Good Jaguar diagnostic tool recommendation?

mrmut · Jan 31, 2019

Recently I started a thread on buying an S-Type. I still didn't get one (no good ones), but was suggested something really good by Ducmon: to get a high- level diag / scan tool for the car, and check before I buy. That would certainly simply things!

Suggested device was iCarsoft i930: https://www.icarsoft.eu/i930-landrover-jaguar-icarsoft

However, I searched and found crapload of other scanners, so I hope someone could share some insight regarding this.

I also found of other tools around the net, ie:
http://www.diagnostic-world.com/pages/jaguar_code_readers__diagnostic_scan_reset_amp_tools_189118.cfm

https://www.scantool-direct.co.uk/land-rover-and-jaguar-diagnostic-tools.html

Now, I would pay what I need to get a good tool, but would like to skip buying something superfluous.

My idea is that the tool needs to be able to diagnose everything, run general diagnostic routines, calibrate stubborn stuff like parking brakes and view live data so I can see what is happening when the car is bullshitting me.

Thanks!

ducmon · Jan 31, 2019

Depends on what you want to do?
For diagnostics of the jaguar i always have the icarsoft i930 in the car. With this device I am able to deal with all the problems with the car.

When I need to look at things like fuel trims then I use an elm 327 and a program https://www.outilsobdfacile.com. Free version as I don't need delete codes with it on a laptop.
If I needed to reprogram then I would a use a mongoose jlr pro clone with a copy of SDD/IDS v.1.30.

mrmut · Jan 31, 2019

I think I have ELM 327 somewhere. I forgot about it completely!

Where it would be possible to get Mongoose clone?

Also - I noticed a lot of precracked JLR latest software on the ebay. Are those any good?

ducmon · Jan 31, 2019

I got my mongoose here

https://www.autoobd.de/wholesale/jlr-mangoose-pro-jaguar-landrover.html

No need to buy the program and the later ones on eBay. The best version that has been found to be 1.30.

You either have to use an old laptop 32 bit or a virtual system on a 64 bit computer.

We can help you out with this. ;-)

ChopTank · Jan 31, 2019

I think Ducmon's suggestions are spot on.

04str · Jan 31, 2019

Don't rush to get a Mongoose as IDS/SDD is a pain to use and can brick your car - aimed at techs who've had the training course. Get on top of everything else after getting a car and then some months later decide if you want to go that way.

orsom weels · Feb 1, 2019

The iCarsoft i930 has been superceded by the LR V1.0 & LR V2.0 now. I have recently purchased a V2.0 to try out & it will do most of what you will ever need to do other than dealer specific stuff like configuring modules & enabling/disabling features. It has live data & monitors fuel trims etc & does everything & a lot more than an Elm will do as it's Jaguar dedicated. From what I can gather, the LR V1.0 & V2.0 have the same functions, at least on the petrol engined cars, just a different user interface, I preferred the larger screen on the V2.0. Compare them here, https://www.icarsoft.com/Article/s-120-120.html
For anything more than the iCarsoft will do, you would need to go for a Mongoose & JLR IDS SDD, but as 04str says, you can do a lot of harm in a little time if you're not careful. I have version V131.3 & have become fairly conversant with it, but it's not very user friendly as it's not aimed at the DIY market. It's a must if you want to get deep into your Jag though. A Mongoose clone will cost you about £35- £40, http://www.obdexpress.co.uk/wholesale/jlr-mangoose-pro-for-jaguar-and-land-rover-43973.html & we can help you out with the software when/if the time comes. Don't go for anything newer than V131 as from what I gather, it doesn't contain the calibration files so you have to have a subscription & go on line to get them when needed, so the program becomes just a basic scanner, no better if as good as the iCarsoft.

Regards, OW

graham-r · Feb 1, 2019

IDS/SDD is good - but heed the warnings...... Also it is OTT for most uses.

iCarSoft LR V2 Have a look here

mrmut · Feb 1, 2019

Thanks guys. Did I understand that V1 of icarsoft is diagnostic / reset tool and V2 can also fix brake and some other issues and do calibrations?

