I like and use the Autel AP200. About $55 and it will reset the service indicator on my 2014 XJ.
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That's about ONE THIRD the present price of even iCarsoft's smaller i930.

May get one as fallback.

Thanks.

 

I also use the Autel AP200, and it does a lot on my X150. Cheap and worth every penny. I rarely pull out my SDD 150 at this point, but SDD does things, like loading ucode into ECU's, that the Autel cannot. But still, with full diagnostic code reading access, about 100+ live data points, and basic service functions, the Autel is the first go-to.

 

REPLY: I didn’t see ANCEL listed? I just ordered

ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD II Vehicle Code Reader Automotive OBD2 Scanner

ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD II Vehicle Code Reader Automotive OBD2 Scanner

… I hope it covers 2004 xk8… if so it will get PLENTY of use! Always a sensor going bad or thinking of going bad.
thnx,
Cino61

 

Brand new to the forum! First post. Have been reading casually for years. Great resource.

Does anyone have an update on recommended diagnostic scanners for a 1999 XK8 (convertible) in the US? I am considering getting both a conventional scanner and the Bluetooth type, since those are so affordable. I don't have any experience with scanners, just want one that will read everything I need to diagnose codes and clear messages. I don't think I need to see real-time data, but I am open to it if someone thinks that will be useful (see below for my problem). Also wondering if a conventional scanner is really necessary, if the technology on the Bluetooth ones has quickly developed and made those obsolete? (Although, I am not a tech guy at all, so something basic that WILL work is preferable to me than fancy stuff on a screen that might be troublesome.)

My car's issue: intermittent "restricted performance" message for a few seconds to maybe a minute, and ENG light stays on. Have had the shop clear the ENG light but it comes back. Usually happens during the most benign conditions like cruising down the freeway. Puzzling. Local shop that specializes in classic cars cannot figure it out. They did say there were "lean" codes on both sides. I had them do the dreaded fuel pump replacement (was showing low pressure around 30), no change. The car is virtually pristine, only 32,000 miles. I state this because everything on it is like-new, no rust, corrosion, or anything - all components still look like the day they came out of the factory, so whatever the problem is is not caused by corrosion-type problems. Most bolts have never been touched. Can anyone help point me in the right direction? If there is a thread addressing this, can you please reply with a link?

I have owned this car for 14 years and love it, but this problem has been plaguing me for too long now and nobody can seem to figure it out. Yes, the shop went through all the diagnostic troubleshooting and checked all the recommended items. Starting to cost a small fortune and getting nothing fixed out of it. Yes, have new air cleaner, fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel completely drained, entire fuel system gone through, and all other items related to restricted performance message checked. Note: not much difference in actual performance when the message is showing - perhaps some slight lack of acceleration, but nothing near the limp-mode dumbing-down of the engine that can happen. (But that's what I am afraid of and why I want to get this fixed.)

I'm at the point that I just need to be able to read and clear the codes so I can try to diagnose the problem myself, and if I buy a scanner(s), I want to get one that will also do anything I need in the future, too (for this car). Any help from the experienced and helpful people on this forum will be greatly appreciated! Please be specific about the type of scanner, model, plug configuration if that's important, software version to look for, etc., as I have zero experience with them. Also note, I'm not a mechanic but I am pretty good with a wrench and fixing things, just not the tech side of things and the more modern diagnostics. Most of my experience is old-school before there were scanners! Back in the carb days before electronic ignition and vacuum tubes were the latest and greatest. Ahh, the good old days when you could just pull out your screwdriver and adjust the mixture and be on your way...

Apologies if I should be posting the specific problem on another thread. Thanks all.

 

Well your in the right thread!

Go back and look at the models that have been suggested before? Remember this is a constantly changing area and nothing will read all the codes like the Jaguar SDD system. Most of us own and use more than one scanner. Forget the BT verses anything else. It does not matter. Some scanner's use BT, some use Wi-Fi and others just use a cable. That's a not important.

There are a few scanners with specific Jaguar functions like the icarsoft scanners. The little Autel AP200 is cheap for what it does. But you do need to educate yourself on some basics. I am also a fan of the OBDLink MX+ interface which is BT. My Autel is BT also but the best scanner is my SDD it is connected with a cable.

There are U,P,B and C codes. Find out what these mean. Most simple scanners will only get you the most common codes which are P codes. This is what the parts stores use. So before you buy anything at least go to a parts store to get a free scan. Make sure they clear all the codes that they find.

Who knows maybe that will be enough information so you can fix your car from that? The problem is there might be deeper codes that a simple scanner can't see. Again this is why most of us have multiple scanners.
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Thanks, all great info!

Anyone else have a favorite scanner?
Or suggestions for finding the fix to the "restricted performance" problem?

