Recommended OBD Scanner for 4xe?

[Jeeperz Kreeperz]

I need to pick up an OBD II scanner to troubleshoot a CEL on my wife’s 2018 Audi Q5. I figured I’d target purchasing one that would be a good fit for the 4xe as well.

Does anyone know if there are any OBD scanners out there that can provide any diagnostics on hybrid battery systems?

Or any particular OBD scanner that you prefer for other reasons?

I’m picturing a budget of $100 - $150 or so.

Thanks in advance!

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[JasonInDLH]

Might want to check Blue Driver. They’re about $100. I see it scans the hybrid system on the Jeep. I bet it it’ll work with the Audi as well. You can double check here…

https://us.bluedriver.com/pages/compatibility

I keep one in my wife’s Yukon as we take that for longer road trips. It works well.

 

[Irishcoffee]

For Aufdi:
https://www.outilsobdfacile.com/vehicle-list-compatible-obd2/audi
For Jeep (incl. 4xe): http://jscan.net/supported-and-not-supported-obd-adapters/ for which you'll need also this bypass cable; http://jscan.net/jl-jt-security-bypass/

Good luck!

 

[Jeeperz Kreeperz]

@Irishcoffee Thanks for the info. And for reminding me that I never updated this thread with my final choice. After researching, I went with OBDLinkMX+ (One of the supported scanners from that list you linked). Perfect for troubleshooting the issue we had on the Audi, and ready for when I need it on the JL.

I just downloaded the JScan app, and ordered up the bypass cable - although, if I understand it correctly, the cable is not needed if I just want to read codes. However, if I want to “write” back to the Jeep’s computer (e.g., if I want to clear diagnostic trouble codes, or make certain changes with a Tazer or similar, etc.), then I need the cable. At $17, I just decided to pick one up.

 

[jjvincent]

@Irishcoffee Thanks for the info. And for reminding me that I never updated this thread with my final choice. After researching, I went with OBDLinkMX+ (One of the supported scanners from that list you linked). Perfect for troubleshooting the issue we had on the Audi, and ready for when I need it on the JL.

I just downloaded the JScan app, and ordered up the bypass cable - although, if I understand it correctly, the cable is not needed if I just want to read codes. However, if I want to “write” back to the Jeep’s computer (e.g., if I want to clear diagnostic trouble codes, or make certain changes with a Tazer or similar, etc.), then I need the cable. At $17, I just decided to pick one up.

JScan , the OBDLinkMX+ and the bypass works really good. I can scan 2018+ FCA vehicles at work but I like having the ease of looking at my phone.

As for the Audi, VCDS is the way to go. It does everything the dealer tool does and you can customize many modules too. I've been using VCDS since 1999 (used to be called VAG-COM).

I even use Forscan for my Ford based RV. I'm a dork when it comes to this stuff.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

A far better way to go then going with old school / clunky / iffy 12+ 8 Chrysler programming cables is to go with a dedicated security gateway bypass module.

Such a dedicated module costs about $15 more then 12+8 Chrysler programming cables but resale $ amt. is very good on a dedicated security gateway bypass module.

Here is a decent SGW bypass module:

https://ecri.app/products/ecri-secu...OgRhPDv9fRE2FfWLyBfbmjcqYb0uIWDikTq11iP0NLJZY

Note: IF, you have a Tazer JL, you do NOT need to buy 12+ 8 Chrysler Cables or a dedicated security gateway bypass module for use with JSCAN as the Tazer JL Mini or Lite will do the SGW bypass duties when you use JSCAN.

 

[MJX]

I've noticed multiple sources recommend the OBDLink MX+, which currently costs $140. My Brother-in-law has a Bafx Products OBDII Diagnostic Interface, which seemed to read the codes fine from the 4xe, and only cost $23. What makes the mx+ worthy of the 6x price-tag?? Why should I not get the bafx products model?

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I've noticed multiple sources recommend the OBDLink MX+, which currently costs $140. My Brother-in-law has a Bafx Products OBDII Diagnostic Interface, which seemed to read the codes fine from the 4xe, and only cost $23. What makes the mx+ worthy of the 6x price-tag?? Why should I not get the bafx products model?

@MJX

IF, if all you want to do is "read codes" on your JL/JT you can do so with most any scan tool.. Even the elcheapo ones like you mentioned can usually meet this very basic deed in regard to use with a JL/JT.

