Is this a decent scanner for 2003 S-Type?

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Dec 10, 2025 | 12:00 PM
  #1  
Looking at buying a scanner for myself…. Seen this on eBay and wanted to inquire what you all think. I would like it to also clear codes ect. Basic stuff I guess. Not sure what I need.

Reply 0
Dec 11, 2025 | 09:28 AM
  #2  
Look at the stickies and there is a long running thread on scanners. Post to that thread.
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Dec 11, 2025 | 10:27 AM
  #3  
That's a hopeless ad - it doesn't give detail what it does for your specific kind (i.e. model) of car (or any, really).
Reply 1
Dec 11, 2025 | 05:56 PM
  #4  
I sadly do not see a sticky with scan tools to be honest. I did a search and well… so many with hit and miss or way to costly. All I was hoping for was around 200.00 or so something I can use to scan codes clear them and maybe do real-time graphing. No auto service locations around me will even look at this car. lol it’s like the only one around for a hundred miles lol. I live in po dunk nowhere. So I am at the generosity of one of my friends that has a scanner, but his is like 2,400.00 way outa my price range.
Reply 0
Dec 11, 2025 | 07:03 PM
  #5  
Hi Darren,

Before spending $200.00 on a hardware scan tool, I would suggest you spend about $10.00 on an ELM327 OBDII interface and another $10.00 or less for an app that runs on your smartphone and will allow you to scan and clear all or most Powertrain (P-prefix) diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

If you use an iPhone, you need an ELM327 with WiFi capability and the Dashcommand app.

If you use an Android, you need an ELM327 with Bluetooth capability and the Torque Pro app.

If you find that you need more functionality, for example the abiity to read Jaguar's proprietary Body (B-prefix), Chassis (C-prefix) and Network (U-prefix) codes, I would recommend looking at the scanners from Autel. Their more affordable scanners typically have the same code reading capabilities as their high-end professional tools, they just don't have bi-directional communication, programming and other professional-level functions. Launch is another company that offers similar scan tools at many price points. Some of our members have had success with the Jaguar-specific tools from Foxwell and iCarsoft, but do your own research.

Even if you wind up purchasing a $200.00 unit, it's handy to keep an ELM327 in the glovebox just in case.

Cheers,

Don
Reply 4
Dec 11, 2025 | 07:33 PM
  #6  
Quote: I sadly do not see a sticky with scan tools to be honest. I did a search and well… so many with hit and miss or way to costly. All I was hoping for was around 200.00 or so something I can use to scan codes clear them and maybe do real-time graphing. No auto service locations around me will even look at this car. lol it’s like the only one around for a hundred miles lol. I live in po dunk nowhere. So I am at the generosity of one of my friends that has a scanner, but his is like 2,400.00 way outa my price range.
link below, but as Don suggested, an ELM 327 with Torque Pro for Android or Dashcommand for Apple and you are good for most everything

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/g...-%2A%2A-33347/

Reply 1
Dec 12, 2025 | 07:46 AM
  #7  
Yes that is the thread I was talking about. It's in the "General Tech Help" section.
Saves a lot of time deciding which ones work the best on Jaguars.

I am also a fan of Torque Pro as Don posted above. Especially with Cambo's great additional PID package for the 5.0L engine.
But for ANY Jaguar just the fact that TP gives you the actual coolant temperature is worth the small cost.
It's too cheap not to get!
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Reply 1
Dec 12, 2025 | 01:05 PM
  #8  
If you want scan only with jaguar specific stuff i like the older icarsoft i930. Updateable and small with a hardline connection. For bidirectional controls i am not familiar with the autel or launch or autologoc. I use an older snap on modis with euro cars i got for about 500.00 years ago. It still works great but is limited to 2012 model year. Still mine is 2006 s type r so it works nicely
Reply 2
Dec 12, 2025 | 02:29 PM
  #9  
Quote: Yes that is the thread I was talking about. It's in the "General Tech Help" section.
Saves a lot of time deciding which ones work the best on Jaguars.

I am also a fan of Torque Pro as Don posted above. Especially with Cambo's great additional PID package for the 5.0L engine.
But for ANY Jaguar just the fact that TP gives you the actual coolant temperature is worth the small cost.
It's too cheap not to get!
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Yes indeed - run Torque pro every day driving the XK8 with it set up to show coolant temp as well as short term and long term fuel trims
Reply 1
Dec 12, 2025 | 10:46 PM
  #10  
Quote: Hi Darren,

Before spending $200.00 on a hardware scan tool, I would suggest you spend about $10.00 on an ELM327 OBDII interface and another $10.00 or less for an app that runs on your smartphone and will allow you to scan and clear all or most Powertrain (P-prefix) diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

If you use an iPhone, you need an ELM327 with WiFi capability and the Dashcommand app.

If you use an Android, you need an ELM327 with Bluetooth capability and the Torque Pro app.

If you find that you need more functionality, for example the abiity to read Jaguar's proprietary Body (B-prefix), Chassis (C-prefix) and Network (U-prefix) codes, I would recommend looking at the scanners from Autel. Their more affordable scanners typically have the same code reading capabilities as their high-end professional tools, they just don't have bi-directional communication, programming and other professional-level functions. Launch is another company that offers similar scan tools at many price points. Some of our members have had success with the Jaguar-specific tools from Foxwell and iCarsoft, but do your own research.

Even if you wind up purchasing a $200.00 unit, it's handy to keep an ELM327 in the glovebox just in case.

Cheers,

Don

Now that is a helpful reply. Thanks for that information!
Reply 1
Jan 26, 2026 | 10:48 PM
  #11  
Wow there is lot there. Without going through nearly 1000 messages in that code reader thread. Is there a cheap clone type reader that you guys are using that will work with a 2001 S type. Preferably something that allows you to access the "good stuff" like the ability to add new keys

I understand this is probably a topic that comes up endlessly and everyone is sick of. But I'm happy with anything that works and isn't hugely expensive

seeya
Shane L.
Reply 0
Jan 28, 2026 | 02:54 AM
  #12  
Only expensive or WDS/IDS can do that. There's a tiny market for it. You should have 2 working ones as most everyone has.
Reply 1
Jan 29, 2026 | 04:30 PM
  #13  
Perfect, thanks for the quick feedback. It looks like that ELM bluetooth module will be the go then. Fingers crossed I don't need to access the jaguar specific codes The car seems to be in very good health for a 25 year old vehicle. Cars don't rust in Australia, so we have it easy

seeya
Shane L.
Reply 0
Jan 30, 2026 | 11:06 AM
  #14  
Listen to JagV8. Yes we all have the cheap ELM327 devices and they work for generic and basic code reading. Plus they are fast and easy to use too. You will NOT be able to read the JLR codes and that's what your after. Keys are another one. I don't really like SDD/IDS/WDS but it is the most powerful scan tool we have for Jaguars.
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Reply 0
Feb 11, 2026 | 06:40 PM
  #15  
This is for sale in the town I live in (crazy, isn't this a UK based forum).

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/market/294658

Does anyone know if this will this read the early 2001 Stype jaguar specific codes?
Reply 0
Feb 12, 2026 | 02:55 AM
  #16  
Quote: (crazy, isn't this a UK based forum).
No. Mostly USA but actually everywhere.
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