10 Best J2534 Pass Thru Devices (November 2026)

A J2534 interface does nothing on its own. It is a bridge between a Windows computer running factory software and the vehicle's modules, and buying the wrong one leads to predictable problems: a 2019 GM or a 2018 Volvo that needs CAN FD or DoIP and will not talk to an older cable, a legacy Jaguar cable that only runs on Windows XP and 7, or a brand list that quietly leaves out the make in your bay. Picking the Best J2534 Pass Thru Devices depends on three things: which brands and model years you service, which protocols those cars require, and whether you want a bare USB dongle or a wireless unit that pairs with an Autel tablet.

The short answer: the TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand suits multi-brand shops that want three CAN channels and the widest stated coverage, the TOPDON RLink J2534 17-Brand Kit suits technicians who work away from the bench and want the cables and case included, and the Opus IVS CarDAQ-Plus 3 suits anyone who wants four CAN channels and lifetime support. The rest of the list covers a Kia and Hyundai capable TOPDON, a trimmed eight-brand TOPDON, three Autel MaxiFlash units, and two budget-minded cables for older Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Toyota work.

TL;DR: top picks at a glance

• Best overall: the TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand, three simultaneous CAN channels with CAN FD and DoIP across 18+ vehicle brands.
• Best for a complete kit: TOPDON RLink J2534 17-Brand Kit, a 6.6 ft USB cable, a 1.2 ft OBDII extension cable and a storage case in the box.
• Best for four CAN channels: Opus IVS CarDAQ-Plus 3, a J2534 v05.00 API and lifetime technical support.
• Best for Autel tablet owners: Autel MaxiFlash J2534 Pro 2.0, Bluetooth, USB and 5G Wi-Fi with direct BMW and Mercedes programming on supported Autel tablets.

Best J2534 Pass Thru Devices Comparison (November 2026)

#	Product	Best for	Vehicle Coverage	Connection	Computer Requirement
1	TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand	Multi-brand shops	18+ brands	USB Type-C	64-bit Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
2	TOPDON RLink J2534 17-Brand Kit	Mobile technicians	17 brands	USB 2.0	64-bit Windows 7 to 11
3	TOPDON RLink J2534-SCEU	Asian import shops	17 brands	USB Type-C	64-bit Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
4	Opus IVS CarDAQ-Plus 3	Chrysler and FCA work	All makes	Not listed	Windows Vista to 10
5	TOPDON RLink X7	Domestic and VW work	8 brands	USB 2.0	64-bit Windows 7 to 11
6	Autel MaxiFlash J2534 Pro 2.0	Autel tablet owners	10+ brands	Bluetooth, USB, 5G Wi-Fi	Windows PC
7	PARANNIC JLR SDD J2534 Cable	2005-2017 Jaguar, Land Rover	Jaguar and Land Rover, 2005-2017	USB	Windows
8	AMHTDOL JLR SDD V165 3-in-1	Legacy JLR, Volvo, Toyota	Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Toyota	Not listed	Windows XP and 7 only
9	Autel MaxiFlash VCI Kit	BMW, Mercedes programming	Broad OEM list	Bluetooth, USB 2.0, 5G Wi-Fi	Windows PC or Autel tablets
10	Autel MaxiFlash Jbox V2.0	Wireless range	Ford, GM, Volvo, Honda, JLR	Bluetooth, USB, 5G Wi-Fi	Windows PC or Autel tablets

1. TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand: Best Three-CAN-Channel J2534 Pass Thru Device for Multi-Brand Shops

• Vehicle Coverage: 18+ brands, including Chrysler, Ford, GM, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Land Rover/Jaguar, Volvo, Wuling, Volkswagen/Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW
• Protocols: J2534, D-PDU, CAN FD and DoIP, with three simultaneous CAN channels
• Connection: USB Type-C to a 64-bit Windows 7, 8, 10 or later computer
• Size: 4.51 x 2 x 1.14 in
• Warranty: 1 year

Pros:

• The brand list is the longest in this group, so one dongle covers most domestic, Asian and European work.
• Three simultaneous CAN channels (CAN FD and CAN-CC included) meet the requirement of current Chrysler and FCA programming.
• The RLink Platform installs and manages drivers with one click and carries lifetime free updates, which removes most driver-conflict headaches.
• Buyers report quick module programming, such as a GM radio module finishing in roughly fifteen minutes, and the compact body fits in a jacket pocket.

