The check engine light came on today. Do these cars have a way to display the codes like my Harleys? Thanks in advance.

 

I believe not but something like an ELM327 is very affordable.
Thread in General Tech if you want to know more.

 

I guess I was just hopefully thinking that a technologically advanced automobile would at least have simple features found on an inexpensive motorcycle. I think I'll pick up the cen tech scan tool from harbor freight . Since it is self contained I'll just throw it in with the spare tire. I figure (this is my first Jaguar) this won't be the last time I'll need it. And when that light comes on it will be worth it to know if it is something that can wait or not.

 

Maybe they think a Jaguar owner would expect not to DIY and not even to have any clue what a code is.

Any idea what Ferrari do?

 

The Jaguar like all cars made this century have an OBDII port. I like to know my coolant temp, etc. I bought a "ScanGauge" and mounted it velcro to the pad above the steering and plugged it to the OBDII port. It is not obtrusive and I monitor coolant temp, intake air temp, battery voltage and fuel pressure. I can also monitor and erase codes.

 

The scan gauge sounded good...I bought one. Thanks, good idea.

 

Just be aware that the generic code readers can only read 5 characters of the Jag diagnostic codes - there are two extra characters (not standard OBDII) which give extra detail. Those can only be read by the Jag software, as far as I'm aware. But the reader will at least tell you what area to investigate.

As a randomly chosen example (just because it was the first I came to in the manual): C1D01 means a problem with the park brake release switch, but there are then 5 sub-codes that give more specific diagnosis and have different suggested investigation methods.

C1D01- 11
Park brake release switch - circuit short to ground
 Connector fault - bent, loose or corroded pin(s)
 Harness fault - short to ground  Switch fault
Refer to the electrical circuit diagrams and test park brake primary and secondary circuit for short to ground. Check and install a new switch as required

C1D01- 15
Park brake release switch - circuit short to battery or open
 Connector fault - bent, loose or corroded pin(s)
 Harness fault - open circuit
 Harness fault - short to battery  Switch fault
Refer to the electrical circuit diagrams and test parking brake primary and secondary release circuits for open circuits or short to battery. Check and install a new switch as required

C1D01- 1C
Park brake release switch - voltage out of range
 Connector fault - bent, loose or corroded pin(s)
 Harness fault - low resistance to ground
 Switch fault
Refer to electrical circuit diagrams and test park brake switch primary and secondary switch circuits for low resistance to ground. Check and install a new switch as required

C1D01- 62
Park brake release switch - signal compare failure
 Connector fault - bent, loose or corroded pin(s)
 Harness fault  Switch fault
Release switch active then apply switch active. Refer to electrical circuit diagrams and check switch circuits for open circuits or shorts. Repair circuit or replace switch as required

C1D01- 64
Park brake release switch - signal plausibility failure
 Connector fault - bent, loose or corroded pin(s)
 Harness fault  Switch fault
Primary and secondary release switch inputs signals do not match. Check connectors for damaged pins, Refer to electrical circuit diagrams and check switch circuits for open circuits or shorts. Repair circuit or replace switch as required