PIWIS II or PIWIS III? Why a mechanic needs one?

Part 1: Why you or your mechanic has to have a PIWIS

A PIWIS is the factory developed diagnostic and repair tool. It stands for Porsche Integrated Workshop Information System. Porsche dealer technicians use this tool to perform a multitude of diagnostic and repair functions on your car. There are 3 generations of testers, the original which I believe can handle cars up to the 2014 model year, the PIWIS II which handles cars up to and including the 2017 model year and the current PIWIS III which handles all cars including the 2020 model year. Naturally if your car is under warranty, then you don’t need this tool. Let the dealer handle any issues that come up. However, if you have a Porsche which is off warranty, watch out, your dealer charges crazy high hourly rates, mine is currently at $269 an hour, and also charges you parts at full retail. Go to a dealer for a brake job, and he will quote you $4000. You can do it yourself for $600, $900 with factory parts. Need an O2 sensor changed? There are 4 on a Porsche and the dealer will quote you $1200 for one, and then will recommend that they be changed in pairs so now you are looking at $2,400. A quick lookup on Rockauto.com shows you can buy a Bosch OEM O2 sensor for $60. Luckily, the 02 sensor change does not require a PIWIS but the rear rotors do as many have discovered here after doing their brakes. As many of you have noted, you can only lease a PIWIS from Porsche if you are a member of their PPN. Porsche Partner Network. Your local shop can apply to become a member and then pay $18,000 for his tester for the first year and $12,000 a year after that. Very few shops will pay that to repair only one model of car. Luckily our friends in China have cloned the PIWIS. It’s a little buggy and wont update since you aren’t connected to the PPN but the Chinese have disabled the function which tells the interface tool to check with the factory to see if it is legit. What is it, it’s basically a pc with some added software and a special interface between the car and the PC The PIWIS II is a Vista based ( yikes) windows pc The Chinese have improved on it, adding an SSD and some have updated the OS to Windows 7 but I don’t recommend that version. The PIWIS III I haven’t seen yet so I don’t know if it is still a windows pc. Both version have a multimeter function built in but the Chinese version of the PIWIS II doesn’t ship with those cables. The PIWIS III has a built in multimeter and oscilloscope and the cables are included. You see the interface online for the PIWIS II for $369 but that doesn’t include the necessary software. Buy the entire device for $769 which includes a pc, software, interface and car connect cables. A PIWIS III sells for $1999 down from $6500 last year. Look at this web site as an example of how sophisticated the clone market is. You can’t tell the difference between a factory tool and a clone. Now why do you or your mechanic need one? Well here’s what you can do without one

Change spark plugs and ignition coils. (The engine module is self calibrating and will learn new parts automatically)
Change front rotors and pads
Change switches,
Change washers, wipers window motors, door locks
Change most engine sensors
Change your own oil (but you won’t be able to reset the service interval)
Change differential oil
Change battery (But you won’t be able to tell the car you changed it)
Change bulbs

Here are some basic things that you can do that require a PIWIS
Change the rear rotors
Change any suspension parts
Change seat motors
Change any control modules (There are 27 of them) All need to be coded with the VIN of the car
Change the battery and record the change with the gateway module
Reset the service interval

Change the PDK oil (you can actually do the PDK fluid change without the PIWIIS , well a simple fluid change, you might need it if you replace the PDK filter. the reason you might want a PIWIS for the fluid change is to monitor oil temperature. The V8 needs the oil to be a certain temperature for all the oil in the cooler to drain. The v6 wants a certain temperature to be hit behold you check the level in the top up procedure. In both cases you could likely run the car for ten miles to achieve the temperature).

Change headlight components that aren’t bulbs
Change clock spring ( will require codes which only the dealer can get but you can buy from the Chinese

Most importantly, as many of you have discovered, it is nearly impossible to diagnose repair issues without one. The Durametric device just doesn’t come close to providing the information you need and many of the error code labels it provides are simply wrong and will lead you changing parts that don’t need changing. At $769 which is less than 3 hours labor, you can see everything a dealer can see about your car. I have a 2 and I’m going to a 3. If anyone is interested, I can try to post a video of the PIWIS II. It has a simulation mode for training purposes which is helpful. There are 4 programs in the PIWIS, the diagnostic, which is the main program for service, a wiring diagram program, a fault finding program which I haven’t found to be useful running offline and the multimeter function.
If you can share one with a buddy or some Porsche meetup groups that would be ideal. My recommendation, don’t let anyone do repairs on your car that doesn’t have one.
Here are some basic pictures

This is a Porsche PIWIS II which was originally on a Panasonic toughbook shown here

The menu options

This is the unit going into the diagnostic program and it shows a picture of the interface.

