Gap Diagnostic IIDTool BT essential or nice to have?

[BeeGee]

Gents,

Our family is heading from Perth up to Karijini National Park for 2.5 weeks camping over the school hols. I'm madly ticking off all of my tasks on the Disco and van to get ready.

Question. I don't have an IID Tool.
Would you class this as an essential item for risk mitigation or a nice to have?

I can get one Express posted to me for $950 tomorrow and it is touch and go whether it will arrive before I leave next Thursday lunch time on July the 2nd.

Is it worth the $$ and stress to get it here on time before I leave or not worry about it?

Thanks

[Tombie]

Excellent question.

A suitable diagnostic tool in a modern vehicle is the equivalent of fencing wire and snips in an old one.

If your vehicle is in A1 condition and hasn’t been causing any grief for a while odd are you would get away with not having it.

When / If you need it though, the price and stress will be long forgotten.

If you’re in a position to get one, I’d recommend it.
It’s handy for many things including suspension height overrides when on faster offroad to overcome the 50km/h return to stock height.

[DieselLSE]

Don't stress it, just enjoy your trip. You wouldn't have time to learn to use it properly anyway. But, in my opinion, such a tool is essential for doing your own servicing and remote travel, particularly if you travel on your own.
My Nanocom Evolution is permanently in the D4 and I have the Nanocom IQ permanently in the OBD slot and the software on my phone. That's how important a diagnostic and code clearing tool is to me.
If I had to suggest a last minute "must have", I'd probably suggest taking out a top cover breakdown policy with your insurer if you haven't already arranged it. After that perhaps hire a sat-phone or whatever comms solution suits your travel plans.

[BeeGee]

Excellent question.

A suitable diagnostic tool in a modern vehicle is the equivalent of fencing wire and snips in an old one.

If your vehicle is in A1 condition and hasn’t been causing any grief for a while odd are you would get away with not having it.

When / If you need it though, the price and stress will be long forgotten.

If you’re in a position to get one, I’d recommend it.
It’s handy for many things including suspension height overrides when on faster offroad to overcome the 50km/h return to stock height.

Thanks Tombie. I have a Llams kit which I am installing this weekend so no need for this functionality in the IID tool.
My tug has been running perfectly and recently serviced. Never had a hickup with it since purchased but that is only about 7 months so far.
However I hear you about getting stuck on that rare occasion. And that is what is in the back of my mind. Hence the question.

[BeeGee]

Don't stress it, just enjoy your trip. You wouldn't have time to learn to use it properly anyway.

Exactly this. Even if I get one in time, I certainly wouldn't have time to get up to speed and learn it.
Thanks for your other suggestions. Will look into my insurance and RAC breakdown coverage level.

[Ferret]

Is it worth the $$ and stress to get it here on time before I leave or not worry about it?

Karijini is not exactly 'not going to see another vehicle for days'. I wouldn't stress over it specifically for this trip though they are a handy bit of kit. Optus cell and public phone is available at the resort and the RAC runs out of Tom Price if you are really stuck. I agree with others, having a decent road side break down cover (RAC or LR Assist) is probably a more effective form of insurance at this point rather biting your finger nails about delivery.

Good luck with the trip it's great place.

[John_D4]

Exactly this. Even if I get one in time, I certainly wouldn't have time to get up to speed and learn it.
Thanks for your other suggestions. Will look into my insurance and RAC breakdown coverage level.

Our top level RAA cover has paid for itself many times with the blown power steering pump at Old Andado Station in the Simpson desert. RAA paid $4k towards the repair leaving me only $900 out of pocket to fit a new genuine pump on the D2

[BeeGee]

Karijini is not exactly 'not going to see another vehicle for days'. I wouldn't stress over it specifically for this trip though they are a handy bit of kit. Optus cell and public phone is available at the resort and the RAC runs out of Tom Price if you are really stuck. I agree with others, having a decent road side break down cover (RAC or LR Assist) is probably a more effective form of insurance at this point rather biting your finger nails about delivery.

Good luck with the trip it's great place.

