Which fault code reader to buy?
Discussion
Hi there,
I did a search on this topic - but could not find any recent discussion (post 2012 - and I presume things may have changed since then)
My father has a 99 model XJ8 Sovereign (4ltr model).
His car is continually returning the 'restricted performance' light.
Unfortunately, Jag expertise in Australia is not great, and even supposedly reputable dealer seem intent on 'resolution through trial and error' - which is great for their revenue, but not great for my father's bank balance.
I am hoping someone can recommend a reliable, accurate fault code reader which we can buy, and my father can use not just now, but into the future, lest other problems arise.
Any recommendations (PM me if need be - given product endorsements may not be permissible here) would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Foibles
I did a search on this topic - but could not find any recent discussion (post 2012 - and I presume things may have changed since then)
My father has a 99 model XJ8 Sovereign (4ltr model).
His car is continually returning the 'restricted performance' light.
Unfortunately, Jag expertise in Australia is not great, and even supposedly reputable dealer seem intent on 'resolution through trial and error' - which is great for their revenue, but not great for my father's bank balance.
I am hoping someone can recommend a reliable, accurate fault code reader which we can buy, and my father can use not just now, but into the future, lest other problems arise.
Any recommendations (PM me if need be - given product endorsements may not be permissible here) would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Foibles
Hi,
I have a 2000 model Daimler Super V8 (called Vanden Plas in US, not sure about Oz) and I also wanted to be able to at least aim in the right direction if faults occurred. I don't trust dealers to accurately diagnose faults either, as you say lots of trial and error at your expense. I eventually opted to buy an iCarsoft code reader from eBay , but not the Jag specific one as I have other vehicles, I paid a bit extra for the one which does multiple makes. You probably already know that 'restricted performance' can come up for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is a less than perfect battery. If the car has been standing for a week or two without use or no battery tender, the sensors can give the ECU false info. Why Jaguar didn't have a simple warning of low battery state is totally beyond me!
Another common failure item is a faulty knock sensor, but a reader should give you a code for that.
Also the O2 sensors give trouble, but again the code will lead you to those.
Hope you get sorted,
Ian
I have a 2000 model Daimler Super V8 (called Vanden Plas in US, not sure about Oz) and I also wanted to be able to at least aim in the right direction if faults occurred. I don't trust dealers to accurately diagnose faults either, as you say lots of trial and error at your expense. I eventually opted to buy an iCarsoft code reader from eBay , but not the Jag specific one as I have other vehicles, I paid a bit extra for the one which does multiple makes. You probably already know that 'restricted performance' can come up for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is a less than perfect battery. If the car has been standing for a week or two without use or no battery tender, the sensors can give the ECU false info. Why Jaguar didn't have a simple warning of low battery state is totally beyond me!
Another common failure item is a faulty knock sensor, but a reader should give you a code for that.
Also the O2 sensors give trouble, but again the code will lead you to those.
Hope you get sorted,
Ian
I cant recommend one for your use really. I bought a cheap one from e bay and it's very hit and miss due to the Jaguar SCP and CAN networks. My Bro in law has an expensive one that he got from snap on. I believe it's Sonas, but that was around £2000.
Not much help, but the cheap ones are a gamble. Get the fault codes from the dealer. There are other Jaguar forums that will help once you have the codes.
Not much help, but the cheap ones are a gamble. Get the fault codes from the dealer. There are other Jaguar forums that will help once you have the codes.
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