comes on and makes me click "ok" before it goes off and regular check engine light comes on. Does this typically refer to any particular kind of issues? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

The whole "Drive Car to Workshop" thing happens every time the check engine light comes on. Its pretty normal. I don't think there is a regular light.

Time to hook up an OBDII diagnostics cable and check whats up.

 

Can I use OBD2 gadget from Auto Zone for $79 or do I need to buy Durametric cable for $280 plus USB to windows laptop. Thanks for help.

 

Yeah you can use the Auto Zone one to get the code #, and then google what that means.

However the durametric does it all in one swipe, and is a nice product. Worth the 280 if you're going to be doing a lot of work on the car yourself.

 

FYI, autozone will not do free OBDII scans for codes anymore in CA. A law got enacted a few years ago because shop mechanics didn't like that people could get there codes read for free from the auto parts store. Also, I wouldn't buy one of their code readers either. the cheapies don't do a lot other than give you generic codes and not usually manufacturer specific codes. You got to pay more to get the good code readers and at that price range you might as well buy a durametric cable since it has a lot of capabilities well beyond code scanning. I love mine! Worth every penny

 

Ok thanks a lot. I'd hate to buy a laptop just for this or to move my desktop into the garage but that may be my best option, or, find a shop or dealer that will do the diagnosis free and go from there.

 

Oh didn't consider that possibility. If you have a laptop, the Durametric is great. Would be a pain in the butt to try and use your desktop computer without one. Pep Boys and AAMCO will do free OBDII scans although I would never let them work on Porsche but reading out the codes is harmless. Some Porshe Independent shops may do a free scan if you ask and they'll scan with the Porsche System Tester probably.