Best Affordable Diagnostic Tool Inquiry

turbotoys · #1

Hello Cayenne family... I'm new to the Cayenne world and looking to learn. We just purchased a .2, 2016 Cayenne Diesel that's in impeccable condition. I'm a pretty competent home mechanic and do most of my own work. Having built/rebuilt a number of cars, I'm comfortable learning and taking on new projects. When looking at the Cayenne, the suspension and brakes seem pretty straightforward; however where I need to learn and get ahead is dealing with codes and diagnostics. I hear it's a bit more challenging to gain access to the codes in the Cayenne.

What are the recommended affordable diagnostic tools you all are using? I've looked at the Autel MaxiCOM MK808S but wasn't sure and didn't want to spend $$ on something that wasn't going to work. Appreciate any insight you all can provide

#2

I cannot answer your question but will help keep the thread alive until someone who might have feedback sees it. (There are several here who can possibly help.)

Meanwhile, welcome to Carpokes!

wem · #3

I just ordered an Autel MX808S from Amazon. Earlier this week, I brought in my 2023 Cayenne S Coupe for its 1st service. The 10k service (basically an oil change) is free. However, the dealership has figured out a way to squeeze out more revenue. It was highly recommended to have a 4 wheel alignment done to ensure everything including the cameras were in order. The cost $399. The following day, I brought in my wife's 2013 Boxster S for service. In addition to the oil change, brake fluid flush, he recommended the convertible top treatment and examination of the roof drains, and a 4 wheel alignment ($299) (total about $1300 including tax). I guess alignments are the new go to for the dealerships. Later the service advisor called to say the intermediate service was also due so he wanted to replace the wipers, the 2 pollen/cabin filters, and examine the body drains for $795. I don't mind supporting the dealership a bit, but $795 was ridiculous. I declined the additional items. I was told that they could not clear the intermediate service reminder since the service wasn't done. Hence, the reason for purchasing the Autel to clear the reminder message myself. I already ordered the Porsche OEM filters from a different dealer ($83 including tax and shipping). The wipers are fine, and I can check the drains myself.

Cgo911t · #4

I love my Autel MaxiCom 808. I’ve used it to diagnose and clear service codes. Recently, I replaced the front struts and air springs with the Bilstein strut assembly on my 2013 958.1 Turbo. I used it to bleed the air suspension and refill with a nitrogen tank connected. It told me step by step how to refill the system. Great tool!

icb · #5

I also have an MX808. While I've never used it on a Porsche (My 944S is pre-obd), I've used it on our Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-5 and I think it's a great tool for the money. The ability to graph the fuel trims and other data points in real time is awesome. Bidirectional control would be nice to have, but I really don't miss it. To get up to speed on modern diagnostics take a look at the ScannerDanner videos on Youtube, they're full of great information.

GT05 · #6

Hi there I have a 2014 Cayenne Diesel and use the iCarsoft POR-II. It works fine for all the servicing work. Bought off amazon and it works for the Cayenne, 2014 911 and 981 Cayman

#7

GT05 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 01, 2023 3:46 pm Hi there I have a 2014 Cayenne Diesel and use the iCarsoft POR-II. It works fine for all the servicing work. Bought off amazon and it works for the Cayenne, 2014 911 and 981 Cayman

Thanks for your post and for the info.

Welcome to Carpokes!

turbotoys · #8

All...Appreciate the insight on the Autel. I'm also looking at the PIWIS, which allows me to dig a little deeper and customize settings. What I don't think it does, which the Autel does is to use it on my other cars. @wem This is exactly why I want it. It's the small things that add up over a simple service light. @GT05 I'm not sure the iCarsoft goes deep enough for control customization. I want to be able to do things like turn off the seat belt warning or turn on a light bar when I go to brights.