Which OBD scanner is best suited for our cars?
 

Just started researching online...

Never bought one, and wanted to know what the Pro's and cons are with the devices from real world experiece with F-Types.

Guess it would be good to have the ability to clear faults, and I'd like to get something that's pretty advanced i.e I can get in and see everything.

Can I get a scanner that as well as doing the above, also has the ability to bluetooth to my phone to give real time data?

Possibly a tool that's as versatile as this Autec, but uses Android as the interface:

http://www.diagnostic-world.com/page...ent_item_64277

TIA

Subscribed.

Don't know what is available to you in the UK. But, like all electronic purchases, the more you spend, the longer it will last before it is outdated. With the Jaguars, I read that the factory SDD diagnostic system can read fault codes to a better, more precise 'level' than many generic readers.

The Torque app coupled with an ELM OBDII dongle can give you real time information.

Of course, hooking up the bluetooth dongle means we have the danger of the battery drain as a result of hookups to the OBD plug. I'm NOT looking forward to our state's emissions check in August, where they connect their reader to verify that the OBD system is working properly.

EDIT: There are additional topics in other forum subsections, like this one, from the Related Topics section at the bottom of the page:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...r-cars-194861/

Unfortunately, there are a lot of reports that accessing the ODB2 often disables the car upon the following drive or two. It did to me. It lead to the dealer being very confused and doing a bunch of unnecessary software loads that became a long and painful story.

So, not recommended for the Jag.
​​​​

I have an iCarsoft i930 and use it regularly on the F-Type to check and clear codes, about once every two weeks.
It's fairly detailed but doesn't go to quite the same depth as an Autec, it's easy to use, doesn't cost a bomb (around $100 US) and it has never caused any OBD2 port or battery problems.

I have an Innova Carscan (PN 31003). It works well and doesn't seem to cause any OBD II related battery drain problems.

Innova Pro - Products - 31003 - CarScan® Diagnostic Tool - Diagnostics Made Easy

So just plugging and unplugging a bluetooth OBDII reader will cause the battery to drain?

It doesn't happen with all cars. But many forum members report battery drain problems after the OBD 2 port is accessed because the car doesn't go to sleep (even after the accessing device has been disconnected) and drains the battery. Fortunately my car never had this issue (knock on wood).

I found an article awhile back that said this happens because some devices don't follow the proper handshake routine with the car (or vice versa) and it causes the ECU to stay awake which in turn causes the battery to drain. I can't find the article right now but if I do I will post a link.

Thanks so far with all the replies...I'm busy beavering away researching....I thought about the Scantools Wifi reader used with Torque Pro app, but not sure if you have the flexibility to clear codes and faults?

Can you not tell the OBD port to disconnect from the device and stop the handshaking, or am I barking up the wrong tree?

This one claims to auto sleep which would in theory solve the battery drain issue and it will allow you to clear routine (non Jaguar specific) engine codes using an app like Torque Pro:

Other than that, to kill power, know that the OBD port has a power feed pin. You could install an extender and a on/off switch on the power wire, but personally, I'd go with the auto shut off.

Then there is always this which is hard wired (not bluetooth) and shuts off with the car so no battery drain. It lets you clear codes (again, only generic engine codes). It's ugly but small and you could use the alarms to warn you of coolant temp limits or voltage drops. Someone over on the X150 forum uses it. He velcroed it to the under scuttle of the dash.

I'll get on and do some more researching based on the above...thansk for explaining the Auto Off part, seems daft that this tech does not have the intelligence to leave the car in a semi running state?!

I've been looking at the iCarsoft LR V2.0 for my 2010 XK. So far i've heard good things!
What i haven't been able to find out is if it is able to read all Jaguar codes such as the "C" fault codes that Jaguar's suspension use.

