Wondering if it would be a good buy to purchase a code reader like they use in the repair shops. Between my 99 XK8 and 07 XK I think it could pay for itself pretty fast. I recently had an engine light showing and when the diagostics scanner was hooked up it was determined that a senser wire was accidently disconnected when I replaced the fog light. That was a $110.00 touch. I think I could have fixed the problem if I would have had the electronics. Any brands that would be recommended.

 

pbcs, you need to decide what codes you want to read. There are 4 code types (engine, body, chassis, and universal). Each one has certain requirements for what reader will read them. If you are after something like what a dealership has, be ready to hand over significant money (about $3,000). That pays for a lot of diagnostics. With that being said, I own an $80 unit that I bought at Advanced which is the Actron basic model (9245?) and that gives me all the engine codes. Sure it doesn't give me a lot of detail about it, but I get on the internet and find out more info than I care to admit to that way. You can spend between $200-300 and get a cable and a program that would allow you to access most of the codes. But, the downside to this system is you need to supply your own laptop (nothing fancy is needed, so a $100 wonder laptop running XP is more than adequate). That would probably be more than adequate for what you are planning. The laptop method normally also gives you the ability to see real time parameters of the car and can help in diagnosing problems. If I get another reader, I am going the laptop route. If you look at a site like OBD-II - On-Board Diagnostic System, they sell the cable setups.

Most code readers these days are pretty universal, so, they will work on just about anything out there. The advantage of the dealership unit is that they have modules that you can plug in and it will help you diagnose the problem with likely components being listed on the screen vice having to look them up via another program.

Your call. While the dealership one would be nice, it is way more than I care to spend.

 

+1 on the above info.

Good independent Jag shops will use the AutoEnginuity scanner with optional Jag software--less than $500. Most of these shops also work on other auto brands, and also have to order software to work on those other brands. It seems to be about the only scanner outside a dealership service dept. that can read all the Jag codes.

There are a number of other OBDII scanners of various prices. WalMart.com has great prices on Equus Innova scanners, like the $357 model 3150 that reads ABS and CAN/BUS codes for $148. They will also give you a list of common fixes for codes specific to the auto being scanned. I don't know if Innova will read the Jaguar ABS codes, but most users have other ABS vehicles they do work on. They appears to be very good products.

 

I am looking at a Auto Enginuity PC based Scan Tool # ST06 - USB with the enhanced Jag Expansion # EI11. Costs a little over $550.00 I want to beleive this is a good start.

 

Yes, It is! It beats the deale style scanners on usability by a long shot. The only drawback I have found is that AE will not do re are some setups thatr IDS will on my X-300.