Im researching OBD2 scanners. I've never owned one. I see there are ones that will plug into my Dell laptop or the handheld models. Asking for some pros and cons here. It will mainly be used on the Jag but I also own a Prius, Genesis Coupe and an '02 Altima. So am I caught between getting a generic less specific one for all cars or do I focus on a ford/jag (if there is such a thing) more in depth scanner? I'm sure I could spend a ton but I'm looking to spend between $50-$150. Is that feasable? Which manufacturers offer the best documentation and tutorials to help educate me in it's use?

 

I have a ScanGauge II ($170) and I like it a lot. It basically can be used as a gauge and also an OBDII scanner. In gauge mode, it can read RPM, MPH, MAP (boost on STR), intake air temps, water temps, timing, load, fuel economy, etc etc. It does not connect to a computer.. but it shows codes and you can clear them pretty easily. I've used it on my Mazda, Jag and Jeep and it worked on all of them. It does not allow you to change variables on your car.. it just reads the obd data.

 

At that price you should focus on what you want to do with it and the software. Things like the scangauge are very limited - can't draw meaningful graphs or record data for later playback and so on.
That's too little money to get a good device like the AutoEnginuity.
Best bet is find good software and run it on something like an Elm327, ElmScan or OBDLink.

 

I see the Elm 327 for $25 on ebay, will it do some of the resetting of a hand held, is the data highly technical? Has anyone used an Innova 3130, it's available on Amazon for $126.

 

We have a list of many OBD II that were reported to work on select cars and in addition a little information that might help in selecting the one you need. Should you have additional information related to one that is not listed you can drop a note and tell us how it responded. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=33347

 

The elm327 will do as much or more resetting as the 3130.

In addition with added software the elm can graph data such as O2 sensors.

Be sure not to rely on text explanations of non-generic codes on any generic device such as the 3130 as they are very likely to be wrong for the S-Type. Just look them up, with care.

 

I guess when I hear somebody say they want an "OBD2 Scanner" I think of a scanner.. not a data logger connected up to a PC. Simple OBD2 Scanners just read the data and display it for you.. easily w/o the hassle of a PC or software installation. A data logger will do that.. log data.. create graphs.. etc. What do you want to do with your OBD2 device? Both have pros and cons.

Scanners like the SG will let you monitor tons of parameters in real time.. and you can leave it hooked up 24/7 and use it as a guage. OBD2 data loggers are cumbersome and give you more data.. but not w/o the help of a laptop sitting in your passenger seat.. or you bring the box back to your home PC and review it there.

 

will the SG do both? Can you leave it hooked up in the car all time? Can you take it out of the car and hook it up to a computer and down load saved data.
The last place on earth I want another computer is in my damn car..lol

 

Ebay has many Elm327's for around $25. Seems the latest version is 1.5a. So I probably want that version, right? Most seem to be out of China... is any one brand better than the other?

 

My neighborhood buddy has an "Auto XRay Code Scout 2500" that is probably less than 18 months old now. It is a standalone system that does not need a laptop or PC. I'm not sure what he paid for it but I would guess between $150 and $200.

Back when our S-Type was having misfire problems (late September / early October 2009), that unit properly displayed and explained the specific DTC (misfire in cylinder 3), and then cleared the code for me after I used the information it provided to research the problem a bit further. My issue turned out to be a combination of the factory IMT O-rings beginning to fail along with a cracked air filter housing that had originally gone undetected during major repairs from our S-Type being front-ended by a Ford pickup in August 2009. A new air filter housing (charged to the guilty driver's insurance company as an addendum repair) and a new pair of IMT O-rings (D-I-Y by me) fixed the misfire issue 100%.

So, I don't own an OBDII tool yet, but my buddy's unit has worked like a champ for me on multiple occasions when applied to our S-Type as well as to my Dodge Ram pickup....

 

Jon - That would have been a P0303, a generic code from the PCM. All OBD tools should display and clear that kind.

Anyone - If buying an ELM327, may as well buy the cheapest. Last I got for a friend was under $20 but they've dropped further and are now near $15. From China.

There's likely nothing wrong with such as the 3130 so long as you're happy with what it does at that price.

Oh - anyone who wants to log "tons" of values needs a more specialist item that can access the Jag's CAN bus (which ordinary tools won't do). You cannot get decent data rates otherwise.

