986/996 Diagnostic tool

[Guest]

I've started playing with my Durametric software. Most of the items I can log make sense, but there are 3 that haven't been translated from German, and there are others that are either redundant or just don't make sense to me. So...

Is there any info online on what the various loggable parameters are? Something akin to the tutorial I wrote for the Chevy LT1 ECU?

GM ECU tutorial

Jeff

Edited July 7, 2007 by MidnighTT

[Loren]

The logging parameters are slightly different for DME 5.2.2, DME 7.2, DME 7.1.1, and DME 7.8.

Then added many new logging features in the DME 7.8.x used in the 987 and 997 series cars.

I have never seen these well written up by Porsche or Bosch.

[rangerwilly]

Yes, I am hoping to finish my long term evaluation of the Durametric Software soon.

I personally see a need for two of the four you mention.

The OBD-2 software is really good for tracing (graphing) O2 sensor performance and looking at real time DME (only) data. It can read (and reset) only DME fault codes. The software is updated every two to three months - and updates are free. As a bonus it also works on my (other car) Mercedes and my wife's Jeep. For $123 it is a no-brainer.

The Durametric Software can read faults in the DME, Alarm, Airbag, ABS, Seat memory, Heating/AC, Tiptronic and more. It can reset those faults in all but the alarm system. It can also read real time data and they are constantly updating it and adding new features. So far the updates are free which is nice with all the added functionality. For the "introductory" price of $197 again this is a great bargain. I don't expect their "introductory price" to last too much longer.

The only tool that can do all (and more) of what these two do is a PST2. Latest prices for used PST2's on eBay are still running well over $3000.

What about mentioning JDSPorsche diagnostic tester?Or the Bosch KTS-301?

either one is less than $3000. Have you looked at these tools? I have the Porsche

911(993) 1995 and I would like your opinion on the two of them. By the way,the

site is "www.jdsporsche.com".

[Loren]

Both of those tools are for older (and some pre-OBD II) cars. The Durametric Software and Porsche tools I mentioned are for OBD II cars.

I really don't think you can compare the two. The Bosch hammer works well on many of the pre-OBD II cars but we were not discussing them in this thread.

[Mtnbiker326]

Someone asked this question via a PM so I thought I would share the answer here...

"When I floor the pedal, the Throttle Plate Angle says 80%... is it supposed to be 80%? Or am I missing 20%?"

That reading is correct.

Here is the Durametric Software reading (on my car) and the reading I took with my PST2.

Also, here is the test from the OBD II manual:

QUOTE

Read actual values for TP sensor.

1. Connect and switch on Porsche System Tester 2.

2. Select vehicle type 996, DME, Actual values.

3. Select TP sensor.

4. Read actual value with throttle valve closed. Display: approx. 0 %

5. Fully depress accelerator pedal.

6. Read actual value with throttle valve open. Display: approx. 70 - 80 %

Note: It is important that the value changes and does not remain fixed.

Loren,

Do you recommed this software over others, such as http://www.scantool.net/

http://www.autoenginuity.com/

http://www.obd-2.com/

http://www.digimoto.com/

Thanks!

Any update on this?

[Loren]

Someone asked this question via a PM so I thought I would share the answer here...

"When I floor the pedal, the Throttle Plate Angle says 80%... is it supposed to be 80%? Or am I missing 20%?"

That reading is correct.

Here is the Durametric Software reading (on my car) and the reading I took with my PST2.

Also, here is the test from the OBD II manual:

QUOTE

Read actual values for TP sensor.

1. Connect and switch on Porsche System Tester 2.

2. Select vehicle type 996, DME, Actual values.

3. Select TP sensor.

4. Read actual value with throttle valve closed. Display: approx. 0 %

5. Fully depress accelerator pedal.

6. Read actual value with throttle valve open. Display: approx. 70 - 80 %

Note: It is important that the value changes and does not remain fixed.

Loren,

Do you recommed this software over others, such as http://www.scantool.net/

http://www.autoenginuity.com/

http://www.obd-2.com/

http://www.digimoto.com/

Thanks!

Any update on this?

Update on which part please...

[tommy3rd]

Someone asked this question via a PM so I thought I would share the answer here...

"When I floor the pedal, the Throttle Plate Angle says 80%... is it supposed to be 80%? Or am I missing 20%?"

That reading is correct.

Here is the Durametric Software reading (on my car) and the reading I took with my PST2.

Also, here is the test from the OBD II manual:

QUOTE

Read actual values for TP sensor.

1. Connect and switch on Porsche System Tester 2.

2. Select vehicle type 996, DME, Actual values.

3. Select TP sensor.

4. Read actual value with throttle valve closed. Display: approx. 0 %

5. Fully depress accelerator pedal.

6. Read actual value with throttle valve open. Display: approx. 70 - 80 %

Note: It is important that the value changes and does not remain fixed.

Loren,

Do you recommed this software over others, such as http://www.scantool.net/

http://www.autoenginuity.com/

http://www.obd-2.com/

http://www.digimoto.com/

Thanks!

Any update on this?

Update on which part please...

I think he wants to know if any of the other OBD scanners and software "good enough" to use, without having to spend close to $300 for Durametric.

I also haven't decided whether to spend money on something I can only use on a Porsche or get something cheaper that will work with other cars as well.

[JFP in PA]

Depends upon what you are trying to accomplish; yes there are cheap, more universal alternatives, some starting around $40. But these units cannot run all of the Porsche specific diagnostics, and cannot clear many of the common trouble codes (air bags, PSM, ABS, etc.) that the brand specific Durametric can.

“Speed cost money; how fast do you want to go?”

[lomax]

To dig up an old post, I downloaded the Durametric software and got it running just fine on my old XP machine, where I have all my BMW diagnostic software.

 

Plugged in my OBD2 cable and it lit right up. BUT when I try and run the software it says cable not ready.

 

Are you kidding me that I have to buy another $300 cable just to get this to work.  Seriously what a scam.

[Loren]

To dig up an old post, I downloaded the Durametric software and got it running just fine on my old XP machine, where I have all my BMW diagnostic software.

 

Plugged in my OBD2 cable and it lit right up. BUT when I try and run the software it says cable not ready.

 

Are you kidding me that I have to buy another $300 cable just to get this to work.  Seriously what a scam.

 

If you bought a knock-off cable instead of the real Durametric cable you will not likely get much sympathy here.

Durametric is the only company that has a reasonably priced Porsche diagnostic tool that works. Many people (and shops) here rely on it daily.

Perhaps one of the best investments you can make for your Porsche.

[lomax]

Thanks Loren, That said I am not looking for any sympathy, and if the official Moto Guzzi and the official BMW cables are knock offs then I stand corrected as I sure paid a lot for them from those two OEM manufactures. :huh: I am not looking for a free way out just a little information.

 

Reading some other threads here it appears that the Durametric cable is proprietary and only works for this one application. That piece of information was all I was looking for.

 

So I guess I will be off shopping for yet another setup to work just on this individual car. :thumbup:

 

Thanks for all the help.

 

Marc

Edited March 9, 2016 by lomax