Permanent, Pending, and current DTC codes

[Treejumps]

Can anyone tell me the difference between permanent, pending, and current DTC codes? I have a 1484 Code in each of those categories. I can clear the current and pending codes, but the permanent, just like it's name says, isn't going away. 

 

I replaced my EVAP test pump, which I believe was the cause of these codes, but I feel that without being able to clear the permanent code that I won't know fore sure if the problem is fixed without clearing it out. 

Appreciate any advice, 

 

Mark

 

 

[JFP in PA]

A "pending" code is just that, the system has seen it but has not triggered an alert just yet.  This is done as these cars often throw ghost codes that are not real, so the DME has to see the fault reappear a certain number of times before the code goes "current" or active and triggering the check engine light or other indicators.  If the fault does not reoccur the DME simply ignores it and no indicators light up, and the code vanishes from the DME.  Some codes are designed not to clear unless the DME actually sees that the fault has been repaired; things like seat belts, air bags, and ABS fall into this category as no fixing them is dangerous, and they often require the use of a Porsche specific scan tool to clear them even after the repairs are made.  I believe these are the codes that you call "permanent". 

 

In any case, if the actual fault has not been repaired, the system will continue to show it as "active", which is a requirement of the EPA to prevent people from just clearing codes before the car is inspected.  When someone tries that trick, the emissions test system will deliver a "not ready" message, indicating that the DME has not seen enough drive cycles since the codes were cleared to determine that the system is fully repaired and working.

[Treejumps]

That makes sense. Can you recommend a scan tool that is capable of erasing the permanent codes?

[JFP in PA]

17 minutes ago, Treejumps said:

That makes sense. Can you recommend a scan tool that is capable of erasing the permanent codes?

 

Porsche specific scan tools are few, far between, and not cheap.  The PIWIS system which the dealer's uses is a lease only item and costs $20K for the first year.  A more reasonable alternative with about 80% of the PIWIS capability is the Durametric system which is a lap top software packing that comes in two flavors: Enthusiast for about $300, and the Pro for a little less than $800.  There are other standalone units that claim to be set up for Porsche, but most are lacking in their capabilities. 

[DelaveagaSC]

Permanent fault codes cannot be cleared by any scan tool. They are faults that need drive cycles to clear. If the problem is fixed they will go away on their own after a few drive cycles.