Many here though, want to do more then just read codes.. they want to have a decent Bluetooth OBD2 Car Diagnostic Scan Tool that works with both iOS, Android & Windows... also a tool that is recommended for use with a JL or JT. A device that has upgradeable firmware.. A BT scan tool that can deal with/handle all that is asked of it.

Also desired, is a Bluetooth OBD2 Car Diagnostic Scan Tool (preferably one you can update the firmware on) that is highly recommended by the smartphone app, etc. they plan to use when dealing with their JL/JT.

For exam, with the app JSCAN, the OBDLink MX+, is "highly recommended" by JSCAN. The OBDLink MX+ is also firmware upgradeable and will do all that JSCAN and other apps ask it to do.

Read here and see how important the tool you use/it's abilities are:
Do read through this whole thread ... you will see how the company, OBDLink stepped up to the plate.. and to this day continually provide updated firmware so the OBDLink offering shines above most others.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/-urgent--update-your-bluetooth-obd2-scanner-firmware-updates.97511/post-2033130

In closing your $23 scanner will undoubtedly not do the deed if you want it to do more then scan codes.. Sure, it may handle some of what is thrown at it by JSCAN, etc. but it will drop the ball in general otherwise.

In closing, I myself would not spend the $23 on the tool you mention...

Since you are concerned about $ spent on a scanner, consider going with the $59+, Vgate vLinker MC+ Bluetooth OBD2 Car Diagnostic Scan Tool for iOS, Android & Windows.

This BT scan tool is highly recommended by JSCAN, etc. in regard to their app and a JL or JT. It is an offering that is used by many here and known to be a very decent offering.

https://www.amazon.com/vgate-vLinker-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Android/dp/B088LW211V/ref=sr_1_5?crid=33NGBOFSJ4TAD&keywords=obdlink+mx&qid=1687690295&sprefix=obd,aps,95&sr=8-5&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

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[MJX]

@Rhinebeck01 thank you for your timely and thoughtful reply. I greatly appreciate the info, particularly the alternate recommendation at the end. With that, I have a follow-up question:

If the V-Linker is also highly recommended by the J-Scan app for JL's, what's so special about the OBDLink MX+ that people are paying over double the cost of the V-Linker?

I'm not understanding the cost benefit of the MX+ vs. the V-Linker. My hunch is that it's way more than I need and I'd be better off with the V-linker.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@Rhinebeck01 thank you for your timely and thoughtful reply. I greatly appreciate the info, particularly the alternate recommendation at the end. With that, I have a follow-up question:

If the V-Linker is also highly recommended by the J-Scan app for JL's, what's so special about the OBDLink MX+ that people are paying over double the cost of the V-Linker?

I'm not understanding the cost benefit of the MX+ vs. the V-Linker. My hunch is that it's way more than I need and I'd be better off with the V-linker.

The OBDLink MX+ is offered by a USA company and I can tell you by experience, OBDLink, the company is easy to get in touch with and they stand by their product. It's easy to talk to an OBDLink company rep and they listen... and are helpful. You won't typically find this with the other's selling such an offering.

A BIG DEAL ....Routine and Urgent need firmware updates for the OBDLink MX+ are found on the OBDLink website... Did you read through this whole thread I mentioned earlier.. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/-urgent--update-your-bluetooth-obd2-scanner-firmware-updates.97511/post-2033130

Also worth mentioning ... I had a few back and forth's with JSCAN where they themselves encouraged me to go with the OBDLink MX+.

A big reason I went with the OBDLink MX+, is that I do on occasion leave it attached for a day or three at a time to a JL/JT. The OBDLink MX+ is known/proven to go to sleep properly and does not intermittently wake up UConnect on a JL/JT. UConnect wake ups cause battery depletion and possible no start situations.

Another reason I went with the OBDLink MX+ is that the resale is better on it.. It's a unit that can be used on different vehicles and is always current thanks to the ability to update it's firmware.

For the record....on 1/15/21, I paid $99.95 on Amazon for my OBDLink MX+ .

As for that particular VLinker offering, I mentioned.. I would not have mentioned it if I did not feel that it was a decent offering.. No, it is not an OBDLink MX+ but it is a very decent unit for use with a JL/JT and is "highly recommended" by JSCAN.



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