I am looking to purchase OBD tool for my XJ8.

I read some other posts on this topic but there was no conclusion when it comes to a specific recommendation.

• I am not a shop, so I am not ready to spend thousands of dollars
• I am an enthusiast that loves Jags, owner of '98 XJ8L and '03 XJ8
• Even though I love technology and using iPhone and Mac, it's ok if the reader only has its own screen.
• I want to know as much about my cars as possible

I would really appreciate some recommendations.

 

I would also appreciate knowing everyone’s thoughts. I know there are several threads on the forum that already discuss this (and I’ve read them) but, as another owner who is not hands on but still wants to know, while I have enough knowledge to read i don’t have enough to draw good conclusions.

 

I bought one of the elm code readers on amazon. Mine was veepeak i think but just about any will do. Then use the free obd fusion app. Will give you all kinds of info. Mine was very useful for setting 100% throttle opening

 

There's countless posts on this topic across our model forums. It comes down to what you want to do and how much you want to spend:

1. BASIC: read (and usually be able to clear) Powertrain codes - ELM reader or TorquePro app for Android
2. ENTHUSIAST: read and clear most of the error codes - iCarsoft
3. PRO: factory level - SDD (Symptom Driven Diagnostics) with a Mongoose cable.

I've given examples or readers and scantools but there's several types within each of these categories. Most of us who have worked on our Jaguars for some time have more than one solution. I used to use TorquePro but have iPhone and it's a chore to have an Android just for this App. I carry iCarsoft Pro in the vehicle and have SDD on a laptop for more in-depth troubleshooting at home or when travelling long distances.

Graham

 

expanding on Graham
nr 1 torque pro is complete enough and elm cheap to start your adventure with diagnosis, highly portable, i'm certain that you will keep it even after obtaining option 2 or 3
nr 2 nice little handy scanner, some firmware versions may not work with early cars, bit lacking compared to torque but will read some codes elm doesn't, won't get you as far as
nr 3 which is major pita to install and than orient yourself in the application nuances, not really portable option, but does everything that may be done
nr 1 ~ 10$
nr 2 ~ 100$
nr 3 ~ 50$
I think 10$ is fair place to start, and when needed add whatever suits you best

 

Has anyone had any experience with these people?
2022 V162 MONGOOSE PRO JLR SDD Pro for Jaguar For Land Rover Support 2 – QUANTUM OBD (getdiagsoftware.com)

I notice they list almost every Jaguar EXCEPT X308s

 

does not work reliably. only suited for 2002.5 (x202, x400, x350) and later and even then they are slow pieces of garbage.

a real JLR VCI from DA will get you around but an old VCM + real IDS is still way better. neither of these options are expensive

 

I have found the BlueDriver OBDII reader (bluetooth) to be easy to use, comprehensive, and effective in clearing codes. Despite the fact that in at least one review of this unit I read that it reads only North American VIN numbers, that is NOT true. I have used it on several Jaguars and on a Hyundai, always with good results.

 

it appears you know your way around these. Tell me
please, the best place to look for and old VCM + real
IDS. eBay? Or some other retailer?

 

I use an Action CP 9575: cheap, reads most codes, easy to reset lights, works on most cars . .