Parking brake module extended Identifications. This is where you can change the VIN on a used part or add it for a new part

Part 2: Why you need one piwis III instead of piwis II?

For the newest Porsche model after 2017 year (i.e 2018 Macan), requires piwis tester 3;

For the older Porsche model (i.e a 99 Boxster), don’t need the newest version, then piwis 2 is okay.

Question: As I’m researching this myself, given that you don’t have a model year that requires it, what is driving you to upgrade from piwis II, to piwis III? Is it just this: “The PIWIS III testerhas a built in multimeter and oscilloscope and the cables are included.”, or other factors that you can note here, for reference?

Reply:

I also have a 2018 Macan that requires the piwis3. I hope to help people in my community and I also plan to rebuild another. I’m excited my PIWIS III arrives tomorrow. I will review after I test it out. I have PSM module arriving Saturday that will need the module replacement procedure.

An interesting thing happened to me the other day. I had just received my PIWIS III and was going to use it to change out the PSM module and before I did I had it run a full diagnostic. At the time I didn’t realize that the unit was in development mode. My PIWIS 2 would only show one code, a faulty recirculation servomotor which I have struggled to physically change due to its location. When the diagnostic was complete two things happened; one I realized it was in development mode since all the responses were in German (in development mode the menus can be changed to English but the responses from the modules appear in German) And two there were more error codes. After having Google translate the German responses I discover that the b piller servomotors were mechanically jammed. It also found a fault in the brake light switch which was working properly. I switched the unit to after sales mode( the dealer mode) and those codes weren’t there Then I used the unit to monitor the servomotors in question. What I discovered was that they were indeed not moving from 0 to 100. After finally figuring out where they were located (under the front seats) I pulled one out and took it apart and the motor shaft was seized. Un seizing it didn’t do enough to fix it so I ordered 3(one for the recirc). Anyways the point is that developers mode not only tested the motors it tried to run them from stop to stop which normal mode does not. The brake light switch after checking the voltage while pressing on the switch was showing only 7 volts so it was partially shorted something else missed by the regular mode. If you have mysterious issues with no codes and have access to Porsche tester, try running it in development or engineering mode as it is sometimes called, and see if it reveals any new codes.

Question:

Do you know if it is possible to activate the rear DRL and the LED Matrix headlamps with the PIWIS III?

Answer:

activation codes are not included with the tester. You can add them if you have them but this is an online programming function and the dealer must pay Porsche for the options that he installed. When he sends a work order to Porsche he receives the activation codes then enters them into the PIWIS. Now there are some Russians who have hacked porches codes and will sell you an activation code for new options. I haven’t tried them but I did pay $125 for my original activation codes so I code reprogram a pcm and a new clock spring.

Question: PIWIS III clone or original, which one should i buy?

Answer:

I recall now that I encountered a Chinese PIWIS at a local “indy” shop. I had my Turbo in there in Sep. of 2019 to get new O2 sensors installed and the tech — recently from the local Porsche dealer I use — was there and after the sensors were replaced he grabbed what looked like a PIWIS but when I expressed surprise that an indy shop would own one he told me it wasn’t the real thing but a Chinese clone. He said it worked pretty good.

Question:

PIWIS Chinese knock-off is way too expensive for me and offers no online updates. Is it true?

Answer: No. It depends on where you buy one Piwis 3, this one comes with U disk update tool and allows user to update online:

http://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/porsche-tester-iii-diagnostic-tool-with-panasonic-cfax3-laptop.html

Enjoy!

http://blog.obdii365.com/2020/04/27/porsche-piwis-ii-or-piwis-iii-which-to-buy/

How to Check Porsche Engine Oil Level by PIWIS Tester?

Checking the Porsche engine oil level makes more accurate than the normal procedure with the instrument cluster screen and on top of that, it tells you how much oil you have to top to be at max level. This will be used every time we change our oil.