Does anyone know if it can?

handhelds like this will read the first 5 digits of Jaguar specific codes. They won't read the 6th or 7th digits which are just more specific and drilled down. for the DIY or shade tree mechanic this meets most peoples needs and to answer your question, yes it will with that caveat.
Also you will not be able to program modules as you can with SDD.

iCarsoft LR V2.0 Land Rover & Jaguar MULTI - System, DPF, Battery, Engine, ABS, Airbag & Oil Service Diagnostic Tool

I'm liking the idea of the SDD tool as it's specific and I don't need a generic device...just a shame I'm a Mac person at the moment, but guess I could switch back to a Windows machine or get the Windows shell for Mac OS.

Which SDD do you recommend?, there's a whole host from 10 bucks to 5000! Mongoose I think are something to do with the development of IDD and SDD?

Mac guy here as well. I run SDD on an old Dell laptop with windows 7 32 bit. 64 bit doesn't play well with SDD, at least my version. Also, I have an 2007 XK so my version, which is 121, works fine for me. I suggest you pop out the the general tech section. There are a few reads on SDD or ask the question about software version with your make and model. You want to run windows 7 32 bit. Do not use VMware that runs windows XP. there's no reason to be that archaic.

Always use a power supply. Low noise with 13.8vdc connected. Now this isn't important when reading and clearing codes but it is critical to have power supply support when programming modules so bear that in mind. I use an Astron RM 50.

Also, always have your laptop plugged in while using this software. Don't run it on battery. It's very bloated memory sucking software. You don't want to have the battery fail in the middle of a job!

Never use or settle for hacked Chinese software. Stay away and avoid the regret. Most guys want to use software that doesn't require a TOPIX subscription. Again, the general tech section will help you with which is the latest version built that doesn't require one.

Attached is a list of approved VCM devices. You don't want VCM 2 > that's for Fords. A couple of guys on my forum recently bought the DA dongle for a project to get back up cameras installed on our XK's. Earlier models didn't have them as an option. No complaints on those that I read about. I can give you a name to PM about it if you want to reach out.
https://www.diagnostic-associates.co...thru-interface

here are some videos on SDD. You will not find any more detailed instruction I don't think. I do have manuals but please PM me if/ when you get that far and I'll set them up in my dropbox for you to download.
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=jlr+sdd+131+how+to+use#id=16&vid=200458bf853b0 8b5284552ffacb71f70&action=view

Lastly, please PM me if you have questions as I'm not normally on this forum. Happy to help where I can. I'm not an expert on this. I use it when I need to and have it mostly for projects.

I've always wanted a code reader but have also been hesitant. If you get the code, where do you look to find out what the code means? I know for my truck it was just google, but is there a list of codes for JLR?

This is for MY14, but I would think the vast majority of the codes wouldn't change.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ek33ux7tf...guide.pdf?dl=0

My other Jag is a Land Rover LR3 and I have the GAP IID tool for that

https://www.gap-diagnostic.com

As there is a fair amount of module crossover in the JLR family I believe they may have been considering making a Jaguar specific version available but hard to gauge commercial interest and development time if no Jaguar owners would use it. In customer service terms, they are as legendary as VAP for providing help and support when users do dumb things on a weekend.

Rather than attempting to use official JLR tools unofficially it might be worth just contacting GAP to indicate your interest in their product if they were to release a Jaguar version.

Just my 2c.

Service manual should provide all codes for your vehicle along with the tests to rectify. DJS posted engine codes and you can use that. For other codes you need (or at least I need) the manual. There are none that I see free of charge for the F-Type. eBay often has them in CD format which is great. Otherwise you can download other model manual from here. All of the codes should be the same, it's just a question then of testing as all wiring is not the same. I'd pick a manual close to your vehicle's age. Well actually I'd buy a service manual

JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jaguar-F-Ty...F6De:rk:3:pf:0

OK, here's OzXFR's service manual, compiled for his V6S. It's huge, hard to navigate, and very repetitive. But a ton of info there...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t2hfjv7bas...anual.pdf?dl=0

Anyone know which bluetooth scanner works well on these cars? I have always bought a small obdll bluetooth scanner I can use with my phone at all times in every car I've owned. Saw that some may cause issues, so I don't want to waste money and buy the wrong one. Just looking for a confirmation on one that works. Will the plx work? Thanks

I use an elm327 with the Torque app (android) connected through bluetooth, works perfectly and never had any electrical or battery problems.
Just make sure you get a decent quality elm327 and not one of the cheap Chinese knock-offs.
I bought mine a few years ago so sorry I can't link to that one for you.