Cons:

• OE software is not provided, so each brand's factory subscription is a separate purchase.
• It is not compatible with Ford IDS and does not work on 24V vehicles.
• Connection reliability gets mixed feedback, and calibration on some recent Ram 1500 modules has drawn complaints.

Best for: An independent shop that services several brands and wants one compact interface with CAN FD and DoIP support already built in.

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What sets the TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand apart is breadth without a wireless layer. It is a plain USB Type-C interface with a Cortex-M4 core, three CAN channels and a driver manager that handles the OE software hookup. TOPDON cites more than 10,000 real-vehicle validations and supplies a quick-start guide plus an in-app operation guide, which helps users who are new to OE workflows.

It pairs naturally with whatever a shop already uses for scanning. A technician who owns a professional car diagnostic tool for code reading and live data can treat this as the programming half of the toolbox, since the dongle handles flashing and coding through the factory application rather than replacing the scanner. The box is sparse, though: only the unit and a quick guide are listed, so the TOPDON RLink J2534 17-Brand Kit is the better fit when the case and extension cable matter.

Skip it if Ford IDS is your main need, or if you work on 24V trucks, since neither is supported. Technicians who already own an Autel MS909-class tablet and want BMW or Mercedes programming from that tablet should look at the Autel MaxiFlash J2534 Pro 2.0 instead.

2. TOPDON RLink J2534 17-Brand Kit: Best Bundled J2534 Pass Thru Device for Mobile Technicians

• Vehicle Coverage: 17 brands, including Chrysler, Ford (FORScan), GM, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Subaru (SSM4), Land Rover/Jaguar, Volvo, Wuling, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW
• Cables: 6.6 ft USB 2.0 cable and 1.2 ft OBDII extension cable
• Extras: Storage case and one year of TopScan phone diagnostics
• Computer: 64-bit Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11
• Warranty: 1 year, with U.S.-based support

Pros:

• The 6.6 ft USB cable and 1.2 ft OBDII extension let the laptop sit outside the vehicle, which is useful on long programming sessions.
• The included handled storage case keeps the interface clean and can hang from a hook.
• Subaru SSM4 and FORScan are named explicitly, which clarifies two workflows that are often unclear on other interfaces.
• One year of TopScan gives phone-based scanning for 120+ brands, a useful bonus for quick code checks.

Cons:

• OEM software is not included and must be bought per brand.
• The CAN channel count is not stated, so it cannot be compared channel for channel with the 18-Brand.
• It is Windows only, with no tablet or phone programming path.

Best for: A mobile technician or small shop that wants cables, case and a bonus scan app in one purchase.

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The TOPDON RLink J2534 17-Brand Kit uses the same RLink Platform and lifetime update model as the top pick, with the practical accessories added. TOPDON claims High-Speed USB with ten times more data per second than competing interfaces, and support is staffed by a team with ten years or more of J2534 experience. The result is the more complete box of the TOPDON models.

Compared with the TOPDON RLink J2534-SCEU, which names Kia, Hyundai, Mazda and Mitsubishi, this kit names Subaru SSM4 and Wuling instead. Shops that lean toward Korean and Japanese imports should read the SCEU entry before deciding.

It is the wrong choice if you need the strongest evidence of a specific CAN channel count, such as for Chrysler and FCA work. The Opus IVS CarDAQ-Plus 3 states four channels outright.