Here is the procedure:
WM 170101 CHECKING ENGINE-OIL LEVEL USING THE PIWIS TESTER (CAYENNE, CAYENNE GTS, CAYENNE S HYBRID, CAYENNE S E, CAYENNE TURBO, CAYENNE
(3.0)) > CHECKING ENGINE-OIL LEVEL

Information
The PIWIS Tester II instructions take precedence and in the event of a discrepancy these are the instructions that must be followed. Deviations may occur with later software versions.

1. PIWIS Tester II must be connected and ignition switched on.
2. Start the diagnostic program and select the required vehicle.
3. Select the DME control unit in the control unit overview. Press [F12] to continue.
4. Select the Maintenance/repairs menu. Press [F12] to continue.
5. Select the Oil filling function. Press [F12] to continue.
6. Start the engine and let it run until an engine oil temperature of 90° C is reached.Rev the engine if necessary to heat the engine oil to the specified temperature.
7.The oil level measurement process starts automatically as soon as the engine oil temperature
of 90° C is reached.
8. Switch off engine.
9. Add the quantity of oil displayed on the PIWIS Tester 2.
10. Disconnect the PIWIS Tester.

With the Launch X431 V it is located in the “Oil filling” special function menu of the DME and here is how it works:

Test on going:

Result (0.9 liter to add):

www.obdii365.com

http://blog.obdii365.com/2020/02/28/check-porsche-engine-oil-level-by-piwis-or-launch-x431/

Porsche Durametric Enthusiast or Professional Kit

This is for those who’re looking for a Durametric cable but don’t know which one to choose, the Enthusiast kit or the Pro kit.

Part 1: Which Durametric do pp use? Enthusiast or Professional

Hella:

I have the Durametric Enthusiast and wish I had bought the pro. The Enthusiast lets you run all of the diagnostics but lacks most of the coding which would be beneficial.
My impression is that the other port tools are limited and not as developed.

Petza:

I have Durametric Pro and it’s good, but seems like there are some things on my 09 Cayenne Turbo S that it won’t do, like bleed the PDCC hydraulics. It works great on my two 05 997s though. The other option some of the Cayenne guys like is the one from icarsoft, so maybe compare those 2 and then make your decision.

Bruce:

I have the Durametric pro… Durametric allows you to grab and record live values…. so you can track all kinds of information that is way beyond me…. so you can see what is going on inside the ignition/timing system, sensor values, etc. as you drive. I am a novice so I don’t understand this stuff but I gotta believe it is important if you are going to diagnose engine problems.

Smitten:

I have the Durametric pro. It seems the older the car, the better it works. On my 997, it’s great. On my 981, it’s ok but is prone to freezing. On the 2017 Cayenne, it crashes regularly and can’t do everything it can on other models.

Jellonailer:

Now a proud owner of Duramtric Pro thanks to my awesome wife.

jkw:

I originally purchased the Enthusiast model and then realized I needed the Pro. I called the company and they gave me 100% credit for returning the Enthusiast towards the purchase of a Pro.

JDS:

Coding requires the Pro version, like enabling side markers as blinkers, using the key fob to courtesy open or close the windows, etc.

Part 2: Differences: Durametric Enthusiast vs Professional Kit

There are two main differences between the Enthusiast and Professional Kits:

(1) The number of cars supported:
The Professional kits support an unlimited number of cars. The Enthusiast kits support up to three cars only. The limitation of the Enthusiast kit is based on the car’s VIN – not model.

(2)The Coding and Command Console features:
Beginning with Durametric version 6, Durametric supports the Coding and Command Console features. These features are included with the Professional kits only.
The Coding feature provides for the ability to enable or disable predefined features in the car such as airbags, daytime running lights, cruise control, and the rear spoiler where applicable.
The Command Console feature is a means of communicating with the control units using very low-level communications. This feature is very seldom used.

source: durametric.com

link to Porsche Durametric knock-off: http://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/porsche-piwis-cable-free-shipping-617.html

http://blog.obdii365.com/2019/08/07/porsche-durametric-enthusiast-vs-professional-kit/

3 ways to make vas6154 or TC XS work as pt3g

There is only 3 ways that the vas6154 or TC XS will work as pt3g

1. you flash the GL123…… from VAS to pt3 (you will get also the Serial from the Donar)

