After a number of unsatisfactory, time-consuming, and expensive diagnosis and repair exercises with repeating, related problems with SRS, seat, and electronic parking brake modules ... well, I have come to the conclusion that I can save substantial time and cost by purchasing a fully capable Jaguar scantool.

I understand that dealers have service and sales financial models that are necessary to sustain and grow business. And I know that it is necessary to charge high rates in order for the Jaguar dealer to prosper. At the same time -- once a vehicle is out of warranty -- repair costs can be quite high, in particular when difficult electronic problems occur. It is not unusual to have a car returned from service with new, but related issues. The base cost to raise the bonnet and plug in the dealer's electronic DTC equipment to a late model out-of-warranty Jaguar appears to be about $250.

I am considering the Foxwell NT624 and NT644 units. I understand that a broad variety of such equipment is available with a broad range of prices and capabilities.

Do any members have experiences with personal use of electronic diagnosis equipment on x308, x350, x358, and x351 models?

If so, please share.

Thanks.

Best, Harold ...

Submitted by hleggett@aol.com on Fri, 07/04/2014 - 15:07

Hey Steve,

You're the guy I _always_ want to hear from. I track your replies to troubleshooting questions religiously, and appreciate the nuggets of wisdom and experience shared. It surprises me that more skilled Jaguar dealer mechanics aren't involved here.

Like some here, I am an older car guy. I've worked on cars since I was a young teen, and I like to be aware of what's happening with the Jaguar systems. Maintaining an out-of-warranty late model CAN Jaguar is not easy or simple these days. What I lack in experience, I make up for in persistence.

I haven't thrown down for the Foxwell equipment yet, but have purchased four scan tools, two OBD2 (one Android, one iOS) plus two CAN bi-directionals for experimentation. One of the latter is Autel Maxidiag MD802 All System+DS, the other is an JLR IDS V138 Mongoose.

I lust for a Snap On Verus but that's over the top, even for me ... 'way beyond anything I could sell to SWMBO (she who must be obeyed).

So. We shall see what we shall see ...

Best, Harold ...

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Wed, 07/02/2014 - 11:53

Edited on 2014-07-02 11:53:46
Hi Harold,
Sounds as though a guy like me is the last person you want to hear from right now. Frankly, as a dealer guy, some of your comments trouble me, too. I don't know where you have been having the cars serviced, and I know you have been to see us a few times over the years, but I want to offer you any assistance I can to help. I think you know I try to help folks long distance so to speak, here on the Forums in any way I can.

I don't have any experience with the Foxwell devices you mentioned, but a quick lookup on their website tells me they seem to be decent tools, suitable for a guy to use at home. It also confirms my thoughts on a lot of the available scantools, namely each has a distinct learning curve associated with it. They all deal with the vehicle systems in their own way, and being fluent with one, does not mean you'd be fluent with another. That's not criticism, that's just the fact. More important than the scantool itself is access to good service information for the vehicle in question. Unless you know how something is supposed to work, it can be a challenge to figure out why it's not working correctly.

As far as cost of repairs, I can say that my store has offered some substantial discounts to Jaguar Club members, and that applies to JCNA folks as well as my local Club.

Feel free to ring me at the dealership if there is anything I can answer or help with.

**I hope I didn't just break Forum rule here.......

Cheers,