Thanks. I've got top RAC Ultimate Plus cover but only includes 300km tow for the tug and van. But that would include to Tom Price. Alternatively I could purchase the LR Assist as well for $180 for 12 months which would cover a tow to the nearest LR Dealership (being Geraldton I think).

[scarry]

Exactly this. Even if I get one in time, I certainly wouldn't have time to get up to speed and learn it.
Thanks for your other suggestions. Will look into my insurance and RAC breakdown coverage level.

It wouldn't take long to work out how to use it.Mine logs onto my iPad,which we take everywhere when touring,and it is brilliant.The Gap tool stays in the glovebox all the time.

Sure you wouldn't be familiar with all the functions,but i am sure it would be helpful if you needed it.

As Tombie has said,it is an essential piece of kit on a modern vehicle.

If it isn't going to arrive before you leave,i wouldn't worry about it,just think about getting one later if you are keeping the vehicle for a while.

[PerthDisco]

Gents,

Our family is heading from Perth up to Karijini National Park for 2.5 weeks camping over the school hols. I'm madly ticking off all of my tasks on the Disco and van to get ready.

Question. I don't have an IID Tool.
Would you class this as an essential item for risk mitigation or a nice to have?

I can get one Express posted to me for $950 tomorrow and it is touch and go whether it will arrive before I leave next Thursday lunch time on July the 2nd.

Is it worth the $$ and stress to get it here on time before I leave or not worry about it?

Thanks

What age car? Been there and done all that and still don’t have an IIDTool at 227,000km much as I want it (badly!!!) and an 08 diesel model. Never missed a beat or let me down, touch wood. Done Steep Point coast run (totally remote) and Melbourne return all totally fingers crossed don’t let me down baby!!

When we did Karijini a few years ago we came home via Mt Augustus which was amazing. Highly recommend that as much as Karijini. Keep going south to Murchison Roadhouse for 900km of unsealed road magic. Only saw one other car south of Augustus. PM me for directions.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/13b8e99e7dd285c69780852516a39b1c.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/ce476815c85377ff8fb4d937a4551ef1.jpg

Tyres will be your problem on these high speed off roads and I had a second spare so make sure good. The Coopers on other cars were destroyed. No problems with my Bridgestone LTs.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/16a5ab3116bee055313488f19f189dca.jpg

The corrugations in Karijini are the worst I’ve ever experienced.

[BeeGee]

What age car? Been there and done all that and still don’t have an IIDTool at 227,000km much as I want it (bad!!!) and an 08 diesel model. Never missed a beat or let me down, touch wood.

When we did Karijini a few years ago we came home via Mt Augustus which was amazing. Highly recommend that as much as Karijini. Keep going south to Murchison Station for 900km of unsealed road magic.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/13b8e99e7dd285c69780852516a39b1c.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/ce476815c85377ff8fb4d937a4551ef1.jpg

Tyres will be your problem on these off roads and I had a second spare so make sure good. The Coopers on other cars were destroyed. No problems with my Bridgestone LTs.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/16a5ab3116bee055313488f19f189dca.jpg

The corrugations in Karijini are the worst I’ve ever experienced.

2015 Disco 4,
100,000km's
Tyres are BFG's on 18" TuffAnt rims

Thanks for the great feedback and tips.

[PerthDisco]

2015 Disco 4,
100,000km's
Tyres are BFG's on 18" TuffAnt rims

Thanks for the great feedback and tips.

Still a baby. Service it. Make sure fuel filter is new. Air filter new. Know how to fit the air filters at least. I gave mine a good clean at Augustus as quite dusty. Carry the old one for a spare.

Carry a tyre plug kit.

Half way between False Entrance and Steep Point at the cliff top road is where you do not want to be stranded but I never knew about an IID Tool then so blissfully unaware.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/bb4c59badcf191812c49f7b00bcd5124.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200624/cc1e59b145c614e595df14652cb82390.jpg

I’m off to Gnaraloo 2000km round trip in a few weeks and starting to sweat already about my original wheel bearings, air compressor, struts and the like but doing the servicing and all oil changes myself helps with confidence [emoji23] [emoji1696]

[101RRS]

I have had my RRS for 10 years and I have not needed a GAP tool. However I do have a FaultMate FCR which is a code reader (as well as the number it also tells you what the code is).

