Fault code analysers

[Airmech953]

I have been reading the praises of the Gap llD tool, which seems to be have uses beyond simple fault-finding and resets. At the risk of igniting an extensive debate what experience does anyone have of a tool such as the Launch Thinkdiag scan tool as an option for simple maintenance and fault resets.

[DiscoDB]

Hi Airmech953 - No experience with the Launch Thinkdiag, but it does look like a subscription based service where you may get the free software for the first year but then have to pay an ongoing fee to use or update. For that reason alone I would not touch.

It also looks like one of many clone type code readers that does not have any real technical support behind it - but I could be judging based on the way it is advertised.

If cost of the GAP tool is the issue and you are not needing the extra functionality but just want a code reader, able to reset fault codes, view live data, and the servicing functions, then the iCarsoft LR V2.0 looks promising.

A member here (setmefree) has one for sale in the AULRO Marketplace who can probably advise on the difference with the GAP tool and what it can and can’t do by comparison.

‘setmefree’ is selling because they bought the GAP tool instead which in itself may tell you something.

P.s. my recommendation for the D3/D4/RRS vehicles is just get the GAP Tool.

[DiscoDB]

Some info on the iCarSoft LRV2 from setmefree:


Unfortunately my account is not letting me respond in Airmech953 thread.. Anyhow here are my thoughts on the iCarSoft:
It is very slow to navigate with the side buttons
It cannot make changes to the CCF file (I wanted to enable my DRL, and enable Nav-on-the-move, and adjust my normal ride height)
It can't program key fobs (I wanted to make a spare and LR quoted me $450 for the fob plus $230 to program it)
When troubleshooting DTCs I found I had to manually check a module at a time to see if it had a DTC (iiD just lists the DTC automatically)
So if you just need to find/clear DTCs, reset service, do some maintenance like DPF, EPB, SAS then the iCarSoft gets the job done.
If you need to venture into the world of fiddling with the car configuration (CCF) then get the iiD Tool.
Obviously things like ease of use, and size, the iiD wins hands down.

[Airmech953]

Doing some more research on these devices, I contacted the vendors of the iCarsoft LR2 unit. They replied by saying that this unit is not best suited to the Disco 3; instead they recommend a couple of Vident units, i400AU, i440AU or i700AU. I have attached a copy of their reply to me. There are extra fees payable for support after 3 years and additional vehicle types in the case of the i400AU.
I understand that the Gap tool may be the cream of the crop, but for maintenance and repair do any people use the Vident product?

Hi Dave,
We have seen too many customers with the iCarsoft scanners having troubles to connect to OBD1 or early OBD2 cars like your 2005-2006 Discovery so I do not recommend their scanners for you. For full systems diagnosis on your Discos from our product range I can recommend Vident scanners.

Vident:
I can recommend Vident i400AU. It is very powerful scan tool that allow you to diagnose on all the electronic systems including Engine, ABS, SRS, Transmission and more.
It comes with 1 free car make software (eg. Land Rover) and you can add more car make for a fee if you will require to cover more car makes in the future. See the scan tool for more details here i400AU OBD1 OBD2 Scan Tool For All System Engine ABS Airbag w/ OIL Service EPB 6971231354009 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/iLink400-OBD1-OBD2-Scan-Tool-For-All-System-Engine-ABS-Airbag-w-OIL-Service-EPB/263250293928?epid=25006729657&hash=item3d4af0b4a8)


If you would prefer a scan too that covers most of the OBD1 & OBD2 makes including your E70 and R56 by default and you do not require programming then we recommend Vident i440AU, or i700AU. Both great all around scan tools that give you access to almost all electronic systems but do not have programming features.
See the scan tools for more details below
i440AU OBD1 OBD2 Scan Tool Engine ABS SRS Transmission Reset Code Reader 6971231354009 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/iLink440-OBD1-OBD2-Scan-Tool-Engine-ABS-SRS-Transmission-Reset-Fault-Code-Reader/263378768350?hash=item3d529911de:g:ZpUAAOSwWB5bz9E V:rk:1:pf:0)
Vident i700AU OBD1 OBD2 Scan Tool Oil EPB Battery ENG ABS SRS - ALL SYSTEM 6971231357109 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Car-Diagnostic-Scan-Tool-OBD-Full-System-Code-Reader-Scanner-Vident-iAuto700/263378933626?epid=26011166184&hash=item3d529b977a:g:HgsAAOSw4gpbzpsm)

Please check the tools and let me know if you have any questions.

Have a nice day.

*Vident i700s series is being used by all mobile patrols from NRMA, RACV, RACQ and RAA so the Vident software is up to date to make sure it covers almost every vehicle model on Australian roads
*also the i710AU & i730AU are not on the eBay due to manufacturers restrictions we can only list them on our website

[Tins]

Doing some more research on these devices, I contacted the vendors of the iCarsoft LR2 unit. They replied by saying that this unit is not best suited to the Disco 3; instead they recommend a couple of Vident units, i400AU, i440AU or i700AU. I have attached a copy of their reply to me. There are extra fees payable for support after 3 years and additional vehicle types in the case of the i400AU.
I understand that the Gap tool may be the cream of the crop, but for maintenance and repair do any people use the Vident product?



Pity the Vident limits you to a Windows PC.

[Tombie]

Nope. Wouldn’t even consider it.
Several missing features that can be saved in the difference in cost to a GAP tool in one go.

[Airmech953]

Nope. Wouldn’t even consider it.
Several missing features that can be saved in the difference in cost to a GAP tool in one go.

Many thanks to Loanrangie who visited today and showed the capabilities of the Gap tool. I have ordered a unit and hope to make more progress with repairs when it arrives