Diagnostics & Fault Codes for Porsches with iCarsoft POR-II OBD-II Scanner

After replacing my black seatbelts for red recently, I unwittingly triggered the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. Having tested several diagnostic tools in the past, with disappointing results, I recently purchased this Porsche-friendly tool from iCarsoft. In this video we unbox it, try it out and see if we can clear my airbag light. Enjoy!
As ever, thanks so much for watching my videos and supporting my channel. Keep the comments and chat coming! More videos coming soon. Cheers!
#iCarsoft #OBD2scanner
**LATEST VERSION: iCarsoft Auto Diagnostic Scanner POR V2.0 for Porsche with ABS Scan,Oil Service Reset ect www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2WF96Y/...
**VERSION TESTED IN THE VIDEO
iCarsoft POR-II Porsche OBD-II Scanner Tool Multi-systems ABS SRS
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
#Project996
Stay tuned as I follow a dream to rebuild, restore and transform a Porsche 911.
#AutoAmateur
Also check out my blog at www.autoamateur.com to get connected with other like minded Porsche enthusiasts, check out my blog, more DIY and driving content. Custom #SportsChrono gauge faces are now available from my online store in a variety of colors! Check them out!
Web: www.autoamateur.com
Facebook: autoamateurblogger
Instagram: @auto.amateur
#Podcast
Tune in and join my new AutoAmateur podcast! You can find it on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Alexa's TuneIn app among other podcast services and platforms. Just search for Auto Amateur.
/ why-videos-porsches-mo...
Title Music by Massive Attack, Music by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud

[@AutoAmateur]

UPDATE: iCarsoft has released a newer version of this device. The one reviewed in this video is the POR-II, the newer model is the POR-V2 (only mildly confusing naming on their part...). It runs for around the same price on Amazon. The link to both versions of the product is in the video description.

[@wernerengel6357]

I also have an iCarsoft diagnostic reader but agree that the info should be made easier to understand for non mechanics. An interesting issue arouse with my local Porsche dealer when I couldn’t open the bonnet with my key release. They wanted AU$250 to just look at it when Melbourne’s best independent Porsche auto electrician told me to hold the button down for 3 seconds. No problems.

[@mwunder6303]

Thanks for the review James. Another very useful vid. I will be looking onto. Thx

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks so much!! Cheers!

[@capitalexotics]

Great video James! I’ve been looking for one of these, so thanks for testing out all of the others that don’t work... lol, you saved me a lot of time! Cheers!

[@AutoAmateur]

Hahahah. Cheers Mike!

[@danrickard1911]

Great information James. Been looking at Porsche diagnostic tools for a couple of years now. Looks like CarSoft is a great choice. So much easier to use and affordable than some of the computer based equipment I read about. Looking forward to seeing more diagnostics and use in the future. Thanks!

[@AutoAmateur]

Cheers Dan!! Once I learn all the features and ins/outs I’ll do a follow-up video.

[@KatherineColeTipsandTools]

Love how you provide info about what works and say your preferences Wo “throwing the others under the bus”. Testifies to integrity of info you present in these videos. Always learn so much. Cheers!

[@AutoAmateur]

Thank you!! 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@MarriedTooTheMiles]

Great info & direction can’t wait to use and clear mine.

[@AutoAmateur]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colineborall7803]

Easy to watch this guy, he doesn’t keep repeating himself unnecessarily like some other presenter’s do to pad out their content. Also, I too with regard to other manufacturers items, really liked that he didn’t ‘throw them under the bus" very professional and fair. 👍

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks very much Colin! I appreciate the feedback! Cheers.

[@garydilbeck8882]

Perfect timing James!!! CEL came on two days ago. Thinking of getting a scan tool myself. BTW she goes to the shop first thing in the morning. Take care.

[@AutoAmateur]

Sweet!! I was very impressed but there is still so much I need to learn about the tool. Good luck!

[@danielver4484]

Great job!

[@AutoAmateur]

Cheers Daniel!

[@All993]

Another good video. I agree with you that knowing the normal ranges would be a GREAT addition. I replaced my steering wheel airbag and have the light in like you. I’m curious if it’ll read & reset my vintage Porsche. Thanks again mate and be safe. See you in the spring on the other side of the incarceration. 🍹

[@AutoAmateur]

Let’s try!!

[@patrickmcgill3542]

I purchased this tool shortly after buying my 997 about 18 months ago. I do my own oil changes and basic services and it works great.

[@AutoAmateur]

Good to know Patrick! Cheers! Any other tips or favorite features you can share with us?

[@patrickmcgill3542]

@@AutoAmateur Not at the moment, but I do intend to play more with it. I am intrigued by the cable and USB drive. Wondering what data I can capture and monitor over time.

