Hello Members; I'm looking to purchase a tool that I can plug in to the car and get the error codes and erase them. Is there one that is easier to use than others?
Thanks for the help
Mitch

 

Mitch, it all depends on your wallet. A Jaguar/Range Rover-dedicated OBDII scanner ($115 to $1,000+) will give you the most options, including ABS and SRS, etc. These would include the iCarsoft i930 or LR II, the Foxwell NT510, and others. Having said that, a really good miniature Bluetooth or WiFi reader (plus compatible 3rd party app for your Android or iPhone) will allow you to identify and clear many issues, plus it will allow you to monitor active data while driving. And they are easier on the wallet. I have a $150 iCarsoft LR II scanner which I really like, but is too large to use in the car all the time. I have tried a few of the inexpensive Bluetooth OBD readers for smartphones, and settled on a "TONWON PRO OBDII Bluetooth 4.0 Scan Tool for iOS and Android". I purchased it from Amazon for $28, which is fantastic for the money. I tested and found it to be a true ELM327 v2.1 device, with true Bluetooth v4.0 connectivity. It works well with several no-cost/low-cost smartphone diagnostic apps, and it gives me the capability to read and clear a large number of errors. And it's really nice to have the capability of monitoring coolant temp, voltage, charging current, fuel consumption, fuel trims, manifold pressure, intake air temp, Oxygen sensors, and more while I'm driving.

My other two units are really cheap ($10) clones. They both work (kind of) but are limited and unreliable. They will not allow me to clear any error codes even with sophisticated apps.

So, IMHO, an inexpensive, miniature Bluetooth code reader is the first thing to try. When searching for a good value, keep in mind that anything under $20 or that claims to be "ELM327, (and especially if it claims "v1.5" software), it is just a cheap, obsolete clone. ELM Electronics never made a v1.5 software version; they only made 1.0, 1.3a, 1.4b, 2.1, and 2.2. Anything else is a pirated version of their original v1.0, which was not protected from being copied.

This is not necessarily an endorsement of the TONWON PRO BLE 4.0 unit, but it is a true v2.1 reader, as tested by the available (free) ELM327 Identifier app, and is one third the cost of other genuine units.

Here's what a good ELM327-chipped reader (v2.1 or 2.2) should get you (depending upon the app functionality and the data made available from the car sensors...) (Note: Apps are beginning to provide auto-specific readings):

• Supplementary vehicle instrumentation
• Reporting of error codes
• Clearing error codes

ELM327 Functions

• Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database).
• Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL ("Check Engine" light)
• Display current sensor data
• Engine RPM
• Calculated Load Value
• Coolant Temperature
• Fuel System Status
• Vehicle Speed
• Short Term Fuel Trim
• Long Term Fuel Trim
• Intake Manifold Pressure
• Timing Advance
• Intake Air Temperature
• Air Flow Rate
• Absolute Throttle Position
• Oxygen sensor voltages/associated short term fuel trims
• Fuel System status
• Fuel Pressure
• Up to 4,000 - 15,000 additional values...

For more information, here's some interesting reading on the ELM327: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ELM327


Also, test any reader you get with the free ELM327 Identifier app, and return anything less than full v2.1 functionality. Attached are the test results for my 3 units (two of which are for sale, by the way...). First one is the TONWON PRO...

 

Redline; I would like to say thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. I'm blown away that you would take time to send such detailed info. I'm going to take your suggestions and order them over the weekend.
There are a special group of people that belong to Forum and I'm glad to be a part of it
Mitch

 

..."There are a special group of people that belong to (this) Forum and I'm glad to be a part of it."

Amen, brother!

 

Redline's detailed information is fantastic. But you might want to also consider the UltraGauge. Despite it being more expensive than the wireless devices, I bought one a few days after I bought my car. It stays suction-cup mounted to the bottom left corner of the windshield and plugged in to the OBD port, turns on and off with the engine, and provides continuous monitoring of temperature as well as some other selectable parameters. It also displays readiness indicators, and engine trouble codes and pending codes, and can clear the codes. And it leaves my smartphone free for WAZE navigation.

UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center

 

Did you see this thread in General Tech Help?

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/g...7/#post1884782

Diagnostic Tool question are common to all OBD compliant vehicles which is the reason for keeping the discussion together in General Tech Help instead of repeating it across all the individual model forums.

Graham

 

GGG; Thanks for the info. Still learning the site
Mitch

 

Thank you I will definitely look into it.
Mitch

 

Scangauge at work

Hi rsdMitch, If you are looking for a simple way to read computer codes and would like a good way to check coolant temps I recommend " ScanGauge" I think I paid around a $ 100 for the unit. At the time, I wanted a better view of coolant temperatures. Pugs into OBD connection under dash, I fastened to console with Velcro. Seems these cats set check engine, reduced power notices if the wind blows too hard. Last time I just changed the air filter. While driving I check code, clear as desired.

 

reb1999; Thank you for the info. I will definitely check it out.
Mitch

 

 

Thanks Much for the info. I'll give it a look
Mitch