2. You use some home made firmware (serial from VAS will stay there also you can see on the webserver that the emergency firmware is still VAS or TC XS)

3 you use the same way like the VCX do it. after the Piwis system will think it is a PT3G.
the VCX do the same

look here: http://blog.obdii365.com/2018/08/23/vxdiag-porsche-piwis-3-v37-250-020-confirmed-working/

You buy a original or any decent china clone PT3G remove there the GL128, read the data out buy some new GL128 progamme it with the data and solder the ic back to the vas interface and you are done.

source: http://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/porsche-tester-iii-diagnostic-tool-with-panasonic-cfax3-laptop.html

But you have to know the risked, we damage the pt3g and have to repair the board, we have to manufacture a plastice to fix the bold GL128 back on place right place you have only 1 chance.

for me as a solution to much work.

I paid some people to make some firmware but until now no 100% working firmware.

The last solution is the easy.
You just buy a xvc after the xvci is working on your system you change all know xvci data to vas 6154. and you are done.

You have to do it after every update.

last version is

you just pay some porsche sparepartmanager some money and order there your pt3g.

but than you will not get the interface for 1400€

Thanks to kiranabc for his contribution

How to update shell config. for Porsche Piwis3?

Porsche Piwis III Developer Mode:

The Developer Mode in Porsche Piwis 3 is not available when you update the shell, coz you lose the menu diagnostics configuration to switch between regular and developer mode,
Problem solved if you copy the old file com.porsche.piwis.Shell.exe.config

Here is how to update the shell config. and get the diagnostic configuration boxes back, on the system tab.

After a successful update from 37.250.20 you will loose the two above mentioned boxes from the System tab.
If you did not loose them, then the [PIDT] diagnostic software did not update completely.
So it’s a good thing to loose it !

Go to C:\PiwisApps\Shel\ and carefuly edit with notepad   this file –> com.porsche.piwis.Shell.exe.config

after the update the PIDT section shows up in green, after U edit it it will be blue.

First picture shows, red underlined, 2 places, beginning and the end of the green section, what to remove.
On top [Line 568 on mine] U delete  these four symbols       !–<     on the bottom [line 603 on mine] U delete these 3 symbols   –>
Then U save the config file.
Restart the PC and your Diagnostic config box for 991,981,970 and Diagnostic config for other models RE-APPEAR.

rm996 has the solution how get the developer functionality back up and running, !!!

[Similar solution for the lost with the Update Wiring Diagrams ]

Another tip might help you also.

It’s how to enable Developer Mode for Piwis 3

Developer mode is a special Piwis program that allow a lot of advanced coding normally reserved only to Factory.

With this function you will have a tool that can do more than software of official Porsche Dealer.
For example, you can reprogram all ECUs completely offline.

How to use Piwis Developer Mode:

Install winrar and winhex on your computer.

-1-locate the file c:\program files\porsche\PIDT_P_MIG_DLSS3\pidt\plugins\de.dsa.pidt.datatype.jar and copy it on your desktop in order to modify it.

Open it with winrar,in the wirar windows locate the file

\de\dsa\pidt\datatypes\utils\Helper$1.class and drag it on your destop , delete it from the archive after the copy, keep the winrar window open.

Open Helper$1.class on your desktop with winhex and goto offset E81, replace 9A by A7 and save.

Drag back the save file on the winrar windows still open and click OK.Close winrar

Copy the new file de.dsa.pidt.datatype.jar you just made in

c:\program files\porsche\PIDT_P_MIG_DLSS3\pidt\plugins, overwrite it.

copy the file aftersales.sig on your desktop and rename it development.sig.Copy this file back in the folder

Do exactly the same method given above with the folder c:\program files\porsche\PIDT_P_MIG_DLSS3 with its own files.

To transform it in developer :

Settings

Diagnostic configuration

981-991, mode, operating mode, E= development, P= production, V= aftersales ( regular piwis)

Other models line, mode, operating mode, E= development, P= production, V= aftersales ( regular piwis)

This method to switch between regular and developer works only with my backup and will not work anymore after

an update.

