Hi guys,

Been thinking about trying to buy an OBD tool/reader for my wagon? Is there a system that'll work for most vehicle makes, just out of interest - or are we talking unique to LandRover???

Reluctant to fork out a fortune everytime a dealer plugs in... Any help/advice appreciated!

TVM

Dan

Autologic is the tool of choice IMHO

The easiest (although not cheapest) option is to buy the RAC one (Argos sell it!). It reads the codes well enough and some basic engine data. It'll even reset the codes and fault light. I think the basic reader is £60 and the deluxe version is £130 (which will record data and interface with a PC). There are cheap ELM chip based readers that are basically an ODB lead and software for a laptop are arguably better and more flexible, but sections of the software display in Hungarian!!!! There are some on e-bay from China that are dirt cheap.

The problem is that the ODBII standard only covers engines and then only the main codes. Manufacturers always have their own codes on top of that for vehicle specific kit and functions, which although can be read, will not have a descriptions associated with them on cheaper (DIY) readers. You can subscribe to websites to find out the descriptions, but are usually limited to searching for a couple of codes per day/week/month before you have to start paying.

The other problem is that these readers rarely cover airbags, AV, ABS, Alarm, Cruise Control, Transmissions (depends on manufacturers), chassis/drivetrain, suspension etc etc. Which probably account for a large percentage of the reasons you'd go to the Stealer to have the code read.

You also can't do the really useful stuff like change options in the software or programme new keys, remap etc. Then you're into a whole higher price bracket. I've not done too much research into that sort of kit - Autologic?? - but I reckon the min. price is £800-900, up to whatever you'd pay. If these are the things you want to do, I'd suggest finding a decent Independent that'll charge less than Landrover.

Or invest in the high end kit and I'm sure those on these forums would pay you a discounted rate rather than go to dealers. I know of someone who did that on another marques forum and made his money back and a stack more by just undercutting the main dealers by 50% (and doing the things that Dealers don't like doing such as enabling modifications etc.)

i agree with the above also try the snap on readers on ebay onto no6 Range Rover

Everyone needs a hobby

Wagon???????????  Discovery 4 HSE
1998 110 TUM HS FFR Hard Top XD WOLF
1982 Series 3 Hard Top

*Gone:L462 D5 HSE LUX, L663 Defender 110 HSE, Discovery 3 HSE, 2014MY Range Rover Sport 5.0 Supercharged AB Dynamic; L405 Exec Vogue SE 4.4, 5.0 Supercharged Autobiography, Defender TDCi XS CSW, Defender TD5 HT, Vogue SE TDV8, Vogue TD6, RRSport SC 4.2V8, Classic 3.9 Vogue Auto, Land Rover Series 3 SWB

lol! Oops - slip of the tongue, purely occupational...

Cheers for the advice guys, you're right! Not cheap at all for the full ish at all... I'll keep my ear to the ground on this one.

Good Indi's use AutoLogic promise

I do have the diagnostic tool from blackbox solutions. can read/clear fault, monitor values, change settings.

Excellent tool/diagnostic

If you only want to read and clear stored faults then you can do this easily and cheaply with a USB OBD Scanner for a laptop (under £20)

Mine has been invaluable in tracking down reasons behind the Check Engine Light and for confirming that issues have gone after fixing/replacing things.

Their diagnostic ability is somewhat limited, however one useful tool is that it can query available sensors, to see the Lambda output in a graph can show you if something untoward is happening. 

Any updates on this subject?

Lazarus thread - previous last post 2009

Search ID Tool and you'll find the info you need. A basic ODB reader wont be much use on a Range Rover 2007 Zermatt Silver TDV8 Vogue SE - now sold but was a great car!

the only diagnostic tool worth having for the FF is the iidtool by GAP..do a search for more info.. ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Thanks mate 300-400£, sounds like a deal if it's the quality product.

[img]http://www.fullfatrr.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14187/Hawkeye_manual.pdf[/img]
i have had the hawkeye diagnostic tool for a number of years now and it has been very good for reading and clearing faults, used it many times when i first got the car(FBH issues,airbag light,engine check light ect ect)even tells me about faults i did not realize it had.

a self contained unit with a good read out
small enough to keep it in the car at all times(just in case the dreaded bong sounds and a warning lamp appears)
fool proof to use,live vehicle readings as well as fault reading and clearing
not VIN locked

it just does not go deep enough for me .cant change any settings on the car with it
but if all you want is to read and clear faults on any of the systems and do the occasional health check i would recommend it

i have use of a T4 at a friends workshop but i still bought this tool because in the 30 mins it takes me to drive to the workshop i have usually diagnosed the fault,cleared it and back in the house cracking open a stella to celebrate its nothing wallet breaking
[img]http://www.fullfatrr.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14187/Hawkeye_manual.pdf[/img]

IID definitely recommended. It does what it says in the tin and the customer support is first rate.