[@seandenny1553]

It even works on my 2000 Boxster and my 2014 911

[@occultustactical6138]

I just bought this model on Amazon for $129. My 2017 Porsche Cayenne Turbo had a fresh oil change but the local shop did not have an OB2 that would reset the code. That’s not a surprise since they do great work at a reasonable price but don’t see a lot of Porsche’s. For me this is my third Porsche so it was a long time coming. The reset took about three minutes to accomplish. The only thing I did not know when asked was the model. I did a quick Google search and determined I had a 92A. Once that was typed in it was over in a minute or less. It actually took far longer for me to type in the date of the oil change then it did for the actual reset. That was done in 10 seconds. I turned the car off and back on and code disappeared. Super easy and worth every penny. If you’re a Porsche owner this thing is a must.

[@aguynamedben]

Nice! Exact same thing… 2017 Cayenne Turbo, I changed the oil, now need to reset the nag!

[@AtypicalDriver]

Sandals and shorts in Minnesota in December?! You are brave sir.

[@AutoAmateur]

Haha. Brave? Stupid? Probably a bit of both. But then my garage is lovely and warm with the ceiling mounted heater.

[@christopherjames6568]

Thanks for sharing James- worth giving that feedback to the company re range tolerances to know I& you have a issue or not

[@AutoAmateur]

Yeah, good idea! Cheers Christopher!!

[@timothyhess1908]

I have this same unit and it is a life saver! Love it! Make sure you do the updates with the included USB card!

[@AutoAmateur]

Nice one! Thanks Timothy!!

[@TopNotchV7]

Post a video for that if you get time. I have dreaded using it ever since doing the oil change reset.

[@tonyimbarrato5325]

Thanks for the Video !!! This helps clear up a bunch of questions. I just Purchased a 2016 Cayenne Turbo This is a valuable tool to help the diy guy for sure. Will this help code a battery when changing ?

[@AutoAmateur]

Yes sir!

[@marcmakes1725]

I've got one of the POR-II to use on my 98 Boxster and while it's OK it can't do a lot of stuff and I'd not recommend spending the $$ on it. I would recommend saving your money and get a Durametric. You do need a Windows OS to run it but it can do a lot more stuff.

[@wilsoneashoian5789]

Thank you for the video. Can you read the number of "Operating Hours" from a 2016 (981) Porsche cayman in addition to reset oil change? Thanks

[@avillezm]

@Auto Amateur, Quick Q: can you get an over rev DME readout w/ that device?

[@awmjb]

Thank you for the great introduction of this scanner. It has been a year now and I am thinking of getting one. Are you satisfied with this scanner?

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks! Yes, very happy with the scanner and it gets borrowed by my local car friends quite a lot too! :)

[@joostw6702]

I’m new to these kind of tools so maybe a silly question: If you clear a code you can’t do anything wrong: If something is really wrong with the car, the same code will just pop up again, correct? It is not that you are disabling certain functions? Great video again btw!

[@AutoAmateur]

Yes that’s right. It’s like closing a application crash alert on a desktop. If the issue occurs again after you restart the app it will prompt you again.

[@farazhanif]

Nice. Just check after you drive it if it comes back. I'm sure it's fixed. Iv cleared mine a few times (different brand car) but keeps coming back it's the occupancy sensor inside the seat.

[@AutoAmateur]

Thank you Faraz!! So far I’ve put about a hundred miles on the car since I cleared the codes and it hasn’t come back. Fingers crossed!

[@atm4jim]

Hey James, great video as always. Just wanted to let you know, Porsche is miss spelled in your title. (and ignition in the video)

[@AutoAmateur]

Aha!!! Thanks so much. 🤣🤣🤣 It has been a loooooooong old week. 🙄😴😴😴

[@cjsnylons]

Did you try Foxwell? What was your impression of that device? BTW: I really like the blue, but very partial to the gray on the 991.

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks Chris! I haven’t tried Foxwell yet. I’ll try to get hold of one and have a play.

[@premiumoctane93]

@auto amateur Surprised you havent had one before this. What have you used to reset your Oil intervals previously ?

[@AutoAmateur]

The good graces and kindness of my friends with the right toys! 🤣👍

[@patijua]

Hello my friend, in the workshop they activated the airbag light for me to erase again with durametric, but I have this iCarsfot machine and I want to know if I can erase the passenger airbag light, Do you know how to do it? Do you have any trick or secret to be able to erase?

[@MrBirol006]

I wamt to change the diesel filter. Can you use this scanner to activate the fuel pump afterwards?

[@jeannelynch9980]

Thanks for the video, likely going to buy the POR 2.0 today. However, I noticed the PORSCHE lettering on your wall above your cabinets. I am looking for something like this. Can you tell me where you were able to find it? Thanks - Bill Lynch 991.2 owner and long time Porsche fan

[@AutoAmateur]

Absolutely!! I got the Porsche lettering from an ETSY seller called Custom Garage Decor. Thanks Bill!

