I posted elsewhere that to enable AUX on my 2006 XK8 150 I had to visit a Jag dealer for them to use their V159 SDD analysis tool.

I'm now wanting to purchase my own analysis "tool" in order to do preliminary diagnostics, but I'm looking for one tool that will work on all of our cars (2019 Mistubishi Outlander, 2004 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Toyota RAV4 and the 2006 XK8 150).

As I'm not a mechanic and don't work on the cars myself, so I'm not wanting anything too fancy or sophisticated.

I have my eyes on the (ODB2) ELM327 Bluetooth/WIFI module in conjunction with an Android App like Torque or Freely YouTube demos of the ELM327 look great .

My understanding is that all cars since the early 90s are compelled to be ODB2 compatible and my research indicates that ELM327 and the 2006 XK8 150 are indeed compatible.

So, my question is, why might I need the V159 SDD instead of simply getting the ELM27? Reading up un the V159 SDD, no mention is made of compatibility with other makes of cars.

Have any forum members explored this issue?

Leonard

 

1. The ELM by itself doesn't do much but be a compatible Bluetooth interface to the OBD, but if you use it with something like "Car Scanner" (Droid App for a couple of bucks) it'll give you a decent set of tools for the limited number of data points OBD2 allows you to test. Most of these are related to the engine bay, and are common across many marques. BUT the codes you can access are extremely limited. You'll need a much better tool to access manufacturer specific codes and tools
.
2. SDD is a very complex but very rich tool only for accessing Jags and Land Rovers. Really steep learning curve and expensive due to the way Jag controls access to their software. Requires a correct OBD interface (not ELM), also $300+ expensive. Since there's so much to discuss on SDD, suggest that you start searching for SDD on this site and you'll spend many hours coming up to speed. Versions, interfaces, cracked or uncracked, engineering mode, etc etc. Just start doing research on it here. Yes, you can buy a cracked version of SDD that could have switched on your Aux (I did that). But it's a really complicated and seemingly endless rabbit hole you should be prepared for. And to be frank, some of the versions of SDD have a user Interface designed by a Neanderthal.

3. For $49, I've been happy with Autel's AP200 (or HT200) with the JLR SW package. Good news is that it's does a lot of what SDD does, and it's pretty easy to use. The first SW package is included in the price and is a permanent license. All other packages cost extra and are annual licenses. So I'd pay $49 and toss the Autel Bluetooth interface in the car for quick access. If I bought another type of car, I'd pay another $49 and toss that in the other car. And so on.

4. After that, the sky's the limit in functionality and cost. Yes, you can buy a tool that'll cover all your car types and almost all their unique codes. Expect $200-500. Search diagnostic tools on this site and start reading.

Welcome.

 

I have SDD but also bought the Autel AP200 on Amazon based on feedback from a forum member. I used it for live run diagnostics as the SDD set up of laptop based and a bit clunky to use while driving. I did a run on suspension using both SDD and Autel and they returned the same live data.

Just make sure you pull it out of the port when done as it will constantly try to connect to your phone if you're in your house.

My Autel came with an offer to write a review and I would receive a free download of another vehicle.

 

If I was in your shoes, I would buy the Bluetooth dongle thingy and download something like Torq Pro. That way you are up and running for something like $30. I did that for the real time monitoring of the coolant and oil temp. I also have an Icarsoft for Jaguar that I havent had to use yet on either of our 5.0 XK's.

Like Panthera said, getting the SSD set up is a fairly in depth process from what I have read. Ill do it eventually when the need arises or I get bored. But for now, I dont have the need or boredom. There are sellers who will sell you a complete laptop with SSD already loaded for around $800

 

Thanks for the responses.

I am inclined to agree. I think I will get the ELM327, which should be adequate for my requirements. It will also be compatible with the other cars.

I may even start with Torque Lite and see how far that takes me, upgrading to Torque Pro if necessary.

Interestingly, not all ELM327 Bluetooth modules are created equally. That said, the one most recommended in the reviews is available in South Africa. Costs a bit more, bit I'll probably just order it.

Like I said, all I'm looking for is a simple diagnostic tool to point me in the right direction if/when faults occur. Then my Jag specialist can take over.

I'm really appreciative of this forum. So many members willing to share their knowledge. Thanks to everyone who have engaged with my various posts.

Lastly, I love that, at almost 70, I'm a junior member. Keeps me feeling young 😂

 

Just know that Torque only reads engine codes. The Autel (and there are others I'm sure) reads all codes in your car, including body and chassis. In fact if you look at all the forum problem threads, engine problems are not on the leaderboard IMO. You do what makes you happy though.

 

Hi Sean, thanks for the message. I ordered an Autel analyser this afternoon.

Looking forward to receiving and playing with it

 

What about this one which says new for 2021

 

Where do you buy the JLR software that works with an Autel AP200? Would this also work with the newer AP200M BT dongle?

 

This is from this Amazon webpage. I would think that something labeld AP200M would have more than AP200 but the green check marks say not true.

Does anyone here know which one to buy for DYI 2009 Jag XK ... I already have an EML327 dongle but am looking for more insights?

 

My understanding now is that the ELM327 units can only read the ODB2 codes
So I just ordered the Autel AP200M analyser, which can apparently does far more comprehensive reporting - airbags, and all sorts of other stuff.

A bit more expensive, but hopefully worth it

 

Probably the most important difference between this and the $49 HT200 I have (similar to the AP200? but that may have changed) is that the first download is a perpetual license fee, not an annual one. My HT200 has Jag SW expiry date listed as never.

Also, my HT200 (with JLR compatible SW) has about 12 service functions. Not hyping it, but seems to be a couple of clear differences in a nearly identical product. Don't know who/what hypertough is, but the product is clearly Autel, since it boots with Autel's logo.

Here's Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/HyperToug...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

Not sure the difference with an AP200, but Autel has downloadable modules for JLR. They do charge annually for them as far as I can see in the Amazon list.

 

The AP200 replaced the HT200. From what I've seen, no difference on our cars between the two.

You buy the dongle from Amazon or wherever, download the app from the play store or the Apple store if you have Apple phone. Once the software downloads, you select you vehicle. You are now licensed to use the dongle for your vehicle for as long as your phone lives. The initial software cost for your first car selection is included in the price you paid when you bought the dongle.

The software is not transferable from phone to phone.

You can add additional vehicles for $21.99 per year. So that doesn't make sense to me. I would buy a second dongle and use it for my wife's car, because the first download is for as long as your phone lasts.

I thought I got lucky and received a card with my purchase "Write a review and receive a second download free". So I did. They refunded me the $21.99 as part of the initial purchase price. I'm pushing back because all they are giving me is a one year free download, not a free download. It's a matter of principal for me.

 

Are you sure about that? My phone thinks the Autel software is unlicensed until I log in through the app so I presumed that the dongle and license is linked to your login, not the phone.

I have a second dongle for my wife's car and used a different email address on the same phone to register that dongle so can switch between them by login in and out. Not sure if one login will support multiple dongles as I haven't tried that.