Resetting the oil service reminder on a Porsche vehicle doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the PIWIS III diagnostic tool, the process is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail and respect for the vehicle’s electrical systems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you reset your Porsche’s oil service reminder correctly without risking any damage to the vehicle’s electronic control module.
What You Need:
– PIWIS III Diagnostic Tool
– Stable 100 amp power supply (75 amp may suffice, but is not recommended)
DO NOT attach the power supply negative to the negative terminal of the battery. Use the negative chassis ground ONLY for any power hook ups, and other chassis grounds for any other power hookups, radar detector, cameras, etc.
PS positive to battery positive is fine.
Preparing the Vehicle:
1. Connect the Power Supply: Attach the positive lead of the power supply to the positive terminal of the battery. For the negative lead, connect it to the vehicle’s chassis ground—never directly to the battery’s negative terminal.
2. Power Up: Activate the power supply and turn on the PIWIS III tool.
3. Vehicle Ignition: Without starting the engine, turn on the car to provide power to its electrical systems. Make sure the exterior lights are off by pressing and holding the far-right button.
Using PIWIS III:
1. Launch PIWIS III: On the PIWIS III main menu, select the option for diagnostics. The tool should automatically detect your Porsche model.
2. Navigate to the Instrument Cluster: In the control unit selection menu, scroll down to find “INSTRUMENT CLUSTER” and press F12.
3. Maintenance Repairs: In the control unit overview, select “Maintenance Repairs” (option 6), followed by “Resetting Maintenance Interval” and press F12.
4. Understand the Warning: Pay close attention to the warning message. Any information you input will be recorded in the car’s service history and cannot be changed later.
5. Choose Services to Reset: Select “Oil Service” to reset the oil service reminder. If you do not wish to log this reset in the car’s PCM, uncheck “Write Service History.”
6. Input Service Information: If writing to the PCM, you’ll need to enter the dealer name, an order number (which must be three digits), and the current date. Make sure the total distance is accurate, as this reflects the vehicle’s mileage and will be converted to miles in the PCM.
7. Finalize the Reset: Review your selections. If everything looks correct, press F12 to navigate to the write screen. Press F8 to write the changes and reset the warnings/timers.
Post-Reset:
1. Check the Timers: You can verify the successful reset by checking the oil timer/date in the instrument cluster.
2. Power Down: Turn off the PIWIS III, the vehicle, and the power supply. Disconnect all equipment and restore any removed components.
3. Record Keeping: It’s always a good practice to document the service you’ve performed, especially if you opted not to write to the PCM.
By following these instructions, you can reset the oil service reminder on your Porsche without any fuss. Remember, this procedure will not only keep your vehicle’s maintenance schedule on track but also preserve an accurate record of service history, which is crucial for both vehicle performance and resale value. Always handle the PIWIS III and your vehicle’s electrical system with care to avoid any potential issues.