Morning guys,

So I was thinking today, as I was reading through the posts, and I see so many oh get the codes etc posts.

On an Audi forum I used to belong to, they kept a sticky of guys that owned the (Vag-Com) scan tool and were able / willing to scan cars for other local members.

I know there are a lot of us out there that have tools, and would be willing to help, so I was thinking maybe something similar here??

What do you guys think?

Take care,
George

EDIT:

Here's who we have so far.

George Androulakis (me), Hamilton, NJ
ELM 327 (live data) and Actron Handheld cp9575 (Jag Specific, real time web updates, ABS codes etc).

Rick (JoycesJag) South Charlotte Area, NC
ElmScan5 (reads live data)

Vance (Vance580) Raleigh Area, NC
ELMScan 5 (live data)

Matt (h20boy) Ft. Worth, TX
AutoEngenuity with the jaguar enhanced features unlocked. Its a few years old, so I would say its competent to diagnose vehicles up to 2007.

Paul Ferguson (fergs03R) Western Massachusetts Area
Actron Handheld cp9575 (Jag Specific, real time web updates, ABS codes etc).

Chris Coleman (Thermo) Southern MD Area

Gus, (Gus) Ocean City, MD
Multiple OBD Tools Available

Bob Gauff (Motorcarman), Decatur, TX
Audi/VW VCDS HEX+CAN (Ross Tech VAG COM)
SPX OBDII
BR-CAN OBD-II Scan Tool
WDS Ford/Jaguar (several versions from early 2000s to 2006) so I am setup for all 1996 (1995 XJ) to 2006 Jaguar.

Jaguar 007, Meridian, Mississippi
Innova 3150 Scan Tool

Ghettomike, GTA, Ontario, Canada
Innova 3030 Scan Tool
Maxtrip Software

Rob (SpitFire) Peterborough, ON, Canada
ELM 327

 

Great idea!

 

OK everyone post their Location, Real name if they want, and what scan tool / software you have.

I'll throw a document / List together and attach it to the first post.


Take care,

George

 

Audizine by any chance?

 

Most of my time was spent on Audiforums I didn't get that into my B5 A4. That 1.8t was a poorly exceuted great idea. Thing had mode codes, vacuum issues etc than ANY other car I have ever had. Eventually I got it running right and sold it off, cut my losses.

They were pretty damn good on gas though...

Take care,

George

 

Excellent idea George, but as we all know for $40.00, a scan tool is essential as owning a 8mm, 10mm and a 15mm wrench when you own a Jaguar!


I'm in!
Rick
ElmScan5 (reads live data)
South Charlotte area

 

Just got mine.
Vance
ELMScan 5 (live data like Rick said)
Software OBDWiz and still playing with ScanXL
Raleigh Area, NC

Do you want to have maybe a phone number database. Not sure if anyone would want to give that out but for maybe people that dont check daily that get requested. Or maybe email.

I was a member of quattroworld.com when I had my A8. Great guys over there. One of the guys is a ZF tech that has alot of knowledge about ZF trans not sure how much he knows about ours . Maybe Ill shoot him an email.

 

I would like to be PM'd before making my number public.

 

I was on Audizine and went away when my Audi did...too many kids...

Here`s the old B5 A4 2.8 (btw, ELM for me)

 

Yea I didnt think anyone would want that out there. I think most people that are gonna have a scanner are people that post regularly and at least visit the forum daily. So pm's should work.

 

The price of OBD tools is staggeringly low, even the higher end ones, when you think what they can do. This is akin to the price of (say) project management software (PMS). Now, you'd take a while to learn how to use PMS well, especially if you'd never run a project before. Similarly, you can buy some oil paints fairly cheaply but you're not going to be a master immediately (or maybe ever).

This is rather unlike buying a wrench.

Very crude OBD tool usage - pulling codes - is easy. That's like running the PMS and finding Create New Project, or putting a dab of paint on a canvas. (Actually, this kind of OBD usage probably IS like using a wrench on something simple.)

Some very helpful people have put in-depth OBD write-ups on the net. To get much out of an OBD tool you probably need to spend time and effort studying what's out there, a bit like reading howstuffworks for any device (maybe a car!) of which you initially have no detailed knowledge. You'll need to become used to and familiar with a lot of new terminology. Nothing scary, really, but there's a lot of it - and for good reasons. I'm sure once there were people who objected to new fangled terms like wrench, screw, bolt, nut, flange, and so on. OBD is no different. Cars have been control systems with feedback for a long time but most shade tree mechanics (and maybe many experts) never thought of them that way. With OBD this becomes something to focus upon if you're going to understand and be able to think what readings to take and what they mean.

To get you started, here's a handy site with a picture: http://www.onboarddiagnostics.com/page02.htm
(It's not exact but it's a good enough introduction.)

 

Nice link. I like pictures definitly helps make more sense of how the whole thing works. I have always been a more visual person.

 

George, I'm more than happy to be part of your scantool database and will help anyone willing to drive to me to take advantage of my AutoEngenuity with the jaguar enhanced features unlocked. Its a few years old, so I would say its competent to diagnose vehicles up to 2007. Newer than that, I cannot guarantee, as I haven't upgraded since my purchase.

With more veteran members in good standing, I also have loaned out the scanner and software, even shipped it around the country. That is totally optional, and would be at my sole discretion to qualify someone for this extended service.

PM me for any additional details you may need!

 

Added you to the list. Btw, you ever figure out that video switching issue?

Thanks,

George

 

I have a scan tool. It is actually on loan right not to another Jag member so he can analyze his XJ. So, anyone in the Southern MD area, let me know. If you need some assistance, I'll be there there. I love to get greasy and take on projects all the time.

 

Good stuff I'll add you to the list.

Thanks!

George

 

95% 0f the time I will be in Ocean City Md at my condo and have 3 OBDII tools and would be available any time. So if you are on vacation and in a pinch on the Md eastern shore or gambling at Ocean Downs I am moment away and in the phone book.

 

If your living out in the boonies here in Mississippi and you dont have a scan tool then your fuaked!!! So please put me on your list too, I have a Innova 3150. It does live data and all just like the newer Elms. There's no Jag dealer out here in Meridian, you have to drive to Jackson, Mississippi.

 

I have the Audi/VW VCDS HEX+CAN (Ross Tech VAG COM), SPX OBDII, The BR-CAN OBD-II Scan Tool and a Scan tool I bought from MAC Tools and have had since the mid 90s.

I also have WDS Ford/Jaguar (several versions from early 2000s to 2006) so I am setup for all 1996 (1995 XJ) to 2006 Jaguar. I have the Ford WDS but I have never been to Ford training so I am not as familiar with it as I am the Jaguar software.

bob gauff

 

George not a bad list so far for only being posted for 25 hours. Many thanks to the generous members here!