnt do Live Data on the Porsche, and it doesnt say that thing handles SRS lights.

Quotes source post: 20537728

Looks like thats only for PC, which I dont have, only a Mac

Take a look on the Racing/DE forum. There was a recent discussion on a couple of other options.

Quotes source post: 20537746

I use my durametric pro with my apple silicone macbook and parallels, works fine.

Durametric is expensive but it’s worth it if you plan to keep the car for a long time, even if you end up going to a tech for service.

The Foxwell works well...pre-loaded for Porsche Amazon Amazon

Quotes source post: 20537741

You asked for Least expensive ... IIRR, with the correct set of free custom Porsche pids, some can do SRS with Torque on older vehicles. If you get For-Scan instead of Torque it does do SRS. I've used Torque/for-Scan and its pretty good and right on your cel no wires. If it doesn't work out you've spent $11 and it will work on engine/trans for many things, and will clear codes, and easy/small to put elm327 in glove compartment. It does do live data for sure. I actually think its a good thing to have for every car owner to keep in glovey. Next is the PIWIS for 75, its cheap and the system Porsche uses, but it is for a laptop. I have one. You can even program keyfobs/dme/imobilizer/module calibrations, etc, with this setup. Best setup for sure if you have a fast laptop with a good amount of ram. I have a Foxwell nt530 with Porsche software installed that I have cleared the airbag light on my 996.1 when I in error left bag unplugged after latch replacement. After plugging it back in light was still on and needed to clear code. Foxwell did it no problem, quick. but it is $150

Quotes source post: 20537913

Yeah but I was asking for the least expensive scanner. I dont really want to use my laptop at all to have to do this, hell I dont even know what ram is. Sounding like the Foxwell may be what Im looking for. Thanks to all for the input!

Quotes source post: 20537913

does the PIWIS for $75 work with the 1999 models? My understanding is that it does not work with cable throttle body models.

Quotes source post: 20538881

Well, just opened up my piwis3, entered in 996 for model type in simulation mode, and went to maint/repair tab. Below is a screen shot. Notice on top left corner it says 911_1998. The unknown means no vin # was used. On my 2001, 996.1 this piwis3 setup never recognizes vin automatically like on my 2002 996.2. So always just choose manual 996 mode, and everything works fine. It lists my 2001 DME correctly as a 7.2. And does all functions I've asked it to so far on my 996.1. So assume it does work on the 1999 dme5.2 with cable throttle. PT3 would know for sure, maybe he'll see this thread and chime in...

Quotes source post: 20538881

The PIWIS 3 has the option to manually select the 993/964, so it seems like it should work with your early 996, at least to some extent.

I bought the icarsoft POR V3? (can't recall if V2 or V3). It works and I use it to test the cooling fans, etc. which is useful. It also reports and clears codes, reads out fuel trim and other diag data. I was hoping it would read the cam deviation. It does not appear to. I have a thread going with their support, which seems to go nowhere special, so I have not followed up on that - I was hoping it would read cam deviation. I believe the 1999 996's do not have the same software as .2 models, and this seems to be part of the issue... It is relatively inexpensive, is handheld (I keep it in the frunk), and it does cover the basics. Not sure I can enthusiastically recommend due to cam read out not working so far for me.

The 1999 C2 uses DME 5.2.2 with is just a small step up from the 993 DME 5.2 ........The 1999 C4 and the rest of the 996.1 cars used DME 7.2 which is a big step up ( drive by wire ) in technology with more data output.... The ELM327 is great to have in every glove box to test fault codes and clear them,, also for live data and displaying gauges on your phone for O2 Sensors and MAF values ect... Then the PIWIS is the most valuable and powerfull tool for anything beyond what the little generic tool can do ...

I have the Foxwell 710NT, works great. My son has a PWIS, just in case I need that level of tech, but it is hard to figure out at times and you can make mistakes while using it (bad mistakes).

I also am a mac guy, but I have a Jeep with a Holley Terminator X Max which is also Windows only so now I have a 550 open box laptop from best buy that runs my durametric and my Holley software, it has the Wireless disabled and never sees a network unless I need to update windows to keep up with updates to the Holley Software. I have not tried it myself but a acquaintance of mine says he runs it on a VM on the Mac and has no issues. ( i need to bug hm some time to get the details from him.. )

I�ve had duramettic, PIWIS I, II and III, and both icarsoft POR II and icarsoft CR pro. PIWIS II is best for my 996 and 958.1 Cayenne GTS, PIWIS III is best for my 970.2 Panamera GTS. I gave the icarsoft POR II to my dad for his 997.1. To answer your question, I�d say icarsoft something. I upgraded to the CR pro over the POR II so I could scan other makes. And I use this for oil resets etc because it�s quicker to do than with PIWIS. I�d say I use it 90% of the time. It also reset my airbag light.

Hi All, My first (and cheapest) OBD II reader was the ELM327 bluetooth plug. I bought it to reset the airbag light on my 2004 Grand Cherokee. It didn't do it. It was about $10 Since then, I bought an Innova (I think it is a J-something) it read and reset that Jeep airbag fault. $120? I then bought the Durametric for my Dad's 1999 Boxster. It read and reset the minor faults that I fixed (pass seat belt buckle, washer fluid sensor). $350? I have used it on my 2003 C4S (MULTIPLE post purchase faults, all repaired) and my 2013 Cayenne, for read and reset only though. Although it does have a system "activation" section (cooling fans, brake pumps? ect) After I got the Cayenne, I also bought the iCarSoft Por 3.0. It is easier to use than busting out the laptop with the durametric (but I don't think it does as much) $180? I also bought a Launch Jaguar/Land Rover scanner and a Launch BMW OBD scanner for family member's cars from AliExpress (they work pretty well for about $100 ea) I have the "$75 PIWIS" hardware, just haven't had time to get the software setup... I know a lot of guys here swear by it though. Paul

I did this Durametric rental from ebay . You have to do a deposit, but it shipped fast.