Now if you want to play around with settings in the electronic systems as well as diagnose faults then a GAP tool is definitely the way to go, however if you just want to read faults the FaultMate FCR is a much cheaper option - the only issue is that you have to know what to do when you know what the fault is and it can only clear faults, not to calibrations etc if they are needed like the Gap Tool can do.

Garry

[BradC]

The Gap tool stays in the glovebox all the time.

Mine has spent the last 2 years in the OBD socket. One of those tools that's a "nice to have" until you actually need it.

[scarry]

Mine has spent the last 2 years in the OBD socket. One of those tools that's a "nice to have" until you actually need it.

Mine doesn't stay there because i accidentally knocked it once when it was plugged in,so i was thinking the risk of damaging it or the plug is too high.
Could get damaged.

But anyway,maybe i am worrying too much.

[letherm]

Mine doesn't stay there because i accidentally knocked it once when it was plugged in,so i was thinking the risk of damaging it or the plug is too high.
Could get damaged.

But anyway,maybe i am worrying too much.

I was worried about that with mine when I bought it. Easy solution is to get a flat ribbon cable, connect it to the OBDII port and run it up behind the steering wheel cover to just under the steering wheel and plug the tool into it there. Mine sits directly beneath the steering wheel not attached to anything and has done for several years with no problems. All you need to remember is that you need to disconnect and shut down the app on your phone as the device will keep searching for your phone unless it is disconnected from the app properly. This can cause the car battery to be drained. I have never had any problems with this. The company that makes the tool advise against doing so but it's purely a "caveat emptor" situation so that they're covered in case you don't properly disconnect from the phone app. I think I've only forgotten once or twice and when I remembered went out to the car and disconnected it with no dramas

Martin

[gavinwibrow]

Does the Rovacom IQ only work on individual approved vehicles?

In addition to my "used every trip" GAP Tool, I have an IQ that I shamefully admit I have virtually never used on my D4 and would be happy to lend it for the hols if it is D4 universal accessible.

One claimed IQ benefit is fit to UBDII port and forget without the flat battery potential explained in this thread.

[gt2310]

Hi All,

Despite being a member, I have been lurking on AULRO for years.

Just wondering if the GapIID tool offers anything extra that the Nanocom Evolution does not?

Have been chasing Andreas at Black Box re the D4 options and so far have been advised that is does TTM, service reset and auto mirror cancellation. A

Geoff

[DieselLSE]

Does the Rovacom IQ only work on individual approved vehicles?
Yes, you buy a licence for each VIN you that you need. But you can read and clear codes on any D3/4. You can also set TTL on any D3/4, too.

One claimed IQ benefit is fit to UBDII port and forget without the flat battery potential explained in this thread.
Correct. Just plug it in and forget it. Or you can keep it in its nifty little box.

[DieselLSE]

Hi All,

Despite being a member, I have been lurking on AULRO for years.

Just wondering if the GapIID tool offers anything extra that the Nanocom Evolution does not?

Have been chasing Andreas at Black Box re the D4 options and so far have been advised that is does TTM, service reset and auto mirror cancellation. A

Geoff
Can't comment on GAP as I've never seen one. Tombie has both and I think his preference is for the GAP. As far as I can tell from reading posts they each offer virtually identical functionality.
Yes, of course it does TTM and you can do it on any D3/4 without a licence.
Yes, of course it does service reset.
Auto mirror cancellation (and various other settings) is at your fingertips via the Vehicle Set-up menu. Go to page 37 in your Handbook.

[BeeGee]

Thanks guys.

Decided to bite the bullet and order the Gap BT tool. So it's leaving QLD express post today and fingers crossed it arrives before next Thursday.

Will also purchase LR roadside assist for piece of mind (in addition to my RAC roadside) as this covers a tow back to the nearest LR dealership (vs just 300km covered under my RAC).

One question. The GAP tool is locked to one VIN number for advanced functions. I'm assuming once it arrives you input your VIN number in the first instance?

cheers

[Tombie]

You register it online via the tool and your device.

[Fatso]

Thanks guys.