[@a.c.e.7568]

I'd be interested if you did a Battery Registration (BMS) with the unit. And if you can, can you enter the actual battery capacity in Ah or only those from a pre-selected menu (ie 75, 80, 85, etc). You can either find the BMS in the Service Menu or in the Gateway and then Special Functions. And you can get into it without changing anything as long as you do not hit the Enter or OK button. Just hit ESC instead.

[@roderickbryce6697]

I would also like to know this. I am scheduled to replace the bat and if I can reg would be nice.

[@rogerg5084]

Great video. Did you have to update the software before using the tool Maybe? Also..Maybe I haven't seen it in another video, but where did you get the Porsche letters for your garage?

[@AutoAmateur]

Hey Roger! The letters are from customgaragedecor.com

[@rogerg5084]

@@AutoAmateur thanks!! Lastly, is the tool ready to use out of the box? Can the latest version be used on the 992?

[@AutoAmateur]

It doesn’t yet support the 992, I’m told. But no, I didn’t have to update the tool when I unboxed it and used it for the first time.

[@MrNanah38]

Love your garage flooring, whats the name of it?

[@AutoAmateur]

Thank you! It’s from RaceDeck. Awesome products.

[@EKKOdocker]

I have one too for my service resets, works well. Didn’t know I could also use it on my Porches too. 😂

[@AutoAmateur]

🤣

[@997GURU]

Hmmm, i think the Durametric tool is better for the Porsche enthusiast, but as a universal diagnostic instrument, icarsoft is good

[@997GURU]

@Yorkiepoocharlie you are part right! Durametric dont support certain codings on the 991, so the price tag little to high compeared

[@paulm2518]

Just bought one of these to check my 997.2 after the engine check light came on and it's experiencing a large judder. Suspect coil packs. Wish me luck.

[@AutoAmateur]

Good luck! 🍀🍀🍀

[@davidB997]

Could you please give it a try on the 996 and see what comes up. It would be great if it gave a similar level of detail on the 996

[@AutoAmateur]

You bet! Will do!!

[@davidB997]

Did you ever get to use this on the 996?

[@maul_2184]

5% lag on the throttle is fine its to stop you accidently brushing against the peddle and blipping the throttle by accident.

[@AutoAmateur]

Good to know! Thanks!!

[@ernestrhoades5147]

There is now a version 3 available i just ordered one thanks

[@AutoAmateur]

Aha! Good to know, thanks!

[@casecarter77]

Can this reset the headlight code?

[@mrh6577]

I have a 997.1 and I was trying to see the fuel trims using the same tool. These are in the data stream menu. However my tool always displays 0% for both short term and long term fuel trims. Does it work on your tool? Plus in the data streaming menus do all the data streams work and display values? I’ve emailed Icarsoft and I’m awaiting a reply, it would be interesting to see if it works for others

[@AutoAmateur]

Great question and I'm not sure. I'll have a look at mine!

[@Chon-c]

This is why it’s best to get a durametric. You’ll find a few little issues like that with this tool. It doesn’t do the conversion values for cam deviations either. And that’s why you only see percentages on trims. I know it’s a little more for a durametric. But one trip for 1 of the 4 or 5 details that this won’t give you ,that you might need makes it pay for itself the first trip. Sry. Just happen to be reading and researching & found this. They are a tool cheaper that essentially gives the same things and missing values. Lol. But it depends on model of the test car like any other tool . But outside of this tool ? Fox ob2 is the same. But also has the few missing details I mentioned before. Pretty much Everyone has a pc . Or even a old one. And you can test up to 3 vin numbers with the DM forever. This tool requires 70$ for updates from Porsche if it when they come out also. Just thought I’d add this. 🍻 .

[@superduper476]

Frustratingly seeking a DIY solution for my 992, oil change reset only, help appreciated!

[@AutoAmateur]

The latest version of this tool is your winner!

[@superduper476]

@@AutoAmateur you've personally tried a oil reset on the 992? Can you kindly post a video? Amazon reviews state otherwise that version 3.0 does not work???

[@Pablitochoi]

Air cleaner replacement 1967 Mustang

[@aaronbell5743]

Do you know if it will clear the "inspection now code" on a 991.2??

[@AutoAmateur]

No I don’t think so. I believe it will for the 991.1 but not .2.

[@Paul-ItsMy911]

Hi Will this work on a year 2000 911 C4? Need to clear the airbag fault code

[@AutoAmateur]

Check under your driver’s side dash to see if you have the OBD port or inside your fuse box for the port. If so, yes.

[@Paul-ItsMy911]

@@AutoAmateur Hi Thanks, my car has the port. I brought the Por 2.0. When I go to the airbag settings it says there is a fault connecting to the CPU 🙉 any ideas?

