Top 5 Best OBD2 Scanners for Porsche
With hundreds of OBD-II scanners on the market, it is overwhelming for many Porsche owners to figure out the best OBD2 scanner for Porsche. Know the best OBD2 Scanners for your Porsche by checking the list below.
Scanners we review here range from $140 to $700 and can diagnose multiple Porsche systems, including Engine, Anti-lock Brake System, transmission, airbag, and more.
1. YOUCANIC Full System Scanner
We tested a lot of scanners trying to find the best scanner to use in our garage. What we found is that:
- Many scanner manufacturers make scanners that require a yearly subscription.
- Can diagnose one make but doesn’t work on all different car makes. You will have to pay more to cover other vehicle makes.
- Can’t diagnose all vehicle systems. May only diagnose the engine, airbag, transmission, and ABS problems. That’s only 4 systems. Modern cars can have up to 40+ systems.
- Don’t support bi-direction support for sensor testing and activation.
If you wanted a scanner that can do all these, you have to spend thousands of dollars and most likely pay a yearly subscription.
So we decided to launch the YOUCANIC full system scanner that works on all makes and models.
The YOUCANIC full system scanner:
- Works on all makes.
- Can read and clear codes from all vehicle control units.
- View live data from any sensor.
- Bi-direction support to activate and test sensors and motors.
- Reset functions depending on model
If that is not enough, keep in mind that the YOUCANIC scanner does not require a yearly subscription as other professional-level tools do. We believe that the YOUCANIC scanner offers the best OBD2 for the money for auto mechanics and DIYers.
Don’t want to buy a scanner? We still want to help you fix your vehicle in an economical way. We created a scanner rental program that allows you to use the scanner for a few days on as many cars as you like.
We have a ton of how-to video showing you how to troubleshoot car problems. Once you get the codes, the YOUCANIC technicians can help you with any questions you may have.
2. iCarsoft POR II
Highlights
- DME – Engine
- Airbag – SRS
- ABS
- Tiptronic
- Alarm
- Seat Memory
- Heating & A/C
- and more
Summary
iCarsoft POR II is one of the best multi-system Porsche scanners under $200. The iCarsoft POR II scanner is for owners looking for a powerful OBD-II scanner for Porsche vehicles.
The iCarsoft scanner is affordable for Porsche owners, yet it can read and clear codes from most modules.
The iCarsoft Por II can also display live sensor data, perform calibration, or carry out sensor activations for the following:
- Transmission
- ABS
- Electronic Parking Brake
- Steering Angle Sensor
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
- Battery Management (BMS) module
- Climate Control
- Airbag / SRS module
Check the coverage on the Porsche iCarsoft II listing page or with the seller, as some newer Porsche models may not be covered yet. Overall it is straightforward to use, even if you have never used a Porsche OBD2 scanner.
A few features include ABS Bleeding, Injector coding, and ABS Brake relearn function when ABS is replaced. Multi-system diagnostics only work on Porsche vehicles. It can be used on any vehicle for engine diagnostics but not to diagnose other modules. While the iCarsoft can read and clear codes from most modules on your Porsche, it has limited codding and sensor activation functionality.
3. Autel MaxiCOM Professional Scanner
The Autel MaxiCOM is a professional-level diagnostic scanner for Porsche and other makes. While it is the most expensive scanner on this list, it is also the cheapest scanner that you can get to offer similar functionality to a dealer-level scanner.
The Autel MaxiCOM can not only access all Porsche systems and modules but also carry out sensor activations programming and display live sensor data from all the modules.
Another advantage of the Autel MaxiCOM is that it covers almost all makes and makes and is not just diagnostic Porsche vehicles. This scanner is a bit expensive for Porsche owners, who may only use it a couple of times. If money is not a concern, this is undoubtedly the best Porsche scanner for the money.
4. Launch Creader VII+
Highlights
- Engine
- Airbag
- Transmission
- ABS modules
- Works on most vehicles make
Summary
The Launch Creader VII+ is a great overall scanner that works on almost any car. Its main capabilities are to read and clear codes from Engine, Transmission, Airbag, and ABS modules.
Unlike the iCarsoft that only works on Porsche, you can use the Launch Creader on almost any make and model. While iCarsoft provides in-depth troubleshooting for Porsche vehicles, Launch Creader covers the four systems mentioned on most makes and models.
The only downside of the Launch Creader is that it does not diagnose all systems on a Porsche. For example, if your climate control module has fault codes, you can’t read and clear those codes with Launch Creader.
5. Porsche PIWIS
Highlights
- read/clear error codes
- view live data stream
- any module programming
- perform any component testing
- view maintenance information
- display wiring diagram
Summary
PIWIS is a diagnostic scanner for Porsche dealers and mechanics.
Porsche PIWIS is the most powerful diagnostic tool for Porsche vehicles. It is used at Porsche dealerships for diagnosis, troubleshooting, and programming. Porsche Piwis Tester II can help you diagnose and program anything on a Porsche. It works on new and old Porsche vehicles.
New Panamera vehicles can be diagnosed with Porsche Piwis Tester II. PIWIS scanner is too expensive and difficult to use. You most likely won’t be able to get a hold of Porsche Piwis unless you are an auto repair shop.
6. Durametric Diagnostic Tool for Porsche
The Durametric is a great tool for Porsche mechanics. Durametric Diagnostic Software is an alternative to the Porsche dealer scanner. It provides in-depth troubleshooting and has great model coverage. The Durametric costs several hundred dollars. It also requires a laptop to run.
Conclusion
While you can diagnose Porsche’s check engine light with a standard OBD-II scanner, you can not diagnose airbags, transmission, and other systems without a scanner that can read Porsche’s specific fault codes.
If a Porsche owner looking for a dealer-level scanner, you will get similar functionality with the YOUCANIC Full System scanner which provides in-depth diagnostics and works on 20+ European, Asian, and Domestic vehicles. Currently, we do not support control unit programming if you replace a control unit, but that functionality may be added in the future.
For those on a tight budget looking for a good Porsche OBD2 scanner that offers multi-system diagnostic iCarsoft POR II is a great choice.
If you are looking for an alternative to Porsche PIWIS, Durametric diagnostic software is the best choice, especially for Porsche mechanics and repair shops. The scanners in this list work on most 1996 and newer Porsches, such as Porsche 996, 997, 911, Boxter, Cayenne, and 993.
Before you purchase a Porsche OBD2 scanner, you should always check system coverage for your particular Porsche model and year.
We hope you find the list of Best OBD2 Scanners for Porsche guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Porsche.