Here's a quick comparison between various diagnostic tool options. Anyone have experience with these?

* iCarsoft multi-system tool $180

This says it can read engine, transmission, ABS, etc. codes, can cycle ABS solenoids (I assume that means it can bleed through the ABS). It can't do any "programming and actuator" functions. I assume by programming, they mean it can't program keyfobs and so on, but I'm not sure what actuator functions refer to.

* Hawkeye tool $500

Says it can read and clear all fault codes, and can do actuators. It can do ECM programming "with some applications," but I'm not sure what that means it can't do. It appears to be a bit more feature-rich than the iCarsoft option, but the GUI is pretty primitive.

* Lynx Diagnostic System $600

Seems to do just about everything, including programming and actuators, but requires a Windows laptop and has an old-school serial connection that many modern laptops don't have. That seems like a pretty big drawback.

* Nanocom Evolution $343

People use this a lot to reprogram keyfobs, and it seems to have the ability to read a selection of codes and clear them. You can play with its interface using this emulator. It seems less full-featured than the Hawkeye or Lynx beyond the ability to program, unless I'm missing something.

Any thoughts on which is best/worst regardless of price, or which gives the best bang for buck?

 

I have the iCarsoft LR-II. Haven't fully explored it yet, but I believe that what it means by "actuator functions" is things like deflating the air suspension or opening the sunroofs -- that is, turning things on or off. I know it can't do keyfobs.

 

Thanks for the clarification on actuators. Also it appears that the Lynx can be hooked up via USB, at least according to the AB list of requirements.

 

I happen to own both the icarsoft and the Hawkeye. while the icarsoft is a very
good OBD scanners with does do ABS codes, it is not the same level of machine as the others.good machine for the price will get you thru most problems. They are also stand alone machines.

 

From Lynx manual:
I've been considering the Lynx. It uses a USB not serial port for computer. You can purchase from UK for under $400 delivered.

Edit: Missed USB update.
......

 

I own the Lynx, and it's a good code reader, but I've been extremely frustrated by Britpart's lack of customer support and what seem to be misleading claims about its programming functions: https://landroverforums.com/forum/ge...ailures-82623/

In short, all the programming functions I've tried to access require some 18-digit code that neither Britpart nor Land Rover can identify, so they're useless. In contrast, the two functions I've wanted to perform - key programming and resetting the BCU for a heated windshield - can be performed with a hawkeye (at least based on other posts to the forum). Also, while using the laptop to get a full color screen full of great looking charts and graphs looks wonderful in an advertisement, having used it, I'd rather have a simple self-contained unit that I don't have to worry about balancing on my knee as I try to use it or getting it dirty. The hawkeye provides most of the same live data as the lynx, it just displays it in numerical figures instead of colorful graphs.

 

Are you going to troll every post and reply with this?

 

FWIW I ended up buying the Hawkeye. It's a great tool for ABS/brake bleeds and reading ABS codes, but I haven't done much else with it yet.

 

I may. I'm pretty pissed. I spent hard-earned money on their product based on the representations they made - not to mention the time I spent researching. Now, when I ask them to live-up to those representations, they basically tell me I can pound sand b/c they already have my money. I wish someone had trolled all the relevant posts with this information before I forked over the cash for a unit that doesn't do what they claim it will do.

I believe "*******" is an apt term from their side of the pond.

 

For a good long time, years, I have had the Hawkeye. It is good; they have good updates over time, etc., but one thing it does not have, one thing that they once promised that they would have, is ability to reprogram key fobs.

The Nanocom Evolution will program key fobs, and do about everything else that the Hawkeye will do, so for that reason, I am sorry that I bought the Hawkeye. I will soon be buying the Nonocom, and will keep my Hawkeye too. I think that the Nanocom is the best buy for the money; will do what the Hawkeye will do, plus more.

Only one other system will do everything the Nanocom will do, including programing key fobs, but it costs a small fortune to buy, and is more for big commercial repair companies (can"t nowe recall its name). In summary, Hawkeye is good, but won't program key fobs. Nanocom is better, and will do all the Hawkeye will, plus will program key fobs too.