987 DME into a 986 to clear error codes

[starline250]

Anyone know if I could put a 987 DME into a 986 so I can contect it up to a PIWIS and clear the error codes?

A friend of mine has just rebuilt an accident damaged 987 and needs the airbag light cleared and He lives at he other end of the country to me.

If he sends me his 987 DME would it be possible to put it in my 986 to save me a trip?

[logray]

Sorry, I don't think this would work. The DMEs are fairly specific to model years, especially between a 987 and 986.

An easier way would be to find a shop or person with a PST2, PIWIS, or Durametric that can just clear the airbag code.

I believe the airbag light will reset itself if the problem is fixed and you do something like 40 drive cycles (restarts).

Edited August 3, 2011 by logray

[Loren]

An airbag light can ONLY be reset with Durametric, a PST2, or PIWIS tester -- providing the fault the caused the light has been corrected.

Step 1 is read out the fault code and make sure the fault has been corrected.

[starline250]

An airbag light can ONLY be reset with Durametric, a PST2, or PIWIS tester -- providing the fault the caused the light has been corrected.

Step 1 is read out the fault code and make sure the fault has been corrected.

Hi Loren. The airbag light was trigged because the airbag was set off during the crash and has now been replaced with a new one. I understand that the light will be triggered again if there's further faults but the question is can I reset by putting it in my 986 and clearing the code.

[Loren]

Yes as long as there are no faults.

In some cases the airbag and airbag controller must be replaced. And in 2002 and newer Porsches the seatbelts have to be replaced as they are pyrotechnic driven and fire only once.

[logray]

An interesting post regarding the airbag light...

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/8574801-post217.html

[JFP in PA]

An interesting post regarding the airbag light...

http://forums.rennli...01-post217.html

While I have no idea what acutally went on with this thread, I have to agree with Loren: Air bag MIL's do not reset themselves, and only a PST II, PIWIS, or a Durametric system can reset and clear them.

[JFP in PA]

Yes as long as there are no faults.

In some cases the airbag and airbag controller must be replaced. And in 2002 and newer Porsches the seatbelts have to be replaced as they are pyrotechnic driven and fire only once.

Loren, aren't the wiring harness connection for the DME's different on some 986's and 987's?

Edited August 4, 2011 by JFP in PA

[Loren]

Yes as long as there are no faults.

In some cases the airbag and airbag controller must be replaced. And in 2002 and newer Porsches the seatbelts have to be replaced as they are pyrotechnic driven and fire only once.

Loren, aren't the wiring harness connection for the DME's different on some 986's and 987's?

Yes, the connectors are different and the number wires and where they go. It does not make sense to even consider this as you would need to reprogram both DMEs twice for the change --- and I can reset an airbag light with the same tool in about 1 minute.

[JFP in PA]

That's what I was thinking...................

[starline250]

I don't think anyone ever read the question. Of course I know the light had to be reset with a PIWIS.

Thank you JFP you answered the question I asked which was if the 987 DME would work in a 986.

[logray]

Sorry, I don't think this would work. The DMEs are fairly specific to model years, especially between a 987 and 986.

Sorry I should have been more specific in my original reply to your post and then perhaps we could have avoided all of this confusion. LOL. :-)

The 986 (depending on year) uses DME 5.2.2, 7.2, or 7.8. All of which have different pinouts than the 7.8.1 DME (2005-2008) and/or SDI3 (2009+) system that is used in all 987 cars.

So in other words you couldn't just "plug" his DME into your car and have it work without doing some modifications to your wiring harness. All to reset an airbag warning code?

That being said it possible to "bench wire" his DME to your PIWIS or PST or Durametric out of the car and clear a code... but you need the pinouts so you can wire the power, ground, and k line successfully from a reliable 12v power supply. It would be easier to ship or loan him your computer so he can reset the light. Or perhaps seek a fellow renntech member who has a computer near him so they can take the 5 minutes to reset the light. I've also had simple work like this provided for FREE by a Porsche dealer. Yes, believe it or not. FREE.

Edited August 5, 2011 by logray

[starline250]

Hi Logray

I posted the machine upto him today and he'll clear the codes and check the systems himself. Thanks for you time to confirm it would't work.