When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a cheap OBD scanner tool that tells me P codes. From my research I have found out that there are more codes than just P codes and if you have a better scanning code you can learn these other codes as well.
However, there seem to be so many options I am having trouble recognizing what would be the best scanner tool to get.
If I am correct, could I get some recommendations of a better scanning tool to obtain? What scanning tool do you have and how well do you like it? Would you buy it again or would you buy something else instead?
I use the icarsoft LRv1, there is a v2 but I think the improvements mainly are beneficial for the 2011 cars and newer. I can read most of the suspension and transmission codes but for $100 it’s just “OK”. I think to get a better scanner you have to be spending In the $300+ range.
but I’d love to hear of a $100 tool that does everything.
Do consider an iCarsoft LR II, a good investment even at list price. Big screen, user friendly, comprehensive, and comes with free data/program updates forever (I've updated mine twice in the past 2 years).
It is a programmable scanner that you can get packages for many makes and models at a reasonable price. I have the JLR kit for mine and I can confirm that it can talk to all the module types.
Works pretty well although I have not specifically tried the very advanced functions like resetting the transmission adaptations and going through the drive cycle.
Another nice feature is that it can hold multiple programs, so you can have 1 tool that will work for all of your cars.
I've just purchased an iCarsoft CR Pro because I wanted multiple vehicle coverage but the iCarsoft II is a good tool if you only want single vehicle capability. However, don't expect anything in this price range to provide full code reading of all modules.
For comprehensive diagnostics, I still keep SDD v1.50 but this requires a laptop and a Mongoose Pro cable.
I have the older Foxwell NT510, bought used locally. Initially a JLR model, I bought/added VW/Audi support later on. There has been a couple of software updates over time, but mainly to add support for newer models.
tl;dr; These device at the price point where they are (<$200) are quickly worth their cost in the net, but don't necessarily believe that the claims that are made at the brand level will apply in full to your specific model.
Do consider an iCarsoft LR II, a good investment even at list price. Big screen, user friendly, comprehensive, and comes with free data/program updates forever (I've updated mine twice in the past 2 years).
I saw the iCarsoft i930 scanner mentioned in another thread. Is a bigger screen the primary advantage of the LR II over the i930?
For only $70 more I am inclined to take your advice. I have never regretted buying the best tools I can find.
They're both great scanners; the LR II is just the newer, upgraded version of an i930. It has more reset functions for newer models such as oil service reset,brake pad reset, EPB, SAS, DPF and ETCs. For our (older) Jags, either one will work well, but for long term investment, I think the LR II will be more useful if anyone intends to buy and maintain a newer Jag or LR. Read all about it here: https://ljmcardiagnostics.co.uk/prod...ver-and-jaguar
I see the Mongoose Pro cable. It looks like the JLR SDD is free software? It looks like it is up to version 1.60 now?
And in your opinion this setup gives you better info than a handheld scanner?
The software is free - using it is not.
SDD is currently at v1.60 but the last complete release was v1.50. Subsequent to that version, the VDF (Vehicle Definition Files) and SPA (Single Point Authoring) have to be downloaded from JLR servers in a live session. Connection is chargeable by the hour, day, week, month or year and expensive. That being said, paying for a day rather than paying for dealer time can be very cost effective.
The genuine Mongoose Pro cable was manufactured by Drew Technologies although they have now ceased manufacture because of incompatability issues with some current Jaguar models. A current alternative is available from Diagnostic Associates - the DA dongle.
Cloned SDD installation software (cracked versions) is available as are cloned Mongoose cables (often called Mangoose). These are fine for diagnostics but I wouldn't risk reprogramming modules with a clone.
SDD will give you a lot more interaction with the vehicle than any of the handheld options. Questions to consider are do you really need it, is it worth the time to install and is it worth the cost.
I have a cheap OBD scanner tool that tells me P codes. From my research I have found out that there are more codes than just P codes and if you have a better scanning code you can learn these other codes as well.
However, there seem to be so many options I am having trouble recognizing what would be the best scanner tool to get.
If I am correct, could I get some recommendations of a better scanning tool to obtain? What scanning tool do you have and how well do you like it? Would you buy it again or would you buy something else instead?
Thank you.
another yes on the Icarsoft and you can get from Ebay an earlier version of the SDD and it will revert to the IDS (from Ford) on your model. It really depends on your purpose. If you are serious into diagnostics and willing to learn a touch, then the SDD is the way to go. However for live data and all the codes the Icarsoft works fine. I use it on my friend's 2000 XKR and it opens up quite a number of items and allows for monitoring a ton of the live data. I reads all the lettered codes.
I bought a dealer interface. Uses xp windows.
it is way more than I can handle or want to learn. I paid $750 for the interface and bought a xp laptop and software
I would sell package for $500
pm me if interested