I would want to go and get Mongoose i am amused by the proposition of being able to do diagnostic checks myself. I have ELM somewhere, but that one never proved very useful to me as it was limited in data it can access.

orsom weels · Feb 2, 2019

mrmut said:
Thanks guys. Did I understand that V1 of icarsoft is diagnostic / reset tool and V2 can also fix brake and some other issues and do calibrations?
.

This compares the functions of all the iCarsoft Jaguar/Land Rover scanners,

.

Marcuspd said:
I have an i930 which I've used once and now will probably sell as I have a Mongoose clone and SSD/IDS on an old XP Pro laptop. I also have an EML dongle in the car and an app on my phone, just in case.

Unless you really need the money, the i930 is worth hanging on to to just keep in the car just in case you encounter problems when out & about. Most recovery/breakdown companies only carry generic diagnostics which can't always find the issues with our Jag's.

mrmut said:
Tank you all. I just have bought this Mongoose clone: https://www.autoobd.de/wholesale/jlr-mangoose-for-jaguar-and-land-rover.html

I will probably need some help regarding the installation of the SDD. Guys noted that optimal version of SDD is 1.30 - can anyone explain why?

Is there a resource where I could download the software? Also - are there any information as to how to install it correctly?

Thank you very much.

Here's a couple of links to V131.03, which is what I have, it's the latest version that doesn't require you to connect to Topix for updating the software and files.
You will need to install it on a decent lap top running Windows XP Pro service pack 2 or 3 with Internet Explorer 8 or above with it's internet connection disabled. You also need to set the date to 2012/13 for the licence. There are installation notes contained on the DVD's, not sure if they come with the download version.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-L...iles-On-Two-DVD-s/202500494587?hash=item2f25f854fb:g:zdsAAOSwdxVcMRzT:rk:3:pf:0

http://tools4car.co.uk/product/jlr-ids-sdd-v131-03-jaguarlandrover-diagnostic-software/

In all honesty, I don't know why 130 is said to be the optimal version, I certainly have no issues with 131 & 128 is said to be more user friendly.

This thread https://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.php?t=108460 contains a download of a virtual machine with V130, which is another possibly easier option for you.

Regards, OW

Marcuspd · Feb 1, 2019

If there are no errors on the dash, no warning lights and everything works as it should, I doubt a diagnostic reader will tell you much you don't already know.
Once you've bought an S Type, then you'll need a good diagnostic reader.

I have an i930 which I've used once and now will probably sell as I have a Mongoose clone and SSD/IDS on an old XP Pro laptop. I also have an EML dongle in the car and an app on my phone, just in case.

mrmut · Feb 1, 2019

Tank you all. I just have bought this Mongoose clone: https://www.autoobd.de/wholesale/jlr-mangoose-for-jaguar-and-land-rover.html

I will probably need some help regarding the installation of the SDD. Guys noted that optimal version of SDD is 1.30 - can anyone explain why?

Is there a resource where I could download the software? Also - are there any information as to how to install it correctly?

Thank you very much.

Jim_S-V6_2004 · Feb 3, 2019

Mrmut...

We have an S Type Stickies subforum which contains a lot of useful info since you are looking for a S Type:

https://www.jaguarforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=104

.

mrmut · Feb 5, 2019

hahah

all fine

I am just not sure if new version makes any sense. The Virtual machine seems to work fine and start program OK, tho I am still waiting for Mongoose to arrive. Can't wait really. I am anxious to find what is up with the cat.

As for the S-Type, I calculated it is about 30-40% more expensive for maintenance than X-Type. Most of the upkeep (4.2 engine) would go towards the fuel, in my case 54000EUR in 5 years, so LPG is obvious choice.

Diesel is great financially until it starts breaking down. To replace injectors and pump, you are looking at 1200 GBP, if valve and sensors are OK (which they are not). And if they failed, then you also have engine mounts that probably dead by that point, two turbos which are about 1200 GBP to for refurbishment, etc. I am kind of tired of diesels. On prior car I replaced 2 turbos and god knows what else. On the cat 1 turbo and I am just about to do injectors and pump. Diesels are fine if you have money to buy the car new and use it while in warranty, but outside of that you are in for a lot of fun.

orsom weels · Feb 5, 2019

mrmut said:
I am just not sure if new version makes any sense. The Virtual machine seems to work fine and start program OK, tho I am still waiting for Mongoose to arrive. Can't wait really. I am anxious to find what is up with the cat.

