Completing a Porsche 911 OBD2 Drive Cycle: Will FIXD OBD2 Scanner Work?

Many Porsche 911 owners encounter situations where their check engine light illuminates, often after a battery change or certain repairs. Resetting the ECU can clear these codes, but sometimes, to ensure your car is ready for an emissions test, you need to perform an OBD2 drive cycle. This process allows your Porsche 911’s onboard diagnostic system to run comprehensive tests and set the readiness monitors. A common question arises: Will a FIXD OBD2 scanner work to monitor and verify the completion of a Porsche 911 drive cycle? The answer is generally yes, generic OBD2 scanners like FIXD can interface with your Porsche 911 and help you through this process.

This guide outlines the Porsche 911 OBD2 drive cycle procedure and explains how you can utilize an OBD2 scanner, including tools similar to FIXD, to ensure your vehicle is ready.

Understanding the Porsche 911 Drive Cycle

Before starting, it’s crucial to understand that this drive cycle is a specific set of driving conditions designed to activate and complete the various OBD2 system monitors in your Porsche. These monitors, such as the Oxygen Sensor, Catalytic Converter, and EVAP system monitors, need to be in a “Ready” or “Complete” state for your vehicle to pass an emissions test.

Important Preparations:

• Fuel Level: Ensure your Porsche 911 has a fuel tank level between 1/4 and 3/4 full.
• RPM and Speed Limits: Do not exceed 3,000 rpm or 60 mph during any part of the drive cycle.
• Safety First: Perform this drive cycle cautiously, especially on public roads. If you are uncomfortable or unsure, consult a Porsche mechanic or a smog check repair center.

Step-by-Step Porsche 911 OBD2 Drive Cycle Procedure

Follow these steps in order to complete the drive cycle:

A. Initial Idle:

• Start your Porsche 911 engine and let it idle for approximately 2.5 minutes (two and a half minutes).
• Purpose: This allows the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to diagnose the aging of the oxygen sensors by monitoring their warm-up period and reaction to increasing exhaust temperatures. It also initiates testing of the Secondary Air Injection system.

B. Low Speed Cruise:

• Begin driving and accelerate gently to a speed between 20-30 mph.
• Maintain this steady speed for 3.5 minutes (three and a half minutes).
• Purpose: During this phase, the ECU tests the efficiency of the catalytic converter.

C. Mid-Range Cruise:

• Next, accelerate to a speed between 40-60 mph.
• Maintain this constant speed for approximately 15 minutes.
• Purpose: This step is crucial for testing the EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system, along with adaptation range (2), and the switching function of the oxygen sensors.

D. Deceleration and Idle:

• Safely decelerate and bring your Porsche 911 to a complete stop.
• Manual Transmission: If your 911 has a manual transmission, idle in neutral for 3 minutes.
• Tiptronic Transmission: If equipped with an automatic Tiptronic transmission, idle in drive (D) for 3 minutes.
• Purpose: This idling period allows the ECU to further test adaptation range (2).

E. Repeat Cycle:

• Repeat steps B through D one more time to complete the full drive cycle.

Utilizing an OBD2 Scanner for Drive Cycle Monitoring

While performing the drive cycle, an OBD2 scanner can be incredibly helpful. Tools like FIXD, or any generic OBD2 scanner, can connect to your Porsche 911’s diagnostic port and display real-time data, including the status of your OBD2 readiness monitors.

How to use an OBD2 Scanner (like FIXD):

1. Connect the Scanner: Plug your OBD2 scanner into the OBD2 port, typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Porsche 911.
2. Turn on Ignition: Turn your car’s ignition to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine initially if your scanner instructs you to do so. Follow the scanner’s instructions for connection.
3. Check Readiness Monitors: Use the scanner to check the status of the OBD2 readiness monitors. You are looking for “Ready” or “Complete” status for all applicable monitors.
4. Monitor During Drive Cycle: Some scanners allow you to monitor the monitors in real-time as you perform the drive cycle, giving you immediate feedback.
5. Verify Completion: After completing the drive cycle, re-check the readiness monitors to confirm they have all switched to “Ready”.

Additional Tips for Success:

• Drive in Cycles: Consider driving in 10-minute cycles at 1400-2800 RPM in a higher gear (5th or 6th) at a slow, steady speed if traffic conditions allow. If you deviate from the RPM range or stop, the cycle timer might reset.
• Fuel Level for EVAP: For the EVAP monitor to run, ensure your fuel tank is between 1/3 and 2/3 full, as mentioned in some variations of the drive cycle.
• Cold Start Idle: Start the car when cold and let it idle for 10 minutes with accessories like lights and A/C or heater turned on, both at the beginning and end of the drive cycle, as suggested by some technicians.

Conclusion

Performing a Porsche 911 OBD2 drive cycle correctly can be crucial for passing emissions tests and ensuring your vehicle’s systems are properly monitored. Using an OBD2 scanner, including readily available options like FIXD, provides valuable insight into the readiness monitor status and helps you verify the successful completion of the drive cycle. Remember to prioritize safety and seek professional assistance if you are uncomfortable performing these procedures yourself.