3. TOPDON RLink J2534-SCEU: Best Kia and Hyundai Capable J2534 Pass Thru Device for Asian Import Shops

• Vehicle Coverage: 17 brands, including Kia, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Land Rover/Jaguar, Volvo, Volkswagen/Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW
• Protocols: All J2534 protocols, CAN FD, DoIP and D-PDU, with three CAN channels
• Included: 2 m Type-C cable, OBD extension cable, storage bag and instructions
• Size: 4.51 x 2 x 1.14 in
• Warranty: 1 year

Pros:

• Kia, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Mazda are named, which is rare on pass-thru interfaces.
• The 2 m Type-C cable and OBD extension cable are included.
• Three CAN channels, including CAN FD and CAN-CC, are stated explicitly.
• One-click driver setup and lifetime free updates keep the software side simple.

Cons:

• OE software is not provided, and an active subscription is needed for each brand.
• The included storage is a bag rather than a hard case.
• It requires a 64-bit Windows computer.

Best for: A shop that handles Kia, Hyundai, Mazda and Mitsubishi alongside the usual domestic brands.

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The TOPDON RLink J2534-SCEU is the same physical design as the 18-Brand but with a coverage list that tilts toward Asian makes. TOPDON frames it as a way to avoid buying separate interfaces from different brands, and the 2 m Type-C cable gives more reach than many bundled leads.

It does not name Wuling, and it does not carry the TopScan bonus the TOPDON RLink J2534 17-Brand Kit lists. Buyers who need either should look at that model. Anyone who needs BMW or Mercedes programming from an Autel tablet should look at the Autel MaxiFlash VCI Kit.

4. Opus IVS CarDAQ-Plus 3: Best Four-Channel J2534 Pass Thru Device for Chrysler and FCA Work

• Protocols: Full J2534 set including DoIP and CAN FD, on the J2534 v05.00 API
• CAN Channels: 4, one above the three some Chrysler and FCA models require
• Support: Free for the life of the tool, with live phone and email from 8:30am to 5:30pm EST
• Computer: Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 10 (32 and 64-bit)
• Warranty: 1 year on material and workmanship

Pros:

• The fourth CAN channel leaves headroom for future OE applications.
• Lifetime technical support is staffed by people who know J2534 pass-thru work.
• The Toolbox includes OEM application descriptions, video tutorials and news.
• Buyers report good build quality, and CAN FD use on Chrysler vehicles has worked well.

Cons:

• Connection feedback is mixed, including a reported compatibility problem with a 2018 Ford F-150.
• Windows 11 is not named in the supported list.
• The connection type to the PC is not specified.

Best for: A technician focused on Chrysler and FCA vehicles who values phone support and spare CAN channels.

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The Opus IVS CarDAQ-Plus 3 stands out for its support model and its channel count. Four CAN channels exceed the three on the TOPDON models, and the J2534 v05.00 API is the newest revision. A Bluetooth variant is also listed. The Toolbox adds training material that the TOPDON interfaces do not describe.

It is the wrong choice for Ford F-150 work on the evidence of the compatibility complaint, and for shops running Windows 11 machines, where the TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand is the safer fit.

5. TOPDON RLink X7: Best Eight-Brand J2534 Pass Thru Device for Domestic and VW Work

• Vehicle Coverage: 8 brands: Chrysler, Ford (FORScan), GM, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Fiat/Alfa Romeo/Lancia/Dodge/Ram/Jeep and VW/Audi
• Protocols: J2534, D-PDU, CAN FD and DoIP
• Cable: 6.6 ft USB 2.0
• Extras: Storage case and quick guide
• Computer: 64-bit Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11

Pros:

• The narrower list matches the brands most general repair shops see daily.
• High-Speed USB moves ten times more data per second, by TOPDON's claim.
• The storage case is included.
• RLink Platform updates are free for life.

Cons:

• It leaves out Land Rover/Jaguar, Volvo, Subaru, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
• No OBD extension cable is listed.
• OEM software is sold separately.

Best for: A shop that services mostly domestic, Japanese and VW/Audi vehicles and does not need European luxury brands.

