I have a check engine light on. One time I used a trick to figure out the code and fix the problem with out an OBD tester. It's been a while and I don't remember what I did. I just remember using some wire and the check engine light flashing the codes. Does anyone know if that is possible with a 2003/2004 S-type? If so how is it done?

 

I think, honestly, it is done by buying one of the OBD readers on the 'known to work' list
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/g...-%2A%2A-33347/

 

Yea, don't stick wires in stuff. Ever.

 

Is your name actually Daniel Satur?

The more I read your posts, the more I believe you're him in disguise....

 

I can read the DTC right from the dash on my 1992 Buick Riviera. Pretty neat how it was integrated like that. The car has been off the road for the past 2 years now but I remember having to press a couple buttons at the same time on the climate control panel in order to engage it.
This is the process I first thought you were referring to.

 

That took me back a while.

You're thinking of the old OBD1 standard where pressing a sequence of buttons on the VCM displays the fault codes. The XJ40 is OBD1 but your S-Type is OBD2 and it needs a scantool connected to the diagnostic port to read the codes.

For nostalgia only:



Things were a lot simpler in those days!

Graham

 

Yes....The good old days. I remember how cool it was to put a paper clip into a diagnostic connector and watch the flashes of the check engine light. That's progress for you.

On the other hand, the beauty of the obd code reader is the intended universality of the tool. Buy a good one and you will have it handy for any OBDII vehicle. It's a very handy tool.

Many parts stores will let you use a code reader or read the codes for you.