Decided to bite the bullet and order the Gap BT tool. So it's leaving QLD express post today and fingers crossed it arrives before next Thursday.

Will also purchase LR roadside assist for piece of mind (in addition to my RAC roadside) as this covers a tow back to the nearest LR dealership (vs just 300km covered under my RAC).

One question. The GAP tool is locked to one VIN number for advanced functions. I'm assuming once it arrives you input your VIN number in the first instance?

cheers

Don't forget if your vehicle cannot be repaired where ever you need assistance the RAC will relocate you vehicle to your home address .

[Dagilmo]

Thanks guys.

Decided to bite the bullet and order the Gap BT tool. So it's leaving QLD express post today and fingers crossed it arrives before next Thursday.

It will make it.

[BeeGee]

Don't forget if your vehicle cannot be repaired where ever you need assistance the RAC will relocate you vehicle to your home address .

Noted, thanks. But this doesn't include your van according to their PDS, just he vehicle. The van is included within their standard towing limits of up to 300km round trip, but not the extended benefits. That could pose a tricky situation.

[gavinwibrow]

Don't forget if your vehicle cannot be repaired where ever you need assistance the RAC will relocate you vehicle to your home address .

Yes, but with a number of caveats/limits - interesting reading [bigwhistle] (like all quasi legal documentation).

[josh.huber]

I've had a Rovacom Iq and now have a gap.

You can't say bad things about items or shops etc on this forum. So just read the first line again and again. For me the peice of mind is not being able to clear codes and do fun stuff. But knowing what the light on the dash means so I can make a choice.

[DiscoDB]

The GAP tool may not be essential, but over the life of hopefully long LR ownership it will pay for itself.

[DieselLSE]

I've had a Rovacom Iq and now have a gap.

You can't say bad things about items or shops etc on this forum. So just read the first line again and again. For me the peice of mind is not being able to clear codes and do fun stuff. But knowing what the light on the dash means so I can make a choice.
For the record, I've had no issue with either the Nanocom Evolution or the Rovacom IQ and I've done both reflashing and CCF changes with both. Again, I've no experience with GAP and can make no comments as to how they compare.

[josh.huber]

For the record, I've had no issue with either the Nanocom Evolution or the Rovacom IQ and I've done both reflashing and CCF changes with both. Again, I've no experience with GAP and can make no comments as to how they compare.

Have you tried to do a suspension calibration, or looked at the data on the screen and realised it isn't even possible? The nanocom is probably better then the IQ. I've used a mates evolution and nearly bought one until the IQ came out and was cheaper

[DieselLSE]

Have you tried to do a suspension calibration, or looked at the data on the screen and realised it isn't even possible? The nanocom is probably better then the IQ. I've used a mates evolution and nearly bought one until the IQ came out and was cheaper
No, I haven't looked at the EAS calibration as I have LLAMS and everything is working to spec. I've only put EAS into/out of TTM on my own car and other peoples'.

[josh.huber]

I'd try it soon, just so you know if it'll work for you when you need it

[DieselLSE]

I'd try it soon, just so you know if it'll work for you when you need it
Perhaps. But I'll only need it if I've had to replace an EAS component that requires recalibration of the height settings. Bearing in mind that BBS were one of the first to offer a tool for Gen 1 EAS fault finding and recalibration, I've no doubt that the IQ can do the job it's designed for.
I've looked at the settings and it seems straightforward to me, but I admit I haven't used it in practice.
For emergencies, I have installed the GOE manual air up kit, LLAMS and an on board compressor.

[josh.huber]

Perhaps. But I'll only need it if I've had to replace an EAS component that requires recalibration of the height settings. Bearing in mind that BBS were one of the first to offer a tool for Gen 1 EAS fault finding and recalibration, I've no doubt that the IQ can do the job it's designed for.
I've looked at the settings and it seems straightforward to me, but I admit I haven't used it in practice.
For emergencies, I have installed the GOE manual air up kit, LLAMS and an on board compressor.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200626/5769db398d7a24e94d604ebcbf745e2f.jpg

Well I give up. You seem to have it under control. Yes the photo shows 84psi of manifold pressure.
According to them we can press the brake pedal and the throttle and pump up or tyres or the air suspension that they can't work out how to fix. I'm not trying to be difficult just trying to help.