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The TOPDON RLink X7 is the same family as the 17-Brand Kit with a shorter coverage list and no extension cable. It makes sense when the brand list matches your work exactly. Shops that might add Volvo or JLR later should step up to the TOPDON RLink J2534 17-Brand Kit.

6. Autel MaxiFlash J2534 Pro 2.0: Best Wireless J2534 Pass Thru Device for Autel Tablet Owners

• Connection: Bluetooth, USB and 5G Wi-Fi
• Protocols: J2534, D-PDU, RP1210, CAN FD and DoIP
• Tablets: Elite II Pro, Ultra Lite, MS909, MS909CV and MS909EV for direct BMW and Mercedes programming
• Included: Main Cable V2.0, USB 2.0 cable and 12V AC/DC adapter
• Warranty: 1 year

Pros:

• It works with the Autel tablets named above for BMW and Mercedes programming.
• The newer version does not need its serial number bound to a scanner serial number.
• It runs Toyota Techstream, Volvo VIDA, Honda HDS, Jaguar Land Rover IDS and BMW 3G.
• The kit includes a power adapter.

Cons:

• A firmware update through Maxi PC Suite is required before first use.
• It only works with Windows computers.
• OEM software has to be bought separately, and compatibility should be confirmed before purchase.

Best for: A shop that owns an Autel MS909 or Ultra Lite and wants cable-free programming.

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The Autel MaxiFlash J2534 Pro 2.0 is the clearest choice when the shop already uses Autel tablets. Wireless options and no device binding set it apart from the USB-only TOPDON models. Shops without an Autel tablet gain less, and the TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand is the simpler fit for them.

7. PARANNIC JLR SDD J2534 Cable: Best Offline SDD Cable J2534 Pass Thru Device for 2005-2017 Jaguar and Land Rover

• Vehicle Coverage: 2005 to 2017 Land Rover (L316, L319, L320, L322, L359, L538) and Jaguar (X100, X150, X202, X250, X350, X351, X400), plus Volvo VIDA V164
• Protocols: PWM, CAN, K-line and L-line
• Connection: USB, 25 pins, maximum 15 volts
• Included: SDD Pro Cable
• Warranty: 3 years

Pros:

• The three-year warranty is the longest in this group.
• It names every supported Land Rover and Jaguar platform.
• It offers data lists, active tests, monitoring, utility tests, reprogramming and trouble codes.
• It runs offline, which suits a dedicated workshop laptop.

Cons:

• It must be used without an internet connection.
• It has no CAN FD or DoIP support, so it cannot handle 2018 and later models.
• It covers only one brand family plus Volvo.

Best for: A Jaguar or Land Rover specialist working on 2005 to 2017 vehicles.

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The PARANNIC JLR SDD J2534 Cable is a single-purpose tool, and it does that purpose clearly. Newer JLR work belongs on the TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand or an Autel unit. If you also need legacy Toyota, the AMHTDOL JLR SDD V165 3-in-1 adds it.

8. AMHTDOL JLR SDD V165 3-in-1: Best Three-Brand J2534 Pass Thru Device for Legacy JLR, Volvo and Toyota

• Vehicle Coverage: Jaguar and Land Rover 2005-2017, Volvo 1996-2004, Toyota 1996-2022
• Software: JLR SDD V165, Volvo VIDA 2014D and Toyota TIS Techstream V18.00.008
• Computer: Windows XP and 7 (32 and 64-bit) only
• Size: 5 x 2 x 3 in
• Warranty: 1 year

Pros:

• One cable covers three brand families on older vehicles.
• Toyota coverage reaches back to 1996 and forward to 2022.
• It supports PWM, CAN, K-line and L-line.
• Data lists, active tests and reprogramming are included.

Cons:

• Windows 8 and 10 are not supported, so it needs an old computer.
• The internet must stay disconnected, and antivirus and firewall must be closed during install.
• It has no CAN FD or DoIP support.

Best for: A hobbyist or small shop with a spare XP or Windows 7 laptop and older Toyota, Volvo and JLR vehicles.

