Hi guys, I need some advice as to what kind of scan tool to buy for the X-type. Mine is '02 model but neighbor has '05 that needs some work. I've read the recommendations in the gen/tech/help section-just a couple or so for the X. I'd like to have one that can read the Jag specific codes but the $500.00 models are not in this old wrench's budget. My old scanner only recognizes the 'dinosaurs'...like me. I guess I need somebody to hold my greasy little hand through this. Any help is greatly appreciated. Cheers, Andy

 

If you have a smartphone, research the "torque" application (should cost around $5 for the app.) Then you will connect this (ELM327 Car Scanner Bluetooth software OBD2 EOBD CAN-BUS Scanner Tool | eBay) to your obdII connector and pair it with your smartphone. I just did mine today and it is AMAZING what this thing can do. It outperforms many $200 scanners.

If you don't have a smartphone and want to connect your laptop, try this: ELM327 USB To OBDII Car Diagnostic Cable For Audi / BMW | eBay

I can only personally talk for the features of the smartphone enabled torque app paired with the elm327, but I would assume that you could get close to the same results by just hard wiring it into your laptop via usb. The only difference is that you wouldn't have the torque app on your laptop which is really what makes this scanner work so well.

 

It is a great tool with a smartphone.
The software is not Windows 7 compatible, I tried and it will not work. It will open up, but that's about it.

 

My laptop is xp, so I might be able to see how functionable the software is, but for right now, my droid is amazing!!! I'm even thinking about somehow building in an android tablet into the dash

 

Thanks guys........but I'm an old dog.....smart phones??....blue teeth??....laptops....Is that like a lapdance? I'm a relic from the days of adding machines and full service gas stations. Operating pin ball machines and hand held scan tools are the absolute limit of my electronic capabilities-I carry numbers for my cell phone on a slip of paper in my wallet?!?! What is available from Walmart, Autozone, Napa, etc that a simpleton such as I could operate? We are about to hold services around the trash can to honor the life and faithful service of my obsolete scan tool so I may be off line for a while. Happy New Year, Andy

 

Andy, if you want to get something that just gets the job done, go to harbor freight and pick up their medium grade scanner. It should work fine, but there is a possibility that it won't be more advanced than the one that you already have. I really don't know what to tell you...

 

Hello disguay-I'll get over to HF asap to look at their scan tools. They most certainly will be better than my old one-only good thru early '90's. Thanks for the 'direction'. Regards, Andy

 

hopefully I caught you before you went over to harbor freight, but the specific model number of the one you should get is a Cen-Tech 94169. It should be about $65 and will also read jaguar specific codes. There have been reports of the cheapest one and the most expensive one not pairing with the vehicle correctly which is why it is important to buy this model or keep your receipt! Sorry I didn't get you the model number in time! I hope you either bought the right one or can catch this before you go out!

 

I am also looking for a scanner as well but not the regualr odb 2 or the one that reads only engine codes. Recently I had my abs light come on and I need a scanner that will diagnose my car and tell me which wheel is giving of the abs fault reading. I took it into auto zone and they said their scanner doesn't read things like this? The shop want $200 bucks for a diagnoses but if I can buy a scanner it would probably come in handy many times. I found this Autologic tool, http://www.vglequipment.be/node/381 would something like this read that or is it something completely different. Thanks.

 

I personally can't help you find a scanner that will find this exactly, but what I can help you with is you may want to search the xtype forum to find your answer. I have stumbled across this question before, but don't really remember where. The search tool will be your friend and will get you familiar with your xtype.

 

I have not heard of VGL. It seems like they supply garages,techs etc. AutoIngenuity (sp?) software will do most everything. You would have to buy the Jag module to get Jag specific codes. You use it thru a laptop. From what I understand is is about $500.

 

Thanks guys for your input. I bought a Equus 3100 Innova CanOBDII this afternoon. It worked great on my '02 X-Type parts car. I bought it at Walmart. The cost was $98.73+tax. It can be bought at Walmart.com for $80.00+.99 and they will send it to the store of your choice....but I needed to own one YESTERDAY.... having borrowed my buddy's scan tool TWICE in as many weeks. I've always subscribed to the 'Rule of 3'. Before you borrow a tool for the 3rd time and risk straining a friendship, get off your cheap !@# and buy one for yourself....THEN OFFER TO LOAN IT TO YOUR BUDDY....that way he can forget about the excuse that he was gonna' give you the next time that you come-a-bummin'. Cheers, Andy