 

So in your last line the "tons" of data will come from your ELM327, Autoenginuity or some specific Jag program/scanner??

 

Do you want "tons"? You can't on your budget.

nixx referred to tons of parameters, there aren't very many that are generic.

You'd need at least AE and it's about $450. (Dealer tools are about $3K.)

If you imagine wanting a mechanical toolkit for your budget it would clearly not allow much more than a few common spanners, etc. Much the same is true for OBD. Small budget means compromise - "tons" does not apply.

Suppose we stick to the spanners situation, you wouldn't worry if all you could afford (or wanted to buy) were a few. You'd just accept the resulting limitations. Same with OBD. If you've no desire to put in lots of time learning how/why/etc, then you definitely don't want the tons of parameters.

The elm will do more than the scangauge but in a different way, but neither is suited to real-time logging (or even monitoring) of tons of parameters. (However, as I say, you likely don't want that.)

 

I get it, I'm going to get an Elm327 along with an inexpensive hand held to begin with. I believe you think the Elm may also provide some CCM codes that may shine some light on my flashing issue. Thanks for the info!

 

Both. Genius!

The CCM may or may not have codes but it's a very cheap way to find out.

 

Can anyone recommend a device that will assist me in troubleshooting the various and frequent eletrical faults I am experiencing on my 03 STR? I have been reviewing the ELM327, however it will not access the Jag's CAN-bus and give me the codes from that network, is that correct? I dont want to spend more than $300-400 and would consider a system that will display/interact with my I-Phone (if it delivers what i need). I also have reviewed Autoenginuity device as well, it is about $250. looking for recommendation.
Here is one of the intermittment and frequent faults, I am experiencing when i attempt to start my car: Gauges (all in IP) sweep fully a couple of times, then fall to zero, after I start car, gauges will sweep again, zero out and then start reading, many times the oil press light remains on and will not go out, when this occurrs if I open any door/trunk (except drivers door) gauges start sweeping again, fault light starts blinking, beeping from interior, and it will not stop until i close the door or trunk. Sometime, I get CATS Sytem fault and ABS light remains on and will not get door opening fault. I am afraid some permenant damage happen if this continues. Occassionally, car just wont start. Help!!!!

 

Those are what happens with a bad battery / poor power.

That would include water/damp in the trunk (common - use Search).

You could have wiring harness damage. Not common but threads exist saying where is most likely and what to do (Search lol).

You will struggle to diagnose electrical faults with OBD. It may help but yes you'll need jag-specific software (and lots of time and persistence). You won't do it via the net, btw, if electrical trouble is what you have, but rather by doggedly checking wires one by one.

AE is far more $$$ than that since you say you want jag-specific stuff. No tool does what you want in that price range. No good tool exists for iPhone AFAIK. Torque is pretty basic. Frankly no phone has enough screen area so forget that as a plan. Sorry to be blunt.

 

My take is you aren't going to find any tools that read or scan anything but engine management issues without spending a fortune. The Feds require the OBDII to be pretty much standard for engine stuff due to emmission testing. When you get into other areas such as modules for SRS, ABS, electronics control ect. they become Jag/Land Rover specific. I just had mine scaned at the dealer..$102 plus tax. There are 13 systems listed that were scaned with the engine control module only being one of them.

If I am wrong about this please correct me and tell me where an aftermarket tool exists that will scan the whole car. I decided that, in my case, it was simpler and cheaper to buck up at the dealer.

BTW, they gave me the printout for mine. It clearly stated the issue that was the problem with my SRS. But for some reason the Tech interpreted it differently and sugested changing the drivers belt buckle cause it looked different than the passengers. That was not the problem. Seemed kinda strange that a body guy could interpret the results better than a Jag Tech ???

 

I have AutoEnginuity (with jag extra), cost about $450, and it does almost all the modules - though not in as much detail as IDS (jag's current tool, think it's about $6000). A quick count shows AE did 14 modules.

 

@jagV8 thanks for the info. I purchased new battery, went to WalMart and purchased Maxx EverStart battery couple of weeks ago, still have problems.
Was getting water in trunk and resealed it. Problem solved, unless something has been ruined by moisture.
Maybe I will take car back to Jaguar to have all systems scanned, this problem is driving me nuts.