Hi all,
My Xk8 (1997) is still driving me mad with continuing electrical computer faults that have plagued me since I have owned the car. The minute I think I have it sorted out another fault pos up. I imagine that there is one issue which is behind all my problems but I have been unable to identify it (nor have Jaguar workshop who happily replace a module at huge expense only to have another fault pop up).
After performing perfectly one day, the next it throws up the 'Low Brake Fluid Warning' message that has been intermittently coming on and then, out of the blue, the power steering failed.
I have tried to do or the normal fault finding including ensuring the battery voltage is good, earths ok etc.
My question is what OBD scanner would best suit the car? Are there specific ones for different cars?
Any incormation, hints or experiences gratefully accepted.
My sanity is at risk!
Regards all
Al

 

I see that you have checked your battery voltage,however,I must inquire, do you use a battery tender when the car is parked overnight or longer ?

many owners here, including me , have had numerous ‘false flag” warnings. Meaning that we get error messages of ALL types due to the battery not being 100% when the ignition key is turned on.

In my case, and quite a few other owners as well,these issues go away TOTALLY once a battery tender is used religiously.

Now, this may not be your issue at all, but this low tech, & low cost solution is worth a try.

For reasons somewhat due to the aging electronics and somewhat due to mysticism and voodoo which are not explainable by science as we know it, the XK8’s & XKR’s have a very finicky electrical needs. Once that fact is accepted, the cars are not any less reliable than any other 15-20 year old vehicle.

Z

PS. re the OBD-II scanners,I use the icarsoft LR-1. It cost about $100 and Amazon has them. Others use a lower cost scanner, but my car would not connect with those.

 

This is the obd scanner I use and it works on everything I've tried. However I would like to get one at some point that would let me do more things like testing individual sensors. Who knows, maybe there is a better app than I'm using

 

I Use The MX OBD link, along with Torque Pro on an Android phone. It has given me error codes as precise as down to a specific wheel sensor on the ABS fault, although I can't say if it can get more detailed than that. I like it because it will automatically shut off after about 30 seconds, so it can be left in without draining the battery. I use it with an older smart phone and the Torque app( use Tasker app to auto turn on the phone) as an auxiliary gauge package ( Temp, speed, etc- there are many choices). You can clear codes with it as well.

 

Thanks all,
iv'e just ordered an MX OBD scanner
Al