Images:

  

Maybe this helps Folks some.

www.obdii365.com

Porsche PIWIS cable Durametric 3.0.15.0 Review

Here are reviews from those have tried the Chinese knock off Durametric tool on the web: http://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/porsche-piwis-cable-free-shipping-617.html

cheap & works:

I have a cheap Chinese copy and it works. but it only allows me to use an early version of the Durametric software which is why it comes with the software on CD Rom. i cannot for example download version 6 from the Durametric website and use it with the copy cable.

works with durametric 3.0.15.0:

i bought few months ago a PIWI cable on the web. I tried it with durametric 3.0.15.0 and it works fine but with restrictions.

I did a test with release 5 and 6 and it failed

only with Durametric version 3:

You can update some of the Durametric clone cables, but most of them are bricked if you go beyond around version 5.0.6 of the Durametric software. Others are bricked way before that. So as Clint would say “Do you feel lucky?” They usually come with V3.1 software, which is hopelessly out of date, and very limited on what you can do on a 9×7 onwards. OK-ish for 9x6s though.

If you want something that will read and reset fault codes, and read live data, from all the control modules of everything from a 9×6 up to a 9×1, including Panameras and Cayennes, take a look at the iCarsoft i960 hand held scanner. About £100. It won’t reset service indicators, but is a useful tool for diagnostics, and resetting things like airbag lights. (No affiliation, by the way).

need Windows XP:

Used this. direct off obdii365.com not resold and marked up.

Search for Porsche PIWIS.

Yes if your car is listed it will generally work, but you need Win XP ideally though bodging some drivers for a later version of Durametric gets it to work on Win 8. Looking into this for you, I downloaded Durametric 5 or 6 and used the drivers. Or just source a cheap Win XP laptop.

“YMMV” but if you just want to fool around no harm in trying. I got some interesting info off this, and also reset an airbag light (oddly, via 993 model selection despite being a 996).

My conclusion, if you are half hearted about this and don’t really see the need to splash out on a Durametric kit, then yes, this is worth having, and useful.

useful to read error code:

this is not a bad product.
you can reset most if not all the warning lights.
also useful to read error code from CEL
I think if you are gonna work on the car, you need it.
I wish they would have emulated the FULL PIWIS functions but this is just a small part of what the dealer can do.

read & clear fault codes:

With the software I could only read fault codes for each of these item and then clear them. I went through each of them to see what other contents were shown and they all save for the airbag 04 showed “no fault” and the Climate Control had a whole page of errors of something like “left flapper valve value implausible”. The air con works fine so I left this alone.

I only bought this Durametric cable for the air bag light and it served my purpose. I would not know what to do with other fault codes if I had them.

Worked for me.

useful, reset the airbag light:

I bought one for 20 usd, found it useful and actually reset the airbag light with it.

You can also delete error codes, read a lot of live and stored performance data off it, etc etc.

It’s a previous version of Durametric.

It works as long as you know the limitations, major one being XP only unless you install the Durametric V6 drivers then you can get it to work on Win8 and presumably previous versions of Windows too.

I’m not sure re using Durametric V6 in its entirety though, I thought you needed a specific proprietary cable for that which is why the clones are always supplied with an older version of Durametric.

Useful tool if you are not willing (or needing) to commit to anything special.

worth, able to reset the airbag light:

For what it’s worth, this knock-off was able to reset my airbag light for a total outlay of $43. My 993 came back from some simple repairs with the light illuminated. Of course the garage know nothing about it and when asked said “common to the 993, we didn’t do it”.

The software installed says “durametric for porsche version 3.0.15.0” which was downloaded from their site. Sadly I did not take a screenshot or copy the fault codes which appeared for the air bag unit before I cleared them. I suspect that the functionality is limited due to the age of the software, when plugged in I only saw the following items to review / clear, and my exact recollection of the numbers following the modules is not clear:

DME 5.0
DME 5.5
Air bag 02
Airbag 04
Climate Control
[perhaps one other I cannot recall]

work ok:

I bought something similar for E20 and it seems to work OK although I think after trying the Cd it came with I ended up downloading software from Durametic site.

I think this is it:

http://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/porsche-piwis-cable-free-shipping-617.html

work fine:

yes i can confirm it works fine. Ordered from them last week. Ive been able to reset my airbag, sort service light etc and saved me an expensive trip to my local Porsche dealer.

