Anyone have the Maxwell NT500 scan tool?

[SlickFix]

This looks very interesting. I'm tired of lugging my laptop out to the cars to use VCDS, and Torque doesn't have this functionality.

[old guy]

Haven't used one but ECS Tuning now carries it, $199 free shipping.

And it's Foxwell not Maxwell;)

[SlickFix]

Haven't used one but ECS Tuning now carries it, $199 free shipping.

And it's Foxwell not Maxwell;)

Gah! Apprently I'm not fully awake yet. Why the hell can't we edit the thread topic?


Yeah, ECS sends me email all the time, and that's where I first saw this. Looks very intriguing.

[sandspeed]

What benefit does this have over VCDS? Just the smaller size?

[iowaboostin]

Just purchased from ECS, I guess I'll be the guinea pig. Hopefully I won't have to use it often, though! I have to clear my air bag fault and don't think I'd get enough use out of a vagcom setup for the extra $.

[cpaugh]

I just received mine today. Seems very comprehensive:



I connected it up for a bit. It runs off power from the diagnostic port but is able to power up with the key off. At that point you can navigate through model selection.

I really don't know how it would compare to a PC based version, but for $199 I'm very happy.

I was able to scan my airbag codes and figure out my problem. You can save scan info to the provided SD card. I was able to then search the Web for some further explanation and some DIY help.

In short, it appears to do what it says quite well.

[Lysergik]

I would argue that all the little things you can do with Ross-Tech, coding, adjusting headlights, taillight brightness, key fob tricks, system diagnostics, etc. plus the ability to update the software, is well worth the extra $150. If using a laptop is bothersome try finding a small used touchscreen windows tablet on eBay.

[Eric F]

Is it possible to do coding with this? I downloaded the pdf manual and it looks like there is some ability to do adaptation.

[cpaugh]

I would argue that all the little things you can do with Ross-Tech, coding, adjusting headlights, taillight brightness, key fob tricks, system diagnostics, etc. plus the ability to update the software, is well worth the extra $150. If using a laptop is bothersome try finding a small used touchscreen windows tablet on eBay.

Good morning... I just did a little more investigation this morning and found that the NT500 appears to be capable of all of those functions you mentioned (coding, adjusting headlights, taillight brightness, key fob tricks, system diagnostics, etc.) except for maybe the ability to update the software part. If you are talking about the software of the device, then it does have the ability to keep itself up to date. However, if you mean the car itself, then no (far as I can see).

The adaptation functions covers documented and undocumented settings. The documented settings gives an explanation of the parameter and suggested values.

Again, I have no experience with the PC versions, but so far it's very promising. I'll try to get some screen shots.

[cpaugh]

Is it possible to do coding with this? I downloaded the pdf manual and it looks like there is some ability to do adaptation.

Can you explain a bit about coding just so I'm sure I understand. Does it have anything to do with math channels or the like?

Edit: I just did some searching (which I should have done first) and think I'm on board.

[SlickFix]

Nice! I'm going to pick one of these up, eventually.

[mromanik]

I don't have a laptop, so this sounds like a good alternative.

[Fast4esT]

I've been using shade tree software on a pda and it's fully comparable with vagcom, and allows for coding and logging as well. Only gripe is that pda has a small screen and the software license does not allow it to be transferred to a newer larger pda

[Eric F]

Good morning... I just did a little more investigation this morning and found that the NT500 appears to be capable of all of those functions you mentioned (coding, adjusting headlights, taillight brightness, key fob tricks, system diagnostics, etc.) except for maybe the ability to update the software part. If you are talking about the software of the device, then it does have the ability to keep itself up to date. However, if you mean the car itself, then no (far as I can see).

The adaptation functions covers documented and undocumented settings. The documented settings gives an explanation of the parameter and suggested values.

Again, I have no experience with the PC versions, but so far it's very promising. I'll try to get some screen shots.

Did you get a chance to try any of those things out to see if it can be done with this device?

[cpaugh]

Did you get a chance to try any of those things out to see if it can be done with this device?

Here's a quick coding example to disable the seat belt chime (You can see the selection for Adaptation in this view as well):

Edit: FYI, this example was done on a 2008 B7 A4, not a B6.









Complete with explanations of code values:





Entering new code using keyboard feature:



I had to edit all of the other values and set them to their current values otherwise it says "Coding Not Complete":



Success:





I hope this helps!!

