Hey Guys,
New to the site and it has already allowed a to address a dozen plus issues on my newly purchased 1999 XJ8. But I have a new issue that I could not find on the forum.
I took the car today to pass the CA smog test. The tech explained to me that he was unable to establish communication with my ODBC II port under the dash. He was able to pull some telemetry ( like RPM) but could perform the test do to a error that said unable to establish communication with ODBC II. He tried to connect and reconnect several times and power cycled the vehicle between attempts. Although his test unit looked pretty old in computer terms he told me they had just upgraded to the latest software and his test should be able to connect. Has anyone experienced this before or can give me some info on how to troubleshoot issue or fix it. Thanks your help in advance.

 

Don't see your model, but my 1998 gets real unhappy if I try and plug in an OBD2 scanner while it is running. If I plug it in THEN start it, no problems. My 2001 XJR? Doesn't matter if it is running or not, no problems.

It also happened with a different 1998 XJ8L I owned a little while back.

 

1999 Jaguar XJ8

 

dsnyder586, What does unhappy look like?

 

Welcome to the Forum, Brett.
Please take time to visit
New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
and introduce yourself so we can say 'Hello'.
Also put your car details in your signature to help others.

 

Are they using OBDII protocol ISO 9141 ? Also, I believe there might even be a fuse for the OBDII port, can't verify right now. Maybe someone will chime in.

 

Fuse #10 in the RH heelboard Fuse Box (under the front of the rear seat cushion) - 5 amp.

Graham

 

Unhappy looks like the the failsafe lights coming on and the reader not getting a reading.

 

Thanks guys I will check these suggestion tonight.

 

I have the same problem with my OBDII reader.

When I plug in my, I get nothing but a Traction/Stablity Control Failsafe message on the dash. But it works well on the wife Mercedes AMG C43, on the BMW 740il, Honda Oddessey, Dodge Durango, ect... But, not on the Jaguar!

I just gave up and figure if the CEL is not on, I am good (I HOPE).

 

Hello sbreeden,
Have you had to pass emissions with the car yet. If so does your state require ODBC II connection to perform test?

 

Fuse is good. I will try to re_test on Thrusday at another place and have them make sure they are using OBDII protocol ISO 9141

 

Anything else I should investagate?

 

After verifying the fuse is OK, I'd suspect the Code Reader / Scan Tool before the port. The only thing to go wrong with it is physical damage or cables broken.

Check this thread for member recommended scanners:

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

You'll see several reports there of connection failures and incorrect codes being reported.

Can you get somewhere else such as Pep Boys to try to check codes for you just to see if they can connect successfully?

Graham

 

We do have to be tested smog I think in PA, the inspection station worker say they have to connect the OBDII tool to make sure there are not codes.

His never came back with a compliant, so I guess it works with his scanner and not my. I have/use a $79.99 HarborFreight scanner, that says it works on CANBUS systems.

 

I have the same problem in NY but with a 2003 x-type. Nothing comes up when checking for codes. It passed but wont pass the emissions with the state computer. I recently had a coolant tank crack and replaced the coolant tank. I called the jag tech and he said the computer will reset after an undetermined amount of miles. I have driven it for more than 200. Any ideas so I can get it inspected? All passed otherwise.