Conclusion:

The Durametric clone cable (also called Porsche PIWIS cable) is verified to works perfectly for fault codes read & clear and airbag light reset. But the cable cannot works for new software; you have to install Durametric 3.0.15.0 on Windows XP only! That is, you cannot update Durametric sw to version 5 or version 6 for new vehicles. Durametric version 3 works with most Porsche in the year 1990 – 2007:

1996-1998 Porsche 911 (993)
1996-1998 Porsche 911 Turbo (993)
1998-2004 Porsche 911 Carrera (996)
1998-2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (996)
2000-2005 Porsche 911 Turbo (996)
2000-2005 Porsche 911 GT2, GT3 (996)
2005-2007 Porsche 911 (997)
1997-2004 Porsche Boxster (986)
2000-2004 Porsche Boxster S (986)
2005-2007 Porsche Boxster (987)
2003-2006 Porsche Cayenne (955)
2005-2007 Porsche Cayman (987)

How to use Durametric version 3 with Porsche PIWIS cable

Instruction: How to use Porsche PIWIS diagnostic cable with Durametric version 3 to read and clear fault codes

The software:

durametric version 3.0.15.0 

The cable:

http://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/porsche-piwis-cable-free-shipping-617.html

This is the only Chinese clone cable confirmed to work with durametric 3.0.15.0

Reset service reminders: confirmed!
Reads diagnostic trouble codes: confirmed!
Displays actual values: confirmed!
Shows ECU information: confirmed!
Clears diagnostic trouble codes: confirmed!
Turns off check engine light: confirmed!
Turns off airbag light: confirmed!

Porsche Diagnostic Connector Locations

The location of diagnostic connectors on most cars is under the dash on the driver’s side. Here are some

common connector locations:

• 944/968 – Under the dash on the passenger’s side
• 928 – Under the side cover of center console next to passenger’s seat
• 964 – On the passenger’s side kick panel behind a round cover
• 993

o 1994 – 1995 – For models with the 19-pin round connector, it is located on the

passenger’s side kick panel behind a round, plastic cover

o 1995 – 1998 – For models with the 16-pin OBDII connector, it is located on the driver’s

side of the center console behind a round, plastic cover

• 986 / 996 – Under the dash on the driver’s side
• 987 / 997 – Under the dash on the driver’s side
• 981 / 991 – Under the dash on the driver’s side
• Cayenne – Under the dash on the driver’s side
• Panamera – Under the dash on the driver’s side

Connect the piwis cable

WARNING: Do NOT use a power inverter to power your computer when using Durametric.

Depending upon the kit you ordered, you will have one, two, three, or four cables. Before starting the

Durametric program, connect the tool to your car as follows:

1. Switch the car’s ignition to its accessory position.
2. If the car is a 2005 model or newer, turn on the hazard lights (emergency flashers). This will help keep the car’s CAN bus awake during diagnostics.

3. Connect your Durametric cable(s) to the car.

• If you are using only the Durametric USB-to-OBDII cable, connect this cable to the OBDII diagnostic port in your car.

• If you are working on a pre-1996 model year car, connect the round adapter cable to the round diagnostic port in the car and connect the Durametric USB-to-OBDII cable to the round adapter cable.

• If you purchased the 50’ extension cable, connect it directly to the car (or to the round adapter cable) and connect the USB-to-OBDII cable to the extension cable.

• If you are working on a Porsche factory racecar and have the Durametric cup adapter cable, connect it between the USB-to-OBDII cable and car or between the 50’ extension cable and the car.

4. Connect the Durametric cable to the USB port on your computer.
5. Confirm a steady green LED at the OBD-end of the Durametric cable, that your computer recognizes the attached Durametric cable, and – with the first connection – the computer indicates the hardware is installed successfully.

Using Durametric

Durametric is equipped with many of the same capabilities and features of the Porsche factory tools.

The following sections guide you through the many features of the program to help you get the most

from your tool.

Start Durametric

Connect the cables before starting the program. To start the program after its initial installation double click the Durametric 6 desktop icon, or:

1. Click the Windows Start button.
2. Select All Programs

Upon starting the program, you will see the Durametric logo screen(s) of the main program.

