Diagnostic reader advice

Morning all,

I’m thinking about buying a reader for my (mk1) Freelander td4. I don’t think I actually ‘need’ it as yet, but I‘ve no doubt it will be of use now in preventative maintenance work and improvements. I know I’ve certainly not read any codes or data since I’ve had it!
Anyone have any experience / feedback of the below 2 (or a better idea) - I’m only diy level, happy with general servicing / replacing parts etc., but not engine removal level . I believe both can read live data…

My head says to buy the better one, it’ll pay off in the longer term. My wife says different!

I have the I930, which I keep in my glove box.
It's basic, but does connect to most modules on the FL1, except the auto box TCM. It's good for basic code reads, but can't do anything else.
I've no experience with the LR V3, so can't comment on that one.

Buy a PScan. Does all that the above do and loads more. From memory about halfway between the 2 price wise. Plugs into a laptop, accesses all ECUs. Can record live data. Can see live data. Fault codes, clear codes.... List goes on and on. I did a list on this forum but find it on https://pscan.uk/ The chap that built it is on this forum. @pscan.eu

Thanks for the input guys… appreciated. I tend to do everything on an iPad these days rather than a laptop, so guess that rules out the PSscan

Have gone for the v3 - I figure for the few quid more I’ll only kick myself later.
Found it direct from the stockists at 169 all in, with free updates for life.

Must remember to hide parcels from wife on Tuesday

Ok, so got the v3, seems a nice bit of kit and well built.
As a typical bloke, had a quick plug in last night, in the dark, without really reading the destructions.
Though it could ‘see’ various modules, it couldn’t seem to connect to most. The only live data I managed to find was basic revs, speed, coolant temp, O2, and manifold pressure… no fuel pressure etc.
Wondering if I’m doing something wrong, or actually the TD4 in 2004 couldn’t really communicate that data out?

The i930 I have reads everything except auto box. Used it on Wife's & Sons TD4's. Doesn't do any calibrations, but can reset faults.

If your V3 isn't connecting there's either bad diagnostic connector wiring, or it's faulty. Is it genuine one or a clone ? See this page near the bottom.

pwood999 said:

The i930 I have reads everything except auto box. Used it on Wife's & Sons TD4's. Doesn't do any calibrations, but can reset faults.

If your V3 isn't connecting there's either bad diagnostic connector wiring, or it's faulty. Is it genuine one or a clone ? See this page near the bottom.

Click to expand...

That’s who I purchased from, so should be ok there.
I’ll take a closer look on the weekend - it ‘found’ various modules, but when I tried to enter them, just said poor comms etc.
Only had 1 fault (air bag power low or similar, probably linked to when I replaced steering wheel) which it cleared as requested.
It was more the apparent lack of (lots of) live data that got me thinking…

Ok - bit of an update/feedback for you on the v3 950 scanner.
Had another little play tonight in between the rain… first gave the obd port a spray up with electrical cleaner, which helped a bit I think. Managed to get recognise and get into Bosch engine ECU, and get the following live data… so not a bad little scanner

There were other modules that it could see, but then not communicate. I still think the obd is playing up a little, so may try a hard reset after the weekend.

My icarsoft only does what you see above. I have emailed endlessly to try to get updates and all ecus covered but no help.

Got a PScan and it does the lot including data recording for intermittant faults. Connects to all ECUs and actually works !

Had the LR v3.0 and sent it back after a day. Kept saying my facelift was a freelander 2, even when choosing the car manually in the menu's. Wouldn't connect to half the stuff and also kept saying the firmware wasn't installed. Sent it back and got a full refund, then went and bought the PSCAN system.

Zeewulf1 said:

Had the LR v3.0 and sent it back after a day. Kept saying my facelift was a freelander 2, even when choosing the car manually in the menu's. Wouldn't connect to half the stuff and also kept saying the firmware wasn't installed. Sent it back and got a full refund, then went and bought the PSCAN system.

Click to expand...

My only issue is that it seems you need a laptop to use Pscan?
I use an iPad !

Cheap old laptop with windows 7 does the job.

Not sure about iPad. Check @pscan.eu

andyfreelandy said:

Cheap old laptop with windows 7 does the job.

Not sure about iPad. Check @pscan.eu

Click to expand...

Have messaged already

ipads are not supported, because I don't have one to develop on. Developing on iphone/ipad needs a big investment in Apple stuff.
Any old laptop pretty much will do, old Windows 7 or you can use Linux too. Something like a Dell D620 or D630 is plenty. Also there is a Raspberry Pi version; there's a Furious Driving youtube video on that.

Given the apparent missing abilities of the icarsoft, I shall be returning it I think.
It does only seem to connect to 1 ECU, despite several attempts.

The Pscan does appear much more capable, but will have to give thought as to hardware to run it (which will be extra cost)

Returned and refunded

Freddie17 said:

Returned and refunded

Click to expand...

The Icarsoft or pscan?

Nodge68 said:

The Icarsoft or pscan?

Click to expand...

The icarsoft. I couldnt just the cost, given that it struggled to connect to even the engine ECU, and nothing else really.
Looking in to the Pscan.