Not sure what you mean by "new version" ? The virtual machine version is 130 & the others I linked are 131, the same as I use. I think we are up to about version 155 now, possibly even 156, but anything past 131.3 (3rd update of 131) requires you to connect to Topix to get full use from it.
Before even connecting the Mongoose & IDS/SDD to your car, do a little research in it's use. It's almost easier to f**k something up than it is to mend something. ALWAYS have the car connected to an ample power source like a high output battery charger & the lap top running on mains before doing anything other than basic code reading. Saves a lot of head aches :twisted:

Regards, OW

Jim_S-V6_2004 · Feb 5, 2019

I agree it's very costly to maintain a Jaguar in countries where parts are hard to find or expensive.

Even here in Cyprus there are no suppliers who have much, just common parts like brake discs and pads and filters etcetera.

We need a second car and I'm thinking Ford or Mercedes or Toyota, because parts are easily available. But local Fords are 1.4 and 1.6 litre so my friends who have an imported 2-litre Focus can't get many parts for it. Like the driveshaft gaiters last year. They ordered 3 wrong ones to get the correct ones.

But local cars are usually wrecks, as you say you are finding there too.

.

ducmon · Feb 6, 2019

When using the SDD/IDS it uses a lot of electricity so it is always better to have the car on a charger and the laptop. People have bricked the car when they are working on it.

It is always better to have both on their chargers so that this does not happen

Jim_S-V6_2004 · Feb 6, 2019

And don't use SDD/IDS higher version than our pals suggest because:

1. They need different drivers
2. They are not properly cracked
3. You don't need them for S Types
4. Nobody can help you with them.

.

orsom weels · Feb 6, 2019

mrmut said:
Well, if I understood well, there are newer version that are cracked and skip login part? I supposed those are the ones that are sold if greater than 130.

As already mentioned by Jim, some of the 'cracks' are not reliable & you don't need anything later than 130/131 for S or X types. Also later versions do not support programming without being able to connect to big brother via the internet, so are no more use than an iCarsoft or similar.

mrmut said:
As for car - do I understand well that I need to have batter charger connected to the batter when working with IDS? My general intention is to read codes and stuff; what is there to do wrong?

Thanks.

When doing anything more than just reading fault codes, IDS & SDD require the ignition to be cycled on & off, possibly several times in succession, running the onboard checks & switching interior lights etc each time, all of which use quite a bit of battery power, plus it will energise systems to check their function, so you may have lights, fans & all sorts of other components all live with no engine running to keep up with battery demand. This can soon pull even a good battery down. If it happens to be reconfiguring a module & the battery dies, the outcome is in the lap of the gods, it may simply continue from where it left off once power is restored, it may go through the whole process again & sort it's self out, or, as has often happened, it will kill the module & leave it un-programmable. 'Bricked' seems to be the favoured expression

. Really if your general intention is to just "read codes & stuff", you would be better off using a dedicated Jaguar 3rd party scanner, such as one of the iCarsoft range. They will interrogate the car just as thoroughly as IDS/SDD & tell you just as much, but without the risk of doing any harm. IDS/SDD only comes into it's own if you need to configure new modules, if you want to add accessories or change dealer options, or if you need to recalibrate components &/or clear adaptations etc.
I have become quite conversant with both IDS, & since having the X type, SDD (post 2004/5 vehicles use SDD while earlier cars use the Ford based IDS), but still find the iCarsoft products quicker & easier to use for basic diagnostics, clearing codes, or running/recording live data, especially so for the latter.
Personally, with the benefit of hind sight, I would start with an iCarsoft LR V2.0, & only move on to IDS/SDD if & when I needed to go beyond it's capabilities.

Regards, OW

Good Jaguar diagnostic tool recommendation?

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities