Code Reader?
 

The Boxster threw a CEL last night. No running problems, but owning an out-of-warranty car makes me wonder if it's worth buying a generic OBDII code reader. If so, which one to get?

I'm pretty sure there's a thread around here somewhere n00b.

everyone on the m5 board uses the Peake unit

I just picked up a cheap POS Actron (CP9125) reader off the shelf at Pep Boys to diagnose a non-firing cylinder problem on the MINI. I think it was about $40.

But there was that slick one Clyde pointed out a few months ago that I found intriguing... about $100.

http://www.appletell.com/apple/comme...-for-mac-os-x/

http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showthread.php?t=31173

I assume the Peake unit I have won't work on JST's Boxster, correct?

OBD-II is OBD-II, isn't it?

Peake isn't exactly OBD-II.

Oh.

An aside: I thought you had a 016i. Why is 021i now? Did you change the car or are you following the "+5 = .T" convention?

The Actrons are fine, but you can just borrow one from the counter at the auto parts store - they have loaners for free in the hope you'll buy the part(s) you need from them.

If you want to go all-out and have near-dealer-level functionality (yes, stuka, even bleeding the brakes on the BMWs that need the shop computer), get a AutoEnginuity ProLine and the brand-specific add-ons. Here's the "kitchen sink" list of Porsche-specific stuff it does. PDF comparing AutoEnginuity with the other advanced tool brands.