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The AMHTDOL JLR SDD V165 3-in-1 trades modern operating system support for breadth of older brands. The PARANNIC JLR SDD J2534 Cable has a longer warranty but no Toyota coverage. Anyone with a current Windows machine should choose a TOPDON model.

9. Autel MaxiFlash VCI Kit: Best Tablet-Paired J2534 Pass Thru Device for BMW and Mercedes Programming

• Protocols: J2534-1, J2534-2, CAN FD, DoIP, RP1210 and D-PDU
• Hardware: 4 CAN channels, ISO 22900-1/2 compliance
• Connection: Bluetooth, USB 2.0 and 5G Wi-Fi
• Tablets: MS909, MS909EV, MS909CV, Ultra Lite, Ultra Lite S and Elite II Pro
• Included: MaxiFlash VCI, Main Cable V2.0, USB cable and 12V AC/DC adapter

Pros:

• Four CAN channels match the Opus IVS CarDAQ-Plus 3.
• Three connection methods suit both bench and bay.
• The list of covered models includes GM 2019+, Volvo 2018+, BMW F/G series and JLR 2017+.
• The kit is complete with adapter and cables.

Cons:

• OE subscriptions are needed for factory-level work.
• Non-Autel use requires a Windows computer.
• Wireless speed claims depend on the tablet and environment.

Best for: A shop that owns a supported Autel tablet and programs BMW and Mercedes vehicles.

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The Autel MaxiFlash VCI Kit overlaps heavily with the Autel MaxiFlash J2534 Pro 2.0. The main difference is a clearer protocol and hardware description here. For those without Autel hardware, a TOPDON unit costs less effort to set up.

10. Autel MaxiFlash Jbox V2.0: Best Long-Range J2534 Pass Thru Device for Mixed Windows and Autel Setups

• Wireless Range: Bluetooth up to 328 ft in open areas, 5G Wi-Fi up to 164 ft
• Protocols: CAN, ISO9141, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM and ISO14230, plus ISO 22900-1 and CAN FD
• CAN Channels: 4
• Size: 5.87 x 3.38 x 1.28 in
• Included: VCI, Main Cable V2.0, USB 2.0 cable and AC/DC adapter

Pros:

• It states its wireless range and reconnects automatically after signal loss.
• It supports all five legislated protocols, which helps with older vehicles.
• It works with Ford, GM, Volvo, Honda, Jaguar and Land Rover OE software on a PC.
• The dimensions are listed and compact.

Cons:

• It is not compatible with MS908 series, MK908 series, Elite, Elite II or IM608 scanners.
• The title mentions an MS908CV, which conflicts with that note, so confirm before buying.
• Functions are not universal, and OE subscription terms vary by automaker.

Best for: A shop that wants wireless range from a Windows PC and may add a compatible Autel tablet.

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The Autel MaxiFlash Jbox V2.0 is the one to check carefully. The compatibility notes contradict each other, so verify your tablet model first. If you own an MS908-series tablet, the TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand avoids the uncertainty.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right J2534 Pass Thru Device

The core trade-off is breadth versus fit. A wide-coverage USB interface like the TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand handles many makes, while a narrow cable like the PARANNIC JLR SDD J2534 Cable does one job on older vehicles. Wireless Autel units add convenience if you already own the tablets.

Before choosing, check these project details:

• Brands and Model Years: Match the brand list and the years to the vehicles you service.
• Protocols: CAN FD and DoIP are needed for most late-model GM, Volvo, JLR and BMW work.
• Computer: Confirm the Windows version, since some units need 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and others only run on XP or 7.
• OEM Software: Every device here needs factory software bought separately.
• Support: Check the warranty length and whether phone support is offered.

Vehicle Coverage and Model Year

Start with the cars. The TOPDON RLink J2534 17-Brand Kit names Subaru SSM4 and FORScan, the TOPDON RLink J2534-SCEU names Kia and Hyundai, and the TOPDON RLink X7 stops at eight brands.