Choose a vehicle

The first screen to appear after successful installation of the software is the Choose Vehicle dialog. Here

you can choose a car based on make, model, series, and year. Alternatively, you can choose a specific

control unit from the list of all supported control units found under the Individual Control Modules tab

of the Choose Vehicle dialog

Fault Codes/Shadow Fault Codes

Fault codes, shadow fault codes, their descriptions, and fault status information are included in the

display when supported by the control unit. The codes displayed are the same codes used by the factory

tool and can be directly referenced in the factory service manual or other reputable repair manuals.

Freeze frame details are included with supported engine control units. Freeze frame information

includes various operating and environmental data taken at the time the fault appeared. You can use

this information to aid in troubleshooting and to help resolve improper operation.

Control units store some faults for information-only purposes. In these cases, there is no repair action

necessary. Durametric indicates the difference between actionable faults and information-only faults

using two icons. The yellow circle icon with the exclamation point in the center indicates an information- only fault. The red circle icon with the exclamation in the center indicates an actionable fault. Refer to your car’s service repair manual for more information on information-only faults.

Erase Fault Codes/Erase Shadow Fault Codes

To clear fault codes or shadow fault codes from the control unit’s memory, click on the Erase Fault

Codes or Erase Shadow Fault Codes option, respectively, for the control unit selected.

Alternatively, you can select to erase fault codes in all control units at once by selecting the Functions

menu option and selecting Clear faults in all units.

It is not possible to erase only one fault code. If faults remain after attempting to clear them, it indicates

the problem(s) causing the condition still exists. For example, if the fault you see is “Electrical fault,

oxygen sensor ahead of catalytic converter bank 2,” and you have not repaired the problem, you will not

be able to clear the fault

Durametric clone cable reviews:

Review 1:

I bought one for 20 usd, found it useful and actually reset the airbag light with it.

You can also delete error codes, read a lot of live and stored performance data off it, etc etc.

It’s a previous version of Durametric.

It works as long as you know the limitations, major one being XP only unless you install the Durametric V6 drivers then you can get it to work on Win8 and presumably previous versions of Windows too.

I’m not sure re using Durametric V6 in its entirety though, I thought you needed a specific proprietary cable for that which is why the clones are always supplied with an older version of Durametric.

Useful tool if you are not willing (or needing) to commit to anything special.

Review 2:

I have a cheap Chinese copy and it works. but it only allows me to use an early version of the Durametric software which is why it comes with the software on CD Rom. i cannot for example download version 6 from the Durametric website and use it with the copy cable.

Review 3:

You can update some of the Durametric clone cables, but most of them are bricked if you go beyond around version 5.0.6 of the Durametric software. Others are bricked way before that. So as Clint would say “Do you feel lucky?” They usually come with V3.1 software, which is hopelessly out of date, and very limited on what you can do on a 9×7 onwards. OK-ish for 9x6s though.

If you want something that will read and reset fault codes, and read live data, from all the control modules of everything from a 9×6 up to a 9×1, including Panameras and Cayennes, take a look at the iCarsoft i960 hand held scanner. About £100. It won’t reset service indicators, but is a useful tool for diagnostics, and resetting things like airbag lights. (No affiliation, by the way).

Review 4:

I bought something similar for E20 and it seems to work OK although I think after trying the Cd it came with I ended up downloading software from Durametic site.

I think this is it:

http://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/porsche-piwis-cable-free-shipping-617.html

Review 5:

yes i can confirm it works fine. Ordered from them last week. Ive been able to reset my airbag, sort service light etc and saved me an expensive trip to my local Porsche dealer.

Review 6:

Used this. direct off obdii365.com not resold and marked up.

Search for Porsche PIWIS.

Yes if your car is listed it will generally work, but you need Win XP ideally though bodging some drivers for a later version of Durametric gets it to work on Win 8. Looking into this for you, I downloaded Durametric 5 or 6 and used the drivers. Or just source a cheap Win XP laptop.

“YMMV” but if you just want to fool around no harm in trying. I got some interesting info off this, and also reset an airbag light (oddly, via 993 model selection despite being a 996).

My conclusion, if you are half hearted about this and don’t really see the need to splash out on a Durametric kit, then yes, this is worth having, and useful.

http://blog.obdii365.com/2019/04/03/use-porsche-durametric-v3-cable-to-read-clear-codes/