Practical Use for IIDTool BT or Similiar

[tonyci]

I have been thinking about getting the above IIDtool BT for a while now, so I decided to download the manual and have a read. I have to say the manual is very comprehensive and technical in nature.
So my question for those of you that have these tools, to what practical use do you put them ?, I would be a little frightened of changing something I should not.
I get the clear faults but if the problem is not resolved surely the same fault just represents ?
Please help me understand the use I could put this or similar device to.
Thanks.
Cheers
Tony

[Mungus]

Basically you have half answered your own question. The whole point I have this tool is not to change any parameters (except maybe put the suspension into tight tolerance mode for a wheel alignment - not yet done - alignment that is), but to read faults in the first place and then clear them. If the fault reappears then at least I know what the fault is and can go from there. The reason I chose this tool in particular is it's ease of use from my phone and the alibility to email scanned data and faults with full descriptions. I have also used it a few times to log certain live data whilst driving etc. to review and for possible future reference. It's also nice to know what faults were there, what's left after you clear them, and what has appeared since you made a mod or perhaps disconnected an accessory. For peace of mind it is the very first item I purchased.

[wombathole]

Agree with Mungus.

The tool (be it iidtool or other) is like the new version of a volt meter. It's essential if you want to work on your own car or know what is going on.

You can choose to use the Config functions or just use it as a diag tool. It's money well spent IMO.

[Russrobe]

Programmed 2 new key fobs the day after mine was delievered on Tuesday. Saving about $800 over dealer pricing for 2 new keys plus programming. Then cleared 6 old faults 1 had already been fixed when a new compressor was installed last week.

2 were from my bar install on Tuesday saying open indicator circuits..

2 old transmission faults from before it was rebuilt last month

And one 1 came back the next day. I don't know what this is yet....

PC-Instrument Pack

?B1A85-96 (28) Ambient light sensor circuit - Component failure - internal failure
( on 13-08-2016 18:29:50 at 196461 km )



Anyway, point is it's quite handy. Will tell you faults exist before you even know it which prevents them escalating..

[LRD414]

Good comments so far so I'll just add what I've personally used it for:

- fault reading and clearing (as mentioned a persistent fault would typically be excellent troubleshooting information for either yourself or mechanic)
- setting TTM in advance of a wheel alignment so it can be completed by any competent workshop without their own diag equipment, which is most of them
- live value monitoring, particularly actual temperatures (engine, gearbox, intake)
- changing ccf settings

The first two items alone are sufficient justification for me. The last two are a bonus.

And another consideration .... depending on the issue, the clearing of faults can allow you to remain mobile and get to the next town rather than be stuck or on the back of a truck.
It doesn't mean the problem is fixed but at least you can continue and get to a safer location. There are some minor faults (height sensor, wheel speed sensor) that can lead to a quite conservative limp mode and the tool would be of assistance in these cases.

Cheers,
Scott

[Babs]

I was going to start a thread on this, so I am happy someone beat me to it.

I have a few questions of my own. Basically I want one for all of the above reasons, but want to know is this iidtool the best available option or is there a better tool ❓

And where is the best place to purchase one of these tools ❓

Can I run it from my iPhone like the Pete Bell BAS Tool I had in my Defender ❓

Cheers, I'm looking forward to some feedback.

Cheers, Babs Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Geedublya]

The things I've used it for: Read and clear faults, troubleshoot problems, calibrate suspension, calibrate steering angle sensor after wheel aligner messed it up, reset battery setting when new battery installed and setup 3 height settings (normal, -10mm and +40mm.
Things I intend to do in the future: reprogram keys, calibrate fuel consumption readout, calibrate speedo and change some other CCF settings as required.

[Grentarc]

I have a few questions of my own. Basically I want one for all of the above reasons, but want to know is this iidtool the best available option or is there a better tool ❓ I can't think of a better one than the IID Tool BT

And where is the best place to purchase one of these tools ❓ There is a group buy being organised right now

Can I run it from my iPhone like the Pete Bell BAS Tool I had in my Defender ❓ As long as you have an iPhone 4S or newer

Also, my compressor failed completely the other day, and the car dropped to the bump stops. I was able to plumb my tyre compressor into the EAS compressor outlet, and using my IID Tool BT on my phone to open the EAS valves manually while pumping in air.

[LRD414]

I was able to plumb my tyre compressor into the EAS compressor outlet, and using my IID Tool BT on my phone to open the EAS valves manually while pumping in air.

I don't want to hijack this thread but would like to know how you plumbed into the compressor outlet Justin.
I expect you'd need some fittings to add a tee piece or something.
Perhaps a new thread, unless it's been covered before?

Cheers,
Scott

[Grentarc]

I don't want to hijack this thread but would like to know how you plumbed into the compressor outlet Justin.
I expect you'd need some fittings to add a tee piece or something.
Perhaps a new thread, unless it's been covered before?

Cheers,
Scott

I will throw it in my AMK compressor thread this weekend some time