Model year matters as much as make. The AMHTDOL JLR SDD V165 3-in-1 reaches Toyota back to 1996, but nothing newer than 2017 for Jaguar and Land Rover.

Protocols and CAN Channels

CAN FD and DoIP separate current interfaces from legacy ones. The Opus IVS CarDAQ-Plus 3 and the Autel MaxiFlash VCI Kit both state four CAN channels, while the TOPDON units with a stated count give three.

Older cables do not carry these protocols. A buyer with 2018 and later vehicles should treat the two JLR SDD cables as a poor fit.

Connection and Computer Requirements

A USB interface is the simplest, and TOPDON's USB Type-C models are the most straightforward. The Autel units add Bluetooth and 5G Wi-Fi, which helps when moving around a vehicle, though Windows is still needed for OEM software.

Programming needs a steady power source. A stable supply, or a battery support unit with clean battery terminals, prevents a failed flash mid-write. A technician who also owns a car scanner for quick code checks can keep that separate, since the pass-thru device only bridges to OEM software.

OEM Software and Support

None of these devices includes OE software. The TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand notes that subscriptions must be active and that antivirus should be disabled during install.

Support differs. The Opus IVS CarDAQ-Plus 3 offers lifetime support with phone hours, the PARANNIC JLR SDD J2534 Cable gives a three-year warranty, and most others give one year.

Frequently Asked Questions About J2534 Pass Thru Devices

What Is a J2534 Pass Thru Device?

A J2534 pass-thru device connects a vehicle's OBD port to a Windows computer so OEM software can program and diagnose modules. The TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand is an example. It does not include the factory software itself.

Do J2534 Pass Thru Devices Include OEM Software?

No, every device on this list needs factory software bought separately. The TOPDON RLink J2534-SCEU states an active subscription is required for each brand. The legacy AMHTDOL JLR SDD V165 3-in-1 is the exception in spirit, since it lists matching software versions, but check what you receive.

Which J2534 Pass Thru Device Supports CAN FD and DoIP?

The TOPDON RLink models, the Opus IVS CarDAQ-Plus 3 and the Autel MaxiFlash units all list both. The two JLR SDD cables do not. Choose one of the first group for late-model vehicles.

Which Device Is Best for Jaguar and Land Rover?

For 2005 to 2017 models, the PARANNIC JLR SDD J2534 Cable names every platform and has a three-year warranty. For newer models, the TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand and the Autel units list DoIP support. Pick based on model year.

Can These Devices Work Without Windows?

All ten are Windows based. The Autel units can also pair with certain Autel tablets such as the MS909. Others need a PC.

Do I Need a Stable Power Supply for Programming?

Yes. The TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand guidance calls for a stable supply during programming, and the Autel kits include a 12V adapter. A battery drop mid-flash can damage a module.

Final Verdict: Which J2534 Pass Thru Device Should You Buy?

Best J2534 Pass Thru Devices for most multi-brand shops start with TOPDON RLink J2534 18-Brand: it covers 18+ brands, runs three CAN channels with CAN FD and DoIP, and updates free for life. Its main weakness is a bare box with no case or extension cable, plus no Ford IDS support.

For alternatives, pick the TOPDON RLink J2534 17-Brand Kit if you want the cables and case, the TOPDON RLink J2534-SCEU for Kia, Hyundai, Mazda and Mitsubishi, and the Opus IVS CarDAQ-Plus 3 for four CAN channels and lifetime support. Autel tablet owners should look at the Autel MaxiFlash J2534 Pro 2.0 or the Autel MaxiFlash VCI Kit.

The specialist picks are the TOPDON RLink X7 for an eight-brand shop, the Autel MaxiFlash Jbox V2.0 for wireless range, and the PARANNIC JLR SDD J2534 Cable or AMHTDOL JLR SDD V165 3-in-1 for older vehicles on dedicated legacy laptops. If you are still undecided, list the brands and model years you service this year and buy the TOPDON that names them.