I've got my first Check Engine Light on my 2001 MY XJR. Car still runs as good as ever. MIL stays on after ignition off and restart. I want to buy a cheap code reader/code clearer to have a look. Don't think I want to go to the full monty Auto Enginuity extravagance...just something to check and then clear codes.

Search shows that the Member Approved list of "recommended" items includes the Memoscan U480 trialled on 99 XJR and 2006 S type.

Amazon UK lists this for around £20-£30. Says it covers Jaguar.

What are my chances of extracting a code and then clearing it with this bit of kit? Other suggestions?? Ideally looking for a response from someone who has done the doing.

When I was on my tools (GM and AMC/Jeep/Renault) I could extract a code with a bent paperclip, via flashing Check Engine Light; and clear a code by disconnecting the battery for a minute. Still possible????

Having said that, when I started driving I could set the ignition timing with a spare sidelight bulb and a bit of wire; I'd set the choke on a cold morning using a box of matches to hold it on; and every Sunday would see half my neighbourhood out in the street fiddling under the bonnet...times have certainly changed.

Happy Motoring.

 

Munro,

Can't help with practical experience of the U480 as I have the luxury of AutoEnginuity but may be able to save you some ££ with this link:


Amazingly it is still possible to clear the MIL with a 'hard reset' but it will come back after two cycles if the underlying cause is not resolved.

Graham

 

I use the memoscan U581 - about £45 other than displaying 'electrical fault' when plugged in it'll do live data like fuel trims, throttle position, coolant temp, reads codes correctly and removes the MIL.

 

For my 2001 MY XJR with a check engine light (MIL):
I used a borrowed Memoscan model 381 (earlier version of the current Memoscan model 581, which is more sophisticated than their entry level 480 model).

When scanner is turned on and plugged into OBDII connector under steering column, with the engine off the dash reads “Electrical Fault”. Otherwise works fine. Instruction book is clear (a bit of pidgin in there). Turn key to on (don’t start engine) and wait for reader to link.

When linking, reader notes protocol recognised, then lists:

MIL status = On
Occurrences = 3

Total Codes = 03
Fault Codes = 01
Pending Codes = 02

Pressed “Read Codes”:
Prompts to select manufacturer from list.
Scroll down to #11 Jaguar: Enter
Lists each code and holds that until you press page down:

01/03 = P1647 Jaguar Fault Code “Linear 02 Sensor Control Chip (Bank 2)”

02/03 = P1111 Jaguar Pending Code “System Pass”

03/03 = P1647 Jaguar Pending Code “Linear O2 Sensor Control Chip (Bank 2)”

Then went to Erase Codes. Are you sure? Yes.

MIL status then showed as Off in the reader.

Turned off ignition and disconnected the reader. “Electrical Fault” message disappeared. Went for a short test drive (6 miles). No MIL showing.

Tried the Code Reader again:
0 Fault codes and 2 pending codes.
P1000 System Incomplete Reading.
P1647 Linear O2 Sensor Control Chip (Bank 2)

Conclusion:
1. Reader works well – although I did not test it in real time mode.
2. Fault code was real
3. Pending code suggests it is more than one event
4. Repeat pending code suggests it is a frequent enough occurrence
5. Expect MIL will come back on (think it takes 40 cycles without a repeat occurrence for a pending code to clear).

I need to buy a reader…Memoscan 581 is the updated version of this older 381, at around £50 it looks like it will make my life a whole lot easier. That’s the one Sean advised he had good experience with – thanks.

Have I fixed the problem? No.
Am I nearer to a solution? Yes.
Am I less anxious about it – you bet your babooshka.

Happy Motoring!

 

FWIW I bougth this
U480 Car Auto Diagnostic Scanner tool OBD2 OBDII EOBDII CAN-BUS Code Reader UK
on EBay UK for £15.
Very basic and doesn't, as claimed, show live data but connects OK

 

I know it is an older tread but just come across it, I too have a 581 and it appears to work and clear faults and I too have the "electrical fault" when connected, thought it was my car (2000 xkr) but seems to be common with this one
regards all