You need to use this link and see what others are using

Link OBDII Code Scanners ** Member Approved ** - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

It's not fit for purpose so you have a right to a refund whether it ought to work or not, especially if you bought over the net (Distance Selling Regulations).

Sellers don't like UK consumer protection laws but that is precisely why those laws exist.

It's not up to you to prove it does or doesn't work or ought to or ought not. All interesting but legally irrelevant.

 

From previous testing with a 2006 Jaguar X200 S-Type, I tested the Forscan software with an ELM device. The only reason this worked is because of a Ford engine management system. Another test was with Torque Pro on an Android and Blackberry Q10. I was impressed. The favorite is ScanMaster-Elm. It is simple and effective. Screen captures and video playback is a must when testing new engine management setups. That software needs to be added. Hand held OBDII readers have a place but in my view, live data and the recording ability is a must.

 

Well the 2006 S-Type is not X200 and also does not have a Ford engine management system (it's 32-bit Denso). Interesting that ForScan worked!

I think Mongoose JLR may be the best for recent jags.

 

Is there a reasonably priced scanner that will read ABS codes on a Jaguar? Or do you have to buy something at the Autoenginuity level?

 

Against my own "no free lunches" rule I ordered one of these yesterday:-
Jaguar Land Rover Diagnostics equipment | British Diagnostics
It's a touch under £90; if it turns out to be a crock I shall tell all, otherwise it seems a bargain.
If you can wait I'll let you know how I get on. . . . .

 

Hmm - I looked at that one as well as a Mongoose Clone - I'm with you on the free lunch thinking...............but you never know who's copying what these days - especially in China!
Please let me know how it turns out - many thanks in advance.

 

Looks like a Mongoose JLR

 

Well it turned up within 48hrs and the package contained a Mongoose clone cable of fair quality plus two handwritten DVD-Ws.
Cutting a long story short and after a lot of b*ing about here's what I found:-

Install instructions are on a PDF file and are brief but clear.
Set plenty of time aside to install the package - copying and de-archiving the files took me the best part of 30-40 minutes.
The SDD software requires a virtual Windows XP OS provided by the included VMplayer. This software needs a large amount of RAM, my 1GB laptop couldn't hack it and I had to use a desktop with >2GB instead. I'm not sure, but a fast processor probably helps too.
One gotcha is that when the virtual XP is running it may not see the Mongoose's USB presence, however there is a VMplayer menu option to force it to see it.
The SDD software eventually runs and then it's up to you to work out how to drive it - there is no operational info. with the package. After a lot of playing I've only now managed to read DTC codes and reset all the modules.
There is plenty I still don't understand.

In summary:-

You need a reasonable spec. laptop with >2GB RAM. (I'll have to buy a new one if I'm going to use this package a lot)
The SDD package seems to work but can be temperamental sometimes, although in all fairness the British Diagnostics guy does have a helpline (which I haven't used - yet).
If you've got plenty of time to play with it and get familiar with the menus etc. it might be a good buy. Plug and play it is most definitely not.
On the other hand if you're in a hurry and want get in quick with those codes and tweaks then the AutoEnginuity might be better.

 

I have just bought a LAUNCH CRP129 VIII. Still awaiting delivery, so yet to test. They say it looks at engine, transmission, ABS and Airbag plus a whole lot of other features including live data. Here is a link I found with the most information about the reader.
$299.99 Launch CRP129 Auto Code Reader OBDII CRP-129 Creader Professional CRP 129 OBD2 Scanner

If anybody knows any thing about this readers compatability and overall performance, please let me know. I have taken a wild chance buying it and hope it is compatible with my XKR. On paper, it looks pretty good and there are many positive reviews at the bottom of this web page I have just given the link to.

Once I get home for my R&R from overseas, I will plug in and see if it works and let you all know the outcome.

 

Just an update on my original post, I tried the scanner on my wifes BMW X5 2006 model and the scanner works fine so I guess the seller is correct when he says it will only work on 2000 year and newer models only. My conclusion is that pre 2000 Jags had some kind of hybrid OBD system or a OBD1 system. I borrowed an old Snap On scanner from my cousin who has a workshop and that connected to my car fine he said it cost around £2000 when he bought it sometime ago.

 

They do NOT have a pre-OBD or non-OBD or OBD1. They are OBD II. Period.

But some scanners are not made properly, looks like the software is poor and fails to follow the OBD II specs.

 

What I cant understand is the scanner works on my wifes BMW and given all the problems other people seem to have getting the jags to link makes me think it is a jag problem with early OBD systems. Or you need a very expensive scanner as was the Snap On scanner I used.

 

OBD II covers 3 different wirings on different pins so you can easily have a car that works and another that doesn't. It had to do that to satisfy the big auto makers who basically refused to standardise on a single way. They've been forced to, but there's a transitional period and the cars concerned are all in that.

You don't need an expensive tool to do OBD II, just one that works. Most of them do but equally a lot of them have quirks, largely due to the mess I just outlined.