The Bosch Hammer, officially known as the KTS301, is a diagnostic tool that holds a special place in the hearts of vintage Porsche enthusiasts. Its quirky name comes from its distinctive L-shape, with the LCD screen perched on the shorter arm and the keypad on the longer section. This article delves into the Bosch Hammer in action, showcasing its capabilities on a classic 3.6 Porsche engine and highlighting its enduring relevance for maintaining these iconic vehicles.
One of the initial hurdles when using the Bosch Hammer on older Porsches is often the diagnostic port itself. Stock vehicles typically featured a 19-pin AMP socket, but these original connectors, specifically made by AMP for Porsche, are no longer available (NLA). Forgoing the pursuit of now-obsolete stock parts, a resourceful approach involves utilizing an 8-pin LEMO socket. These LEMO connectors are readily accessible and built to withstand long-term use, proving to be a robust and cost-effective alternative. A custom cable, equipped with an 8-pin LEMO connector on one end and the necessary AMP connector for the Hammer on the other, ensures seamless communication.
Upon powering up the Bosch Hammer, it initiates a self-test sequence, clearly displaying the firmware version of its internal CPU. This initial step confirms the tool’s basic operational status and provides a quick system check before proceeding with diagnostics.
Following the firmware check, the Hammer displays the software version of the installed cartridge. Bosch produced various software cartridges, including generic versions and a Porsche-specific version exclusively for Porsche dealerships. While generic versions offer some functionality with Porsches, the Porsche-only cartridge unlocks the full diagnostic potential. The example shown here features the latest Porsche-specific cartridge, version 8.1 in English, dated September 1st, 1995. This particular module provides comprehensive coverage for Porsche models up to the early 993 generation.
The Bosch Hammer then prompts the user to select the vehicle model being diagnosed, presenting options such as 944, 911, and 928. Choosing ‘2’ for 911 initiates communication with the car’s systems. This vehicle selection is crucial for the tool to accurately interpret data and provide relevant diagnostic options.
The next step involves the Hammer scanning the vehicle’s data bus to identify installed components. In this particular Porsche, only the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) is detected. A stock vehicle might have additional modules like climate control, ABD (Automatic Braking Differential), or an onboard computer. The scan result here indicates “1=DME,” confirming the presence and detection of the engine management system.
Subsequently, the Bosch Hammer reads out detailed information about the DME, including its software version and specific type. This step provides crucial insight into the exact engine management system in place, aiding in accurate diagnosis and troubleshooting.
The diagnostic process then moves into a menu offering various functions depending on the engine’s status (running or not). These options include checking live data values and actuating engine components. Initially, the fault memory is checked to identify any pre-existing issues. In this case, the Bosch Hammer reports a clean bill of health, indicating no stored fault codes.
In conclusion, the Bosch Hammer KTS301 remains a valuable tool for diagnosing and maintaining classic Porsches. Its ability to interface with the specific systems of these vehicles, as demonstrated in this walkthrough, makes it an indispensable asset for enthusiasts and mechanics alike who are dedicated to preserving these automotive icons. Despite its age, the Bosch Hammer continues to deliver essential diagnostic capabilities for vintage Porsche models, proving its lasting legacy in automotive diagnostics.