 

As a follow-up, I purchased both the Autel AP200 and the icarsoft LR 2.0. I'm glad to have some cross-reference between the two. The icarsoft seems to be able to dig in further, although I still have a lot to learn about both. They have helped immensely. Now I understand that reading the codes is what most of the diagnostics is about nowadays, and the old ways of troubleshooting are (largely) obsolete. I guess I've been lucky to have cars that haven't given me many complex issues in the past that would have required having a scanner!

 

Don't forget that these cars, as wonderful as they are, are between 10 and 17 years old. That's old. You need a jlr code reader to keep them running, and as importantly, to keep them running well (see below). Low mileage or not, plastic and rubber age. Drivers may have ignored necessary maintenance. To keep enjoying this car, like any classic, you need to figure out how to do most of the common maintenance and simple repairs yourself, and save going to the garage for the things you can't handle. Particularly if you're using overpriced Jaguar parts, this is definitely not a car at which to fire the parts cannon.

Finally, a good jlr compatible code reader can help you confirm that the problem your Tech is trying to tell you about is actually the problem. Of course second-guessing your Tech depends on your ability to learn the details of the car. That includes getting a copy of the maintenance manual and the electrical manual.

While it's probably one of the best built Jaguar cars, it's still old and things will fail. That's part of buying an older car. The only reader to use on this car is one that can read and identify jlr codes.

 

Had a nice little chuckle courtesy of Autel. Check out the misplaced adjective near the end of the introduction, emphasis added by yours truly:

https://www.autel.com/mk1/3262.jhtml

"It is almost compatible with all vehicle models of European, Asian, and North America makes."

Personally, I'd prefer something actually compatible with almost all vehicle models, but to each his own...

 

Hey maybe they were hedging their bets and wanted to head off complaints. They could always say we told you you "it's almost" compatible!
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Recently I purchased a LAUNCH Creader Elite JL, for my 2014 xf, it is bi-directional, and it's quite nice with a lot of special functions (which I'm looking), and it's dedicated to Jaguars and Land rovers.

 

Topdon Ultradiag

The last few days have given me the opportunity to run my new purchase through some trials and in the end, I am very impressed with the features. So far it is very much like running a sleek version of SDD. I can perform two-way communication, program and perform IMMO functions. I plan on plying with this unit for a while before I purchased my next target product package, the Topdon Pheonix Smart with a T-Ninja Pro and TP48.
I ran into a problem with the 2014 XF AWD 3.0 where the washer pump stopped working while everything outside was turning to sludge. At first, I just thought I needed to replace the pump, I was shocked as to how wrong I was...

To shorten a long story, I was able to trace irregularities with the column switch on the steering, BMS, CJB and engine compartment fuse box issues affecting some fuses and relays and the initial glitch with the battery monitoring system which I think started it all. I used the Ultradiag, my meter, wiring diagrams and a few hand tools. I was able to trace from the first code that recorded from the BMS but not enough to activate any warning beacons on the instrument cluster that it all started when my wife required a boost at work because of a faulty outdoor plug. This affected the battery system, that progressed to hampering a replay in the engine fuse box, this affected the driver seat warming and caused errors in the CJB, in turn spiking a load to the washer pump and fracturing the fuse (Initially looking at it, it looked fine but on closer examination and pushing a load through, it almost looked cracked and not burnt but failed during testing. In the end, this caused issues with the heated seats, washer motor, MAS and throttle codes that once resetting the battery, the codes failed to return.

It very much reminded me of using SDD as I can see the timeline of the failures in comparison to the odometer. I was able to reset the battery, disconnect for 10 minutes and reconnect (If you don't disconnect afterwards, resetting an old battery will almost always brick the immo and not allow starting until you wipe it with a battery disconnect) and they activate commands from the screen as I trouble shoot. It really saved me a lot of time.

I still can't get over that what I thought was a simple burnt out and replacement of a washer pump showed me that a whole lot more was happening.

I have not tried programming new FOBs using it, but I have enjoyed working with it so far. It does have a subscription to use, comes with two years then you have to purchase. I still think SDD is the superior way to go but this seems a bit closer and a little friendlier to use.

 

Has anyone created an updated list of recommended Code readers for X300 that are Jaguar friendly and compliant and that our Indy's should have if they do not already?

 

I've had an ABS warning on the dash of my 97 X100 for a while and I do have the Icarsoft LR2 and the 3 and neither of them would cominicate with the car at all. Then I remembered I had an old Launch Creader VII+. Plugged it up to the car and it comunicated ok. Cleared the ABS code and it told me what wheel sesnsor was at fault. I know its an old reader but it does about nine different makes of vehicle so if you have one, don't throw it away!