Have bought a new car Macan, and I heard a friend say to brush some Porsche hidden functions, using the Porsche engineers version of the computer brush out, which a friend can help me brush out, computer engineer, who can brush out, please contact me, and I will thank you to the way you like.
Mr xiaotoan
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On the Rennlist site, 718socal on the Rennlistsite says that coding the PCM with a PIWIS often causes the PCM to go dark and it is necessary to deactivate Production Mode to turn the screen back on. In corresponding with him, he said that when coding with an X431 we may or may not experience the same issue with the screen going dark.
Has anyone made changes to the PCM with an X431? If so, did the screen go dark? Were you able to deactivate Production Mode with your X431 (it is in the PCM system)?
If no one has done this, is there anyone who has access to both an X431 and a PIWIS that is willing to try this since said that he knows that Production Mode can be deactivated with a PIWIS?
Has anyone made changes to the PCM with an X431? If so, did the screen go dark? Were you able to deactivate Production Mode with your X431 (it is in the PCM system)?
If no one has done this, is there anyone who has access to both an X431 and a PIWIS that is willing to try this since said that he knows that Production Mode can be deactivated with a PIWIS?
What 718socal said is that the PCM goes dark when coding the PCM with a PIWIS most of the time and the only way to fix the black screen is to deactivate Production Mode. Why do you say be careful with Production Mode? What is the concern?
PIWIS 3 Coding Retrofit and Feature Request - Page 29 - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
PIWIS 3 Coding Retrofit and Feature Request - Page 29 - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
Hello All! I hope my question doesn't start a debate... 🤣 I've been on this forum for last 2+ hours searching and reading posts to try and sort out what would be the best diagnostic tool for my 2017 Macan GTS (I've also spent numerous hours comparing Autel, Launch and iCarSoft via other websites, youtube, etc.).
I would any appreciate feedback/recommendations from the experts here on which tool (make and model) would best suit my needs.
Here are the top reasons for pursuing a diagnostics tool:
1. Want to start doing my own general maintenance (oil changes, brakes, etc.).
2. Need to replace my battery soon and have read that I will need to register the new batter to the Macan.
3. Would like to do some coding for things like windows, sunroof via fob, and adjusting air suspension height.
4. Would like a unit that covers multiple manufacturers (we also have Honda and Subaru vehicles currently).
Would appreciate any feedback/recommendations (model #s would really be helpful too!!)
Thanks!
I would any appreciate feedback/recommendations from the experts here on which tool (make and model) would best suit my needs.
Here are the top reasons for pursuing a diagnostics tool:
1. Want to start doing my own general maintenance (oil changes, brakes, etc.).
2. Need to replace my battery soon and have read that I will need to register the new batter to the Macan.
3. Would like to do some coding for things like windows, sunroof via fob, and adjusting air suspension height.
4. Would like a unit that covers multiple manufacturers (we also have Honda and Subaru vehicles currently).
Would appreciate any feedback/recommendations (model #s would really be helpful too!!)
Thanks!
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3,586 Posts
I have PIWIS, a 2021 Launch X431 Pro 3S+, and a month ago I got a 2024 Otofix D1 Max (the Otofix is built by Autel under this brand name and is aimed to the DIY market… it is cheaper than equivalent Autel, but same capabilities as it runs the full Autel software).
So, as far as capabilities:
1. PIWIS: Is a very powerful tool and will run everything you need for a Porsche, including adaptations and module programming when adding new hardware (like new headlights - which you can’t do with an aftermarket OBD scanner). But, this doesn’t address one of your requirements, which is having the ability to diagnose multiple brands.
2. Launch X431: Great tool for diagnosing faults and coding ECU. It is a hit and miss with adaptation and calibration. I downloaded Volvo and BMW as those are my other car brands… and you can download basically everything. You get 2 years of free downloads.
3. Otofix D1 Max (powered by Autel): It is very fast, great at diagnosing faults. Less intuitive for ECU coding but maybe is because I’m still learning how to get there, but relatively easy to do. It seems Otofix (Autel) uploads a backup of all your codes to the cloud before it allows you to code (after first upload, you can decide if you need to upload again or not). This is different from X431 in which you don’t need to upload your codes in order to get into coding. It’s been great with adaptation and calibration so far. I downloaded BMW and Volvo as well. With Otofix you also get 2 years of free downloads, while you get only 1 year with Autel.
