Which ObdII scanner

[Shellbird01]

As many have already said short of the Mopar factory tool that has the ability to access the SWG there are no tools on the market that you can simply plug into the OBD2 port to access all systems.

Consider a professional scan tool such as an Xtool D9 or Maxisys which not only can you use on your Jeep but just about every other in production vehicle. You can get both of these tools with the optional Jeep SWG cables that allow the tool to plug in-line totally bypassing the SWG and giving you full access to the systems.

These tools are also bi-directional so not only can the read codes but they can actually do activation testing of specific modules. Granted these tools are geared more for the professional mechanic.

They are also more expensive then a jscan or BT reader but they do one heck of alot more and you can use them for just about anything you might own now and in the future. If you just want to read codes and don't plan on any serious work or testing on your jeep get the jscan, for the average jeep owner its the best bang for the buck and easiest to use.

Thanks, I’m not sure how much function I need, I’m a DIY guy looking to keep up maintenance / troubleshoot codes.

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[OldGuyNewJeep]

Does it allow to cleaning of the cam phasers?

I like the jscan too….

No idea. Way above my pay grade! I don’t even know what a cam phaser is…

I did find this to be a good read before I purchased: https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1902-the-obdlink-mx-makes-diagnostic-wizardry-work-for-you/

They also have their own forum: https://www.obdlink.com/support/mxp/

 

[RajTaj]

I have the OBDMX+ and I like it. I'm nowhere near as techie as a lot of the folks on here but it does what I need and is super easy to use.

 

[Deleted Member RoadNomad]

Yup, does cam phaser cleaning and a whole bunch more, check out this link to get a small taste of how powerful these tools are:

 

[B&ZRubi]

I have a 2018 JLU, 2013 Honda Odyssey and Just picked up a 2013 jk with every light on. I’d like to troubleshoot the abs, airbag and traction control to specific issues and clean the oil valves / cam phasers too.

I see JScan on here but not sure if it’s only for tuning? I’d love to get rid of the knock in my 2018. I’ll pay more to cry once sort of thing.

Appreciate the forum

Like most posts I read here the people writing the post know what they are talking about, but in a lot of cases we have no idea what they are trying to tell us. Sort of the case here.

For the 3 vehicles you listed you can probably get away with the OBD reader and software from OBDLink. Some of the Chrysler vehicles which include Jeep, started to use an architecture called Security Gateway or SGW. Your 2018 JLU may or may not have it as it started to show up in some 2018 vehicles and then all 2019 and beyond. Your 2013 JK will not have the SGW so all you need is the OBD device like the OBDLink MX+. You can use that and JScan and probably do everything you might want to do. That is where I would start and expand from there. The MX+ and their iOS software will also work with your 2013 Honda.

 

[Shellbird01]

Like most posts I read here the people writing the post know what they are talking about, but in a lot of cases we have no idea what they are trying to tell us. Sort of the case here.

For the 3 vehicles you listed you can probably get away with the OBD reader and software from OBDLink. Some of the Chrysler vehicles which include Jeep, started to use an architecture called Security Gateway or SGW. Your 2018 JLU may or may not have it as it started to show up in some 2018 vehicles and then all 2019 and beyond. Your 2013 JK will not have the SGW so all you need is the OBD device like the OBDLink MX+. You can use that and JScan and probably do everything you might want to do. That is where I would start and expand from there. The MX+ and their iOS software will also work with your 2013 Honda.

Appreciate it, I’m there now, I watched some YouTube videos today. Now it’s deciding….. Jscan doesn’t do cam crank relearn…. But it’s very Jeep ish lol I’ll sleep on it

 

[OldGuyNewJeep]

Your 2018 JLU may or may not have it as it started to show up in some 2018 vehicles and then all 2019 and beyond.

All JLs have SGW.

 

[Deleted Member RoadNomad]

Knowledge is power, its good that your checking out youtube videos and gathering information.

Choose wisely. Nothing sucks more then to, plop down good money on a tool (even if it a cheap one) then you find out it won't do what you expected or purchased it to do. Whats even worse is when one of those cheesy cheapo tools shorts out and fries something important out.

Personally, I would rather spend more even to the degree that I may not fully understand or even need all of the features or capabilities of the said item. 99% of the time it usually pays off in spades and I find myself happy I did the homework and took the leap of faith with my wallet.

I cannot say how many times my tools have saved me thousands of dollars tracking down and correcting vehicle issues. Even something a simple and replacing a lost or broken key fob, or even just helping out a friend using the ABS resets after a brake job.

Something else to consider Yyour average Jeep dealer will charge your north of $100 just to hook up their factory scan tool. It adds up fast.

It all comes down to your budget and, what you wish to accomplish plus your plans for the future.

Don't cheap out because someone here says a specific product it's all you need. Do your homework and decide for yourself! As I said before if your a weekend oil changer and have limited knowledge and/or mechanical abilities, an inexpensive bluetooth unit will fit the bill.

But if you plan on doing anything really serious, your going to be disappointed. Even a simple task like adding a replacement key fob or programing a new vehicle module is out of reach for most bluetooth devices and require a professional level bi-directional tool.

Im not trying to tell anyone anything other then to do your research to become educated. This I cannot stress enough. Make the right purchase the first time, buy what you need to accomplish what you expect now and think about down the road, don't buy something you know in your heart you will never need. That's just being a smart consumer.

If you have questions about something specific you wish to accomplish a good scan tool company will have a website you can provide your VIN and question on what you are trying to accomplish for each tool they sell and will tell you whether you can expect the tool to perform that function.

Finally, and yes as OldGuy said, all Jeep series JL have SWG so you will need the SWG bypass optional cable for full bi-directional functions and available for both the Autel Maxisys and Xtool series.

And with that I think I have beat this dead horse enough! Good luck with your decision.

 

[Shellbird01]

We’ll I went with the OBDMX+, very slick it instantly showed my right front wheel sensor error, but I’ve got every airbag and seatbelt code, what the heck!!! Lol!

Before I start buying all new clock spring and Seat belts is there somewhere I should start? Maybe this is a new thread?

 

[Shellbird01]

Down loaded jscan is there an issue using the OBDLink Mx+ and jscan with a Jk? The software that came with the OBDLink Mx+ finds error codes on my Jk but not jscan. I have a JL and JK

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