Best fault diagnostics solution

[firefoxGC]

Hi guys after a recent problem on a trip I must buy a good solution for diagnosing sensor and computer problems. I need to be able to diagnose and fix if possible. I can see all the common solutions but there doesn't seem to be a good list of the best ones and what everyone recommends and uses and where I can buy them from.

Looks like the black box MSV is an option but there are others like hawk eye and auto logic. What's everyone use and recommend?

[~Rich~]

Well it depends on how far you want to go.
I've got the cheaper Black Box Faultmate, it has the ability to both read faults and give a description of what they are through all the modules. It also lets you clear them as well.

That's enough for me, I'm not into editing the files.

On one occasion it was enough for me to ring my mechanic with the gearbox fault codes and discuss possible causes and remidies.

[discojools]

There is the GAP Diagnostic IIdtool (canadian I think) which connects by Bluetooth to an App on your iPhone or there is the non bluetooth one That is operated by the cruise control buttons. You read it on the dashboard.
Am considering it.
BMI supply it here but much more expensive than in the UK.

[gghaggis]

For a D4 or D3, the Faultmate FCR is probably the best bang for your buck - around $350 or less to your door.

Cheers,

Gordon

[phl]

They all have their pros and cons; if you just want to read/clear faults, the Faultmate FCR sounds pretty good. If you want to change some of the setting, especially suspension height, the IID Tool (both Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth) is good, although CCF editing is not as extensive as the Faultmate MSV, which gives you more features.

Price follows functionality; I settled for the IID Tool BT as it had a good balance of price to features I needed.

[d3viate]

I have the Blackbox MSV-2 Extreme which allows you to do everything, read codes and adjust the vehicles parameters anywhere.
One handy feature that I use often is to change suspension values to raise the car height so if going off-road you can have your "standard" height an inch or two above what it is now by adjusting the suspension potentiometers output (those little black squares with a rod/arm attached at the suspension) . You have a map stored making it simple to go to your off-road height or back to factory in a few minutes.
Only drawback is Blackbox Extreme using its full features requires a laptop running software that came out eons ago, think windows 98, I do use a Vista one but tell program to use 98. Gives your old laptop a use I suppose.
Blackbox good too if you are a person who upgrades parts like stereo, gps, steering wheel controls, change injectors-or read every engine value, whatever, as you can tell cars computer to fire up those new parts you have fitted or if you have changed out the ECM, get that going.
I think the more basic code readers are just fine if you just want to find a problem or not interested in changing anything but if you are PC competent and like playing or fitting extras it does have its advantages.
There is also a Blackbox forum with backup to answer any questions but is only accessible once you purchase the Blackbox. The software is loaded onto your Blackbox according to your VIN or can be loaded to work with any Disco for a little more. Can use it to load engine performance maps too.
It all depends how far you want to "get inside your car".

[kenl]

On the D4 the MSV-2 is more limited, there are lots of promised updates but I for one am starting to become a disillusioned Black Box Solutions customer.
If the BBS forum were available to people before they bought the product, No one would ever buy it.

[nivekau]

There is the GAP Diagnostic IIdtool (canadian I think) which connects by Bluetooth to an App on your iPhone or there is the non bluetooth one That is operated by the cruise control buttons. You read it on the dashboard.
Am considering it.
BMI supply it here but much more expensive than in the UK.

I've got the IID, although I'm pretty upset that I didn't know the BT one was coming out. I've got the earlier one, not BT one.

They're continuing development of the functionality, in fact I need to download some new firmware for mine. In addition to reading and clearing codes it allows you to change the default suspension height, which is why I wanted it but never actually got around to doing it!

I bought mine for about $450 delivered from an LR dealer in the Midlands in the UK (on eBay)

Got a quote from Rovacraft here in Australia and they wanted $770, and they had to order it from the UK!

[phl]

I've got the IID, although I'm pretty upset that I didn't know the BT one was coming out. I've got the earlier one, not BT one

You don't lose much functionality without BT at the moment. In fact, for a quick change, such as when I edited the CCF to reduce the fuel consumption display, I didn't bother using BT as it was in a Coles Express forecourt waiting for someone to vacate the air pump.

Have to say they have nailed it for ease of use.

If they add more functionality where you need moe screen space, then that may change, as they keep updating it, which is great.

[d3viate]

a disillusioned Black Box Solutions customer.
If the BBS forum were available to people before they bought the product, No one would ever buy it

Agree about the access to forum AFTER purchase. When you have access you then see how many people are having problems with updates not working or just using the system.
Can spend a lot of time reloading/tweeking and generally pulling your hair out.
Having to take an outdated laptop in the car along with a newie is just extra weight/space and "customer support" (he) can get pretty cranky when you have outlaid a fair amount of coin..
They expect you to be at a PC Engineer level instead of getting their end to work better.
I do not know how long they can go trying to run such outdated windows.
I would not recommend unless you are rebuilding a Disco or can write code blindfolded.