My 1996 XJS 4.0 UK spec Coupe failed its MOT for emissions. After trawling the forum for recommended code reader I bought a iCarsoft V2 LR/ Jaguar reader.
I am having issues reading error codes.
I have updated the software to the latest version available on the web site:
UID 4cDc6
Firmware V24.03
Jaguar V33.1
LR V33.1

The unit will not auto recognise the Vin. When I entered the Vin manualy It identified as Jaguar XJS 1996 X200 (2.5LAJ-V6)
Plant: CB
Market USA
Emissions ECS4

Auto scan came up with Straight 6
ECM (Straight 6 Fitted) But when I ran the scan I get a “LYNK ERROR”

I ran the voltage check: Battery voltage is reading 11.9v - 12.06V

I ran an OBD scan and got the following:
MIL status off No codes found
Codes found 0
Monitor completed4
Monitor Not completed1
Monitors Supported4
IgnitionSpark
ProtocolISO

Diagnostics: Failed to read VIN

As a side note: I ran OBD codes on my 2007 Suzuki SX4 (4 grip) and it worked fine. I apparently have an out of spec Catalytic converter. Code cleared.

Has anyone had this issue? How did you resolve?

 

I don’t believe there are any OBD2 readers that can pull the VIN for the Jaguar XJS.

Are you saying you are not able to pull any codes at all? You might actually need a cheaper device? Any reader seems to be able to pull the standard “p” codes. What you bought should also pull the Jaguar specific ABS and Transmission codes.

 

AVRO XJS,

A lot of bespoke code readers are absolutely dependent on having a full voltage, and yours is significantly low. First of all, I would fully charge the battery and have a battery conditioner plugged in whilst you're using the iCarsoft.

However, as Vee has suggested, I'd start with a simple Ł4 plug-in OBDII module and check for codes that way. Also, have you got a trip computer fitted? In which case, you can see the engine codes that way.

AJ16 engines are usually fine for UK emissions, Which reading did it fail on? This may help us diagnose the issue.

Good luck

Paul

 

Thanks for the reply
I can't pull any codes I get a message saying LYNK ERROR.
I have received a reply from Icarsoft asking me to down load a file and send it to them so hopefully they can see the issue.
I also had a local garage try to pull codes using an Autell reader. They could not read codes either, said their software did not go that far back.
I tried a cheap reader that did not work got $51 message.

I have manually tested the Oxygen sensors Both and the resistance reading on the heater eliment is consistent with a new sensor. The car is only sending 5v though, was expecting 12v but it may be a modulate supply ?
I wasn't able to test the signal with the car running.

 

Can you share the last 6 digits of your VIN. I realize the UK identify model years differently than what I’m accustomed to in the US. I just want to make sure you aren’t on the OBD1 system.

thanks.

 

Vee,

If it's got an AJ16, it's OBDII. I have a very early AJ16 and it it talks to any cheap old OBDII plug-in.

Paul

 

AVRO XJS,

The Lambda sensors work on 5v.

Can you just borrow a cheap OBDII plugin from someone and read the codes on a smartphone?

Also, which emission reading is high?

Paul

 

Thank you all for the input.
My Car vin last six digits 225894.
I have the car on change now and will check the voltage later on to day. I will also try the cheap OBD reader I have.

iCarsoft support got back to me, I have instructions on howe to clear the log and then send them a file from the code reader.

MOT Fail.
Exhaust Hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits [ 8.2.1.2(c)]
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits. [8.2.1.2(C)]

I have a new Lambda sensor ready, if I can identify which, if any of the two are faulty.

Thanks again. Tig

 

Tig,

Was the engine fully warm when they did the emissions test? The AJ16 should be warmed up well for the emissions test.

HC AND CO failing together could indicate an unburnt fuel and combustion issue. Perhaps one of the coils / spark plugs is not behaving fully?

If you have the Torque App, or similar, on your phone, you will be able to see the voltage trace on both lambdas. I would definitely check that before changing anything.

Cheers

Paul

 

It most certainly is the 96!

I suspect iCarSoft will fix you up with a patch or something. I find having a cheap ELM27 wireless plug with a phone app to be super convenient.

Apple phones can only work with WiFi dongles, while Android can use either Bluetooth or WiFi.

I believe the UK market cars are equipped with just two oxygen sensors. If that’s the case…you may as well just replace both. The other one probably isn’t far behind.

Thats only IF that ends up being the problem.

Is it idling normal? Nothing rough? RPM steady at about 700-720, warm?

 

Paul
I am only five minutes from the test centre. The tester ran the car on idle for a while before testing, so probably not that hot. However I did take the car for a good thrash down the motorway and they tested the emission again, better not good enough to pass.
I will check out the Torque app, I did look at previously and there seem to be issues when used with iPhone.
Thanks for your help

 

Paul
Looks like you were spot on about the voltage. I had the car on triple charge maintenance over 24 hours and checked the codes again with the charger connected. No joy with the Icarsoft unit but the cheap Autel unit did pull some info.
From the options A/T results mainly Off or N/A,
But $51 returned
Mil OFF
Misfire OK
Fuel OK
Comp Component OK
Catalyst N/A
HTD Catalyst N/A
EVAP N/A
Sec air Sys N/A
A/C Ref N/A
Oxygen Mon OK
Oxygen Heter OK
EGR Sys N/A

Next step is to look at the plugs, and see if one is fouling.
Thanks again

 

Tig,

Yes Torque Pro is only for Android. But I'm sure a quick internet search will find you the best iOS free or cheap App. You just want one that will display all the engine sensor parameters including charting the voltage trace on the 2 lambda sensors. Then you can verify that they are both functioning ok. Although the HC level is often an indicator of unburnt fuel, as we know.

Cheers

Paul

 

I have been using OBD Fusion with my iPhone. You will need an ELM27 wireless dongle that is WiFi based, not Bluetooth.

Do you have a Check Engine light on? If there’s no light, there’s no code to pull.

I would like to know for sure your car is going into Open Loop. OBD Fusion can tell you.

Common problems to look for:
1. Oxygen sensors need replacing
2. Coolant Temp Sensor failing. Easy and cheap to replace.
3. Vacuum leaks

 

Update.
I have ordered a OBD2 that's compatible with the iPhone. I have also ordered a socket for removal of the plugs.
I hope to spend some time tomorrow checking for air leaks and will have a look at the coolant temp sensor.
I do not have a check engine light (it flashes on when starting the car but goes out immediately)
I have managed to get the car through an MOT, and today took the Car for a longish run (120 Miles) mainly motorway, it runs fine and returned 22.9 MPG !
I am interested to see what the new code reader comes up with. The cheep Autel reader says Oxygen sensors and heaters are OK.
I will update soon with the new code reader results.
Thank you all for your help and suggestions.
Tig

 

Tig,

Obviously the HC & CO were low enough this time to pass. What were the readings on the MoT?

If the engine was warm the previous time, it's unusual for the readings to suddenly improve this time, unless they are still borderline?

Paul

 

Tig,

Tks for the PM. Your emission figures are absolutely fine. I suspect it was just a blip, dirty probe, cold engine etc that meant it didn't pass beforehand.

I bet that no codes at all will show up on the Phone App. I think you'll have more fun plotting the lambda graphs, looking at the sensor readings etc on the App.

Cheers

Paul

 

Agreed. If you don’t have any codes, then the code dongle will probably not pull anything up.

Oxygen sensor replacement may be on your horizon though.