[@acorn1744]

Can this provide DME or Rev report like Durametric diagnostic tool?

[@AutoAmateur]

I don't believe so, no.

[@a.c.e.7568]

I have the Durametric Pro and there are times I am disappointed in the unit. The 991 has been around for about 10 years now, yet the Durametric would NOT allow me to perform an ABS Bleed on that model. If I am doing a brake fluid flush, I want to do a complete brake fluid flush, not just my lines and calipers. The Durametric would do an ABS Bleed on the 996 and 997 and Durametric's answer is "in the future" for the 991. Well in what century?

[@youloveit1]

Can it check if mileage has been changed

[@AutoAmateur]

No, I don't think so I'm afraid.

[@ortontom]

Does it read the over revs ?

[@AutoAmateur]

Good question but I don't believe so. I'll check...

[@Mckorzi]

Is this device also good for a 993?

[@a.c.e.7568]

Only on a 1996 or newer model...maybe. You "should" be able to read the OBD-II codes like any other code reader. On a 1995 993, the diagnostic port can either be "round" or have the newer OBD-II ports but the car is not OBD-II. On my 1995 993, it has the OBD-II port but the label in the engine compartment states "OBD I Certified", so I only use my Durametric Diagnostic tool on it.

[@p-driver5584]

Do it work on 991.2 and 718? I dont think so.

[@simongchadwick]

At kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqjFXqOaadGSmZI one of the model options is "Boxster (982)", which is the 718 Boxster. For some reason there is no "Cayman (982)" option shown. Perhaps the new "POR-V2" version of this device supports all 718 models?

[@p-driver5584]

I think it don’t works. I have tested a lot of OBD but none worked.

[@AutoAmateur]

No not right now at least.

[@HawkMillFarm]

Hey, dont knock the fact it has buttons. We’ll all miss them when they’ve been taken away from us ☹️

[@AutoAmateur]

Hahahaha. Very true. I’m still hanging onto my iPhone 8 because I don’t want to lose the pseudo home button on the bottom! 🤣🤣🤣

[@HawkMillFarm]

@@AutoAmateur I still had Blackberry until about a year ago.

[@wiktorzubert2806]

Just Bought POR- V2 and it is complete waste of money. It does read codes but never has been able to erase them. Codes persist, never get cleared. Furthermore, the battery registration failed no matter which battery I try to register. Used on Panamera 970. SO sad I watched your video and thought it would do the job.

[@AutoAmateur]

Forgive me, but could it be a user error? I've used my device on several different generation 911s, a Panamera, a Cayenne and a Cayman... worked perfectly each time - reading codes, clearing codes, etc. Service interval resets, etc.

[@wiktorzubert2806]

@@AutoAmateur hi, I understand that you are satisfied with the product. Unlike me. I have recorded what I observe. It is true that I may be doing something wrong. Or that the error will persist until some broken part is rectified but before workshop would erase it and I would keep driving for months without error

[@wiktorzubert2806]

@@AutoAmateur kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnTLoHyhh7WkhsU

[@wiktorzubert2806]

I have just left the local workshop (not porsche), which erased the error easily using not porsche dedicated tool. It makes me even more disappointed on this icarsoft crap

[@wiktorzubert2806]

@@AutoAmateur did you have a chance to lool at the video? Am I doing anything wrong?

[@achristian7015]

OK, I gotta know. 1:08 Why is it that Brits put a D in GARAGE. Its garage, there is no D in it, period! The guy from TPN TV pronounces it the same way. I also know that there are no rules in the English language. "Read" can be pronounced two totally different ways and of course there is "Reed" as in a reed instrument. Anyway, it is fun watching your videos. The one with the stripped hex on the drain plug was mind-boggling. Really, who ever did that should take up basket weaving instead of working on cars.

[@AutoAmateur]

🤷‍♂️ We invented the language, we get to do what we want. 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@achristian7015]

@@AutoAmateur Actually, you should do a video on why you moved to the US, what line of work you are in, what cars you've had in the past, etc. You'd make a good reporter due to your easy going manner.

[@johnwilde1174]

Yet another great video that has prompted me to order one for myself for Christmas. Been meaning to get one for 18 months after TPN Rainmaker review. On offer for £136 from iCarSoft.

[@AutoAmateur]

Cheers John! I just noticed a slightly newer version which is actually $5 cheaper on Amazon. This video has the POR-II, the newer one does what looks like just a handful of additional things and called the POR-V2 (only mildly confusing...!).

[@dennywilson9546]

KZbin this video >>>> "Ian Sellars , WHITBY 2009" then read the comment section underneath

[@submariner65-mj4cd]

@@dennywilson9546 WTF!!!! Region 3 guy .