I learned to never skimp on scanners. Yeah, you can get a cheaper one that will do most things. But they never do what a GAP can do. That can be fine for many. But if you need to do something like a software update, then you might end up buy a GAP anyway and then the original money you spent on a lesser tool is out the window. So sometimes it might be best just to get the most versatile tool right away - at least if one is planning to keep the Rover a long time. Not to mention most are familiar with GAP and GAP itself is VERY familiar with Rovers. Also there is resale value, the GAP retains it value quite well.

 

Yeah, the GAP is great, but most people never need to do a software update, which is the only thing high quality, cheaper scanners can't do. I'm a GAP fanboy too, but the DIY Land Rover community has a blind spot when it comes to alternatives so I think it's important to get information out there about them.
The GM version of this line of Launch scanners can do nearly everything the factory GM software does. It is not your typical 'cheap' scanner.
GAP does have ok resale value, but you're still going to lose $100-200+ if you sell it compared to the new price with tax. Used, these Launch scanners sell for $80-95, so in that scenario, you're losing what, 30 bucks maybe?

 

I have extensive errors/electrical faults on my LR3. It would run great if it wasn't for whatever is bugging it out!, Do you think one of these Launch scanners could go deep enough to help me figure this out?

 

Can cheaper scanners do a suspension calibration? I'd tag that as another high value capability of the IIDTool.

 

Can the cheap ones do a full list of a CCF edit? Or switch suspension software from Hitachi to AMK? Honest questions. All I know there is a lot more than a GAP can do and there is a very, very good reason so many use them in the first place. Hell, even RSW solutions software (about $200) which is Rover Specific was wayyyy too limited in what was needed and that runs off a laptop.

 

Yes they can, but you'd need to confirm with the scanner company to confirm for a particular tool before you buy.

 

Probably. No harm in trying. You can always return it if it doesn't work for you. Again, I have experience with a lot of scantools, but I haven't tried this particular Launch device. I can tell you that the $100-150 Autel AP200 and Thinkdiag bi-directional scanners can do everything the GAP tool does except for programming/software updates. These Launch tools likely can as well.

Just keep in mind a scantool is just that, a tool, not a magic bullet. For many if not most electrical diag scenarios, you still need good wiring diagrams and the ability to diagnose beyond what a scan tool can tell you.

 

Yeah, the ones I'm referring to can do way more than the RSW Solutions software could/can do. Many of them can do CCF edits. At the ~$100-150 price point, most will not do programming, such as is needed when switching the compressor software. For that, one could use a VCX Nano, which can use JLR's oem SDD software to do programming. The VCX starts at around $100, but they do have a pretty steep learning curve.

Like I said before though, most people never need to do any programming. Just stay with the compressor style you already have and theres no need to update that software.

The only other common programming need for LR3 owners is if you want to try a transmission software update for a California stop issue.

If you want easy, and you want good support, go with the GAP tool. But it's certainly not the only option.

 

Compressor update is critical. It changes the parameters to extend compressor life by lowering the max operating temperature and the operating pressure of the gallery. I think that is the on update most folks do more than anything.

 

Hi Dakota When taking in car to dealer to program new oem keys from them will the programing tool automatically update the cars software as I haven't been to dealer to do any work in many years ?
Thanks