Thanks man that helped a lot.

wow, that's important to know! I was looking for info on which OBD tool to buy for my XJ L, or whether I should take it to Auto Zone or something similar to ask for a check of the codes. Guess that's not going to happen!

Is it this one?

https://www.amazon.com/Scanner-Bluetooth-OBDATOR-Diagnostic-Android/dp/B074DWH8JR/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=1P4AGDLBL2636&keywords=el m327+obd2+bluetooth&qid=1550582747&s=gateway&spref ix=elm+327&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=AH3WM46J9THPR

That is probably the one although your link doesn't work (must be something wrong/missing in that URL).
Maybe this one: Edit - your link works in my post, and maybe yours is a better version than the one I linked to.

I use the OBDLink MX+ BT adapter as is specifically powers down after 2 hours. Plus it's 3 times as fast as next fastest adapter.
I plan to leave it installed in the car from now on. It's a bit expensive at around $100. So far it works good and the car is still doing the start/stop thing. I found this is a great indicator of battery charge. If not stop/starting then the battery is not topped up.

But I just saw it on sale here for $80!!
OBDLink MX+
.
.
.

My i930 icarsoft can't read the engine module on my 2004 XJ8.
All sorts of engine module info on the 2007 XJ8 VDP,
Unable to upgrade, and no answers to my E Mails, W T F.
Really like the reader, except this one glitch it works great.
Anyone know of a reader able to read the 04 engine module ???????????????

You might want to check on the XJ8 subforum.

Same. That said, after the several weeks it took them to figure it out, now I can OBD.

What was the resolution?

Yes, the Blue Driver. Works flawlessly with Jaguars.

No fancy phone for the Blue Driver.
I'm looking to have access to the engine module on the 04.
The i930 other than that one flaw, is a great reader.

That it's only a problem after the first hookup. I don't know if that is true, but it was true for me.

I use the cheap little Foxwell NT201. It works fine for me. My BT and TorquePro reader immobilized the car on the next drive, but it works fine now too.

So, you are suggesting that an OBD device can be safely plugged in by immediately rebooting the battery management module (momentarily disconnecting battery) after the plug-in?

Not exactly. My car immobilized on the drive after I plugged in my BT OBD2 module. I left it plugged in to work with TorquePro. After leaving it with the dealer for a couple of weeks while they figured out how to clear the problem, they said some cars crap out the first time a customer (they probably said cheap) OBD2 reader is attached. I don't know what they did to clear it, but they called a few times to explain they were struggling to figure it out and fix it. After they gave the car back it has been fine. I thought it might have kept the car alive, maybe creating voltage issues during the next drive. But whatever the cause, it's been fine since just like they said it would.

I have used both an iCarsoft i930 and (now) an iCarsoft LR v2.0 dozens of times as I like to check and clear codes once a fortnight or so and I have never had a battery problem.

That’s good to know😉because I bought the iCarsoft LR 2.0 based on your recommendation last week.👍🏻

That's great, agreed they make a really nice piece of equipment, but back to the original issue.
So far it appears no one makes a reader able to get ANY information from my 04 engine module W T F.:icon_saywhat:
Main reason i posted over here, is so far no luck on the 03-09 section of this site.:icon_hunter:
Looks like the dealer level type of scanner programmer, is what it's going to take.
Any suggestions???

I recently bought " Autel Maxidas DS808 Diagnostic Tool OBD2 Scanner:" . It has great battery backup, a lot of features and the tech support is also amazing. It's a great product. You Should read more about OBD2 scanner here before purchasing so that the product suites your needs.