[josh.huber]

I'm not trying to be a pain in the arse, just pointing out a gap tool is due remote travel as per the original question. The IQ isn't

[LRD414]

Decided to bite the bullet and order the Gap BT tool.
Good call I think. It's one of those things that seems a waste of money, until it's not.

[BeeGee]

Good call I think. It's one of those things that seems a waste of money, until it's not.

Thanks. Arrived today which is great and have connected easily and registered via the app.

[BMKal]

I'm in Kalgoorlie, and my GAP has paid for itself more than once. Main issue was when I drove through some deep water and somehow the transmission calibration went out and the vehicle kept engaging the CDL. Would have been an expensive trip on the back of a truck to Perth if I didn't have the GAP tool - re-calibrated the transmission sensors and have not had the problem since. Also use it occasionally to put suspension into tight tolerance mode for wheel align when new tyres fitted - and to re-set the service interval. Have also turned on "global lock" and changed a couple of other optional settings.

We now have a service place in town where they have a lot of Land Rover experience and obviously are set up with the gear to read / change code as appropriate. First time they serviced the D4, they didn't know how to re-set the service interval, so I did it at home with the GAP tool. Most recent service though (140K which included both timing belts, transmission service and new pan plus normal book service) - the service interval was re-set when I picked it up.
Prior to this business (GoldFields Off Road) being established - there was no other business in town with the gear to even read Land Rover code - and I suspect that you will find much the same in most places north of Geraldton.

As LRL414 said - "it's one of those things that seems a waste of money, until it's not".

[haydent]

Essential, mine too has paid for itself over and over, just factor it into the cost of the car, comparatively its very cheap. The number of tows and hours at mechanic getting scans/faults cleared/investigated alone. Not to mention the ability for me to troubleshoot and fix the problems myself has saved thousands, and will again going forward im sure. And I haven't even gone remote. Plus the ability to mod ecu, and car config for optional factory features.

The graphing is very good, a little tip for owners I just happened apon, you can click any of the Y axis scales for each item you are graphing to select it, and make it bold, and then when you pinch zoom up and down on the graph it adjust the Y scale for just that graph line, also pinch zooming horizontally adjusts your x scale so you can zoom right out and show minutes of data, as well as swipe left right to pan through time if needed.



182907

[fourteen8]

Don't stress it, just enjoy your trip. You wouldn't have time to learn to use it properly anyway. But, in my opinion, such a tool is essential for doing your own servicing and remote travel, particularly if you travel on your own.
My Nanocom Evolution is permanently in the D4 and I have the Nanocom IQ permanently in the OBD slot and the software on my phone. That's how important a diagnostic and code clearing tool is to me.
If I had to suggest a last minute "must have", I'd probably suggest taking out a top cover breakdown policy with your insurer if you haven't already arranged it. After that perhaps hire a sat-phone or whatever comms solution suits your travel plans.

What is Nanocom IQ? Do you have the link for Nanocom IQ? Thanks

[DieselLSE]

What is Nanocom IQ? Do you have the link for Nanocom IQ? Thanks
Hmm. Good question. They don't show it on their website anymore. Either get the D4 one Products - NCOM44 Discovery 4 2010 - 2015 kit - NANOCOM Diagnostics (nanocom-diagnostics.com) (https://www.nanocom-diagnostics.com/product/ncom44-discovery-4-2010-2015-kit) or buy a GAP id.
The GAP one seems to be the most popular on here and if I was to start out again I reckon that's what I would get.

[fourteen8]

Hmm. Good question. They don't show it on their website anymore. Either get the D4 one Products - NCOM44 Discovery 4 2010 - 2015 kit - NANOCOM Diagnostics (nanocom-diagnostics.com) (https://www.nanocom-diagnostics.com/product/ncom44-discovery-4-2010-2015-kit) or buy a GAP id.
The GAP one seems to be the most popular on here and if I was to start out again I reckon that's what I would get.

