I read about people with multiple non working code readers so can someone advise on one for the above vehicle preferably one that connects to a laptop. What is the protocol its clearly not a standard OBD 2.

thanks in advance

 

I have tried a few on my 97 XK8 but found that anything that was compatible with Modern Jags, basically everything on the market, would not work with mine (despite saying they would with Jags from 95/96) So I ended up buying and old XP laptop and a Mangoose lead with the old Jag software, once I got softwear installed it worked perfectly.

 

I have a similar issue with my 1998 XK8. I'm guessing that the introduction of the the AJ27 engine improved the OBD functionality.
Where did you get the cable and Jag sw? I've got an xp laptop.

 

found the mangoose lead ,seems to come with software or link to .....great job ..now to find the old laptop!

 

Just googled Mangoose lead and got three suppliers

 

I couldn't get codes using 2 different standard readers (that powered up). shop used Jag SSD and had no problem finding defective ABS module (which caused CAN problems).
If you're having code problems, a laptop and software seems like a better approach.

 

Just got to get the old laptop going in XP then get a mongoose . Prior preparation prevents **** poor performance ....the 7 ps again ( just count the words)

 

I bought an original ford rotunda VCM, they are usually 375.00-525.00 USD in the US, then I found a Panasonic toughbook from 2003 to run IDS on. Jaguar is using a few different protocols in 1997 for different systems. OBDII is mainly fir emissions reporting, so generic DTC, any real action is going to be happening through IDS, which will give you the ability to communicate with systems such as ABS, ECM,BPM, and TCM, programming of modules, etc. The original Drew Technologies Mongoose are out of production, so most that you see are Chinese clones of varying quality, same with counterfeit VCM, so you can read with most of them, for about a 12 months, you can’t safely program with them, at least not the ECM, because the fakes can’t buffer properly and will crash with some modules, bricking them. I’ve seen great deals on VCM1 on UK eBay, there’s basically the red ford version, the blue jaguar version, and a Mazda version, which are supposedly all internally identical. The software will flash the VCM for jaguar use automatically. I’ve never used the mongoose, since a real one is only 100 usd less than a factory VCM and harder to find in the US. If you just want to read generic codes a ‘blue driver’ and an iPhone also works for quickie scans on my 1997 for about 105.00 USD, but is inconsistent lately, but also scans my 1998 Land Rover.

 

Thanks

 

I bought a Friencity WIFI from amazon worked instantly with my I phone and will work with any WIFI laptop or phone etc
Used Amazon ref

 

What is the "old Jag software" you are refering to please? I have an old laptop running on XP so if I can just use this laptop without the need for an expensive OBD2 reader how do I go about it?
cheers.

 

What is the "old Jag software" you are refering to please? I have an old laptop running on XP so if I can just use this laptop without the need for an expensive OBD2 reader how do I go about it?
cheers.

 

I have moved on from my original thoughts on fault code readers ...the older jags 96/97 have more limited readability but you can get the old factory software on ebay. I have gone to the i 930 from icarsoft