Comparing Durametric Porsche Diagnostic Software to OBD2 (OBDII) Diagnostic tools.

Diagnostic Tools
Porsche

Porsche Diagnostics

Product Overview
Read and Clear Codes
Actual Values
Coding
ECU Information
Data Logging
Model/Feature Matrix
USB Interface Adapter
Used Car Analysis
Porsche Tool History
FAQ
Version History

How To Buy
Ordering Info

Ways to buy

Direct from Durametric
Distributors

Downloads
Software and Instructions

Technical Support
How to get help

Company
About Us

Comparision of OBD2 to Durametric Diagnostic tool for Porsche

Our product is often compared to OBD2 products, though it is much different. Our tool uses the same communications protocol that the dealership's tool does to access all of the computers in the car.
But OBD2 was developed to meet emissions compliance rules in the United States, and can only read diagnostic information pertaining to an emissions problem on Porsche cars. Our tool can read both emissions and non-emissions related information in the car's engine computer (DME) plus all other systems on the car like Airbag, ABS, etc...
Additionally OBD2 only displays "P-Codes"; our tool displays both "P-codes" and Porsche specific fault code information that matches the car's service manual.

Standard OBD2 Tool

Reads only basic P-codes
Little or no repair information
Only applies to emission related engine problems

Here we will try out an off-the-shelf OBD2 scan tool on a 1998 Porsche Boxster with several known problems.
Actron 9125 Scan Tool Software

Note that this common tool shows 0 "Zero" codes for this car.

Software Based OBD2 Tool

Reads only basic P-codes
Little or no repair information
Only applies to emission related engine problems

Now we will try this generic scan tool on the same 1998 Porsche Boxster with several known problems.
Generic Scan Tool Software

And once again, the generic scan tool returned no codes for this car.

Durametric Diagnostic Tool

Reads P-Codes as well as manufacturer specific codes
Repair information for each code
Works with other systems in the car

DME
Airbag
ABS
Alarm
Heating / AC
Seat Memory

Access to community based repair information
USB hardware compatible with most computers

Now we will try our tool on the same 1998 Porsche Boxster above and see what problems show up.
Porsche Tool Displaying fault codes on DME Porsche Boxster

Porsche Tool Displaying fault codes on DME Porsche Boxster

First the DME returns a fault code that the generic scan tool did not see.

Porsche Tool Displaying fault codes on alarm Porsche Boxster

Our tool also displays why the Airbag light is on - the car was started without the driver's seat installed.

Porsche Tool Displaying fault codes on alarm Porsche Boxster

Our tool also displays alarm fault information.

Porsche Tool Displaying fault codes on seat memory Porsche Boxster

Our tool also displays seat memory fault information.