How much did you pay for the Nanocom IQ? I have Nanocom for TD5 and thinking to get additional unlock key for D4. But I also considering Gap IID

[DieselLSE]

How much did you pay for the Nanocom IQ? I have Nanocom for TD5 and thinking to get additional unlock key for D4. But I also considering Gap IID
Don't remember. About $800 I think.

[loanrangie]

How much did you pay for the Nanocom IQ? I have Nanocom for TD5 and thinking to get additional unlock key for D4. But I also considering Gap IIDPrice the cable for it and you'll buy the Gap tool and sell the nanocom.

[fourteen8]

Price the cable for it and you'll buy the Gap tool and sell the nanocom.

I still have my D2 TD5 but it is my second car maybe I don't need nanocom anymore.

[shack]

What is Nanocom IQ? Do you have the link for Nanocom IQ? ThanksI think possibly the product was called "Rovacom IQ".

Completely different tool.

[gavinwibrow]

I think possibly the product was called "Rovacom IQ".

Completely different tool.



I'd put the Gap tool in the essential category if you travel away from the city, or if you like to fiddle/work on/repair your steed.
After sales service from Canada for any queries is excellent.

Even if you have difficulty with diagnostics, there is usually someone around who can do the basics/help out.

As an aside, I just went to the BBS site and the Rovacom IQ was not featured. Is it still for sale, or withdrawn from availability?

[shack]

I'd put the Gap tool in the essential category if you travel away from the city, or if you like to fiddle/work on/repair your steed.
After sales service from Canada for any queries is excellent.

Even if you have difficulty with diagnostics, there is usually someone around who can do the basics/help out.

As an aside, I just went to the BBS site and the Rovacom IQ was not featured. Is it still for sale, or withdrawn from availability?
I'm thinking you can't get them anymore, but it's not something I have much knowledge about.

Someone else will know!

[Stuart02]

Are people still using the nanocom, or is it all GAP IID these days? Do they have any advantages other than being a dedicated device?

I've got a nanocom that I was using on my 2010 RRS but have never even tried it on any of my D4s (it was misplaced for a while and I got the GAP IID in the mean time)...

[haydent]

"advantages other than being a dedicated device?" im not aware of any other than that it can do the older cars, i find the nanocom interface slow and limited compared to a smart phone which is much better imo

[loanrangie]

Are people still using the nanocom, or is it all GAP IID these days? Do they have any advantages other than being a dedicated device?

I've got a nanocom that I was using on my 2010 RRS but have never even tried it on any of my D4s (it was misplaced for a while and I got the GAP IID in the mean time)...

Only advantage for the nano is that its not vin locked so you can use it on any D3/D4/RRS.

[haydent]

Only advantage for the nano is that its not vin locked so you can use it on any D3/D4/RRS.

ah that is good, re gap, you can buy extra/change vin licenses

[twr7cx]

Nice to have. If you are happy to pay someone to sort things out then it's not necessary.

[PerthDisco]

Nice to have. If you are happy to pay someone to sort things out then it's not necessary.

Disagree, when travelling remote and you get a check engine light it could be something simple you can safely bypass and continue on with if you have the code info.

For example it could be a height sensor or speed sensor or MAP sensor or turbo actuator. The new part can be discussed and sourced ahead of where you are going.

Many a car has returned on a flatbed because they have a check engine light and are told not to proceed. This leaves caravans and owners stranded and all sorts of angst.

[loanrangie]

Disagree, when travelling remote and you get a check engine light it could be something simple you can safely bypass and continue on with if you have the code info.

For example it could be a height sensor or speed sensor or MAP sensor or turbo actuator. The new part can be discussed and sourced ahead of where you are going.

Many a car has returned on a flatbed because they have a check engine light and are told not to proceed. This leaves caravans and owners stranded and all sorts of angst.

Agree, they are a must if you frequently venture past any major city or travel remote.
Even for a home mechanic they can be a life saver.

[PerthDisco]

Agree, they are a must if you frequently venture past any major city or travel remote.
Even for a home mechanic they can be a life saver.

It’s saved me so much and even doing jobs like suspension work and deflating air bags is gold.

Then the diagnostic capability and logging. I seriously would have set fire to mine a few times without this