In my case, I use PIWIS for serious stuff, like refilling suspension system, height calibration, installing and programming headlights, etc…
For coding, I used X431, but since I got Otofix, I’m preferentially using it for everything I’m not using PIWIS for and haven’t used X431 since I got it. Still too early to tell, but I do like Autel environment better than X431.
I just recently used Otofix to perform a full PDK calibration successfully.
I’m planning on doing a comparison video on this, but it will probably be in a few months.
Thanks for the detailed reply. I hadn’t heard of Otofix, but will check it out.
I was considering the Autel MaxiPro MP808BT Pro (currently on sale for $650), but not sure if it covers the coding I’d like to do in #3 I noted above. The specs for this model weren’t real clear, but that seems to be the case for many if not all (could just be my ignorance as I’ve not used a tool like this before).
Thanks again!
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I believe the Otofix D1 is the equivalent to the Autel MP808BT ($589 in Amazon and 2 years of downloads). You get only 1 year with Autel.
Check them at otofixtech.com.
I’m sure you can code. Theoretically you should be able to calibrate height but I haven’t tested that.
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As Santrix said, and I will second him. The autel is the way to go. I switched from the x431 to the Autel and it can code everything you mentioned. In fact it codes more than what the x431 can code (hence why I switched over, as the launch device just was not coding certain thing. the autel done everything with ease). It is in my opinion the best all in 1 machine on the market to date.
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195 Posts
I agree with this post even though I haven't bought the autel yet to switch. The x431 has been just ok, I was a big fan because I thought it had great capabilities but the support is pretty much garbage (not sure autels is / would be better maybe someone can chime in) but for all 3 of my vehicles a lot of stuff just doesn't work that should.
Does the autel have a oil fill capacity special function at all where you can top off and get the exact amount of oil in on an oil change ?
Agreed as well, also my Launch CRP919x doesn't support several coding items I was trying. To me it looks like there are well supported modules/ECUs by Launch, one can even identify them before coding by their proper english implementation. Others just look like some students had been engaged to sniff functions from manufacturers tools and implement them w/o verifcation&testing.
Also, I personally detect some general significant price drop in this tester business. One year ago, one had to pay >600bucks for an ECU-coding capable device, now it tends to approach half. Looks like a selling-out...eventually Autel tries to protect their "IP" by making ECU-coding available online only, as I understood...
Also, I personally detect some general significant price drop in this tester business. One year ago, one had to pay >600bucks for an ECU-coding capable device, now it tends to approach half. Looks like a selling-out...eventually Autel tries to protect their "IP" by making ECU-coding available online only, as I understood...
2024 Macan Base Chalk w/ blk interior and a 2023 GT Silver 718 Boxster Base w/Bordeaux interior
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You can not do any coding with the iCarSoft unit. It is strictly for doing some maintenance stuff and reading information. You can reset oil maintenance dates, plug in new battery information, set the e-brake in service mode, bleed the ABS system, and a couple others. That's one of the reasons why it isn't as expensive as the other devices on the market.
Thanks for the input. Much appreciated! I've been looking at Otofix Santirx suggested and comparing to Autel models that I've been looking at. Question, when looking at Autel's Vehicle Coverage specs I see 'Coding without rules'. Is that the indicator that tells me a given Autel model is capable of making changes I am after?
Thanks again!
Thanks for the feedback!
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195 Posts
I'd be interested to know which models people are recommending from autel that's an equivalent to the recommendation of the x431 v+
Thanks for the feeback!
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195 Posts
Looks like autel does have the oil fill function, it's a shame I spent a grand in this x431 when the 808s is only 429 and does more fml
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156 Posts
This was the best deal I found that was tablet and did everything...
Amazon.com: LAUNCH X431 CRP919XBT Elite OBD2 Scanner 2025 Wireless Bidirectional Tool, ECU Coding, CANFD&DOIP, Full System Car Diagnostic Tool, FCA AutoAuth, V.A.G Guided, IMMO, 35+ Resets, 2 Years Free Update : Automotive
Buy LAUNCH X431 CRP919XBT Elite OBD2 Scanner 2025 Wireless Bidirectional Tool, ECU Coding, CANFD&DOIP, Full System Car Diagnostic Tool, FCA AutoAuth, V.A.G Guided, IMMO, 35+ Resets, 2 Years Free Update: Code Readers & Scan Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
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Look what just showed up, going to go see if I can code pse right now
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