[conranj]

I recently bought one of these units for use with both of my Audis (08 B7 Cabriolet and 11 Q7 TDi) and have been nothing but happy with the unit. I'm still learning how to use it, and I'm hoping that someone will put together a quick reference for making changes to the car with it. I'm very new to using tools like this and any advice/suggestions is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Eric F]

Here's a quick coding example to disable the seat belt chime (You can see the selection for Adaptation in this view as well):

Edit: FYI, this example was done on a 2008 B7 A4, not a B6.

Complete with explanations of code values:

Entering new code using keyboard feature:

I had to edit all of the other values and set them to their current values otherwise it says "Coding Not Complete":

Success:



I hope this helps!!

Awesome, thank you. I may just have to get one of these.

[iowaboostin]

Well I've tried recoding with this to get the remote windows and one touch unlock with no luck. Went through the same options as vag com (central convenience-46 to add 64 to the software code, it changed successfully but it's just not working). If anyone else figures it out, be sure to post!

[cpaugh]

Well I've tried recoding with this to get the remote windows and one touch unlock with no luck. Went through the same options as vag com (central convenience-46 to add 64 to the software code, it changed successfully but it's just not working). If anyone else figures it out, be sure to post!

You need to negate the 64 you just added and then subtract another 4 to turn off Selective Central Locking (SCL).



Apparently "selective" means just the fronts and is on by default.

[iowaboostin]

Interesting. So subtracting 4 from the original would give me both remote window and one touch unlock..? I'll fiddle with it some more. Thanks for the info.

[cpaugh]

Interesting. So subtracting 4 from the original would give me both remote window and one touch unlock..? I'll fiddle with it some more. Thanks for the info.

Sorry... I failed to catch the windows part. The -4 will only get you all doors unlocking. I'll retry for the remote windows function.

[cpaugh]

Interesting. So subtracting 4 from the original would give me both remote window and one touch unlock..? I'll fiddle with it some more. Thanks for the info.

So I coded it first thing this morning. I added the 64, which would be a net +60 from the original setting given the -4 for the SCL and everything works as expected. I'm not sure if these are mutually inclusive/exclusive. I need to try without the -4 to confirm. But at any rate, I have one touch unlock and remote windows.

Good luck.

[iowaboostin]

So I coded it first thing this morning. I added the 64, which would be a net +60 from the original setting given the -4 for the SCL and everything works as expected. I'm not sure if these are mutually inclusive/exclusive. I need to try without the -4 to confirm. But at any rate, I have one touch unlock and remote windows.

Good luck.

My original value of 12044 changed and saved to 12104. Nothing else has to be done? Just unplug the diag unit and try with the fob?

[cpaugh]

My original value of 12044 changed and saved to 12104. Nothing else has to be done? Just unplug the diag unit and try with the fob?

If 12044 is before you started making changes, then 12104 sounds right (12044-4+64). I didn't even unplug the unit. I just turned off the car and jumped out and tested it. The unit will stay powered up. Then you can pick up where you left off.

[iowaboostin]

If 12044 is before you started making changes, then 12104 sounds right (12044-4+64). I didn't even unplug the unit. I just turned off the car and jumped out and tested it. The unit will stay powered up. Then you can pick up where you left off.

Works like a charm, I'm just an idiot and thought the windows worked on the first lock/unlock and hold. Didn't realize you have to click once, then click and hold the second time.

Great little device, I'm happy with the purchase.

[cpaugh]

Great little device, I'm happy with the purchase.

Nice work!

Agreed on the great device. Apparently, Foxwell sells a comprehensive unit that covers nearly all automobiles for around $800. I may check have to check that out some day.

[MaXaZoR]

Anyone having issues contacting Foxwell? I cannot even create a userID so I can update my device

[cpaugh]

That IS a problem I've had as well. I was hoping for an update to the registration software.

[MaXaZoR]

There registration software is awful. Took me two weeks to just get signed up.

[cpaugh]

There registration software is awful. Took me two weeks to just get signed up.

How did you finally get it to work?

[MaXaZoR]

Ya. After I made their support team do the entire process for me. Every time they got me through the next step that wouldn't work. And it turned out I had the latest version so had to open a bug.

[cpaugh]

Good deal. Maybe they'll address it and fix it. Thanks for doing the work.

[Eric F]

How were you able to contact support? I've tried contacting them 3 times via their website and have not received any response. I also can not register a new account using their website. After registering it says to confirm using the link in the email but I never receive that email.

[N S4eridan]

I registered mine without any problems, and was able to update the software, which you have a year of free updates I believe. Had to go into my junk mail folder to retrieve the email from Foxwell.

[diuvic]

Huh, I would have jumped all over this had I known about it sooner. Good thing I didn't though so I could pick up a Ross Tech cable for $150! One of the guys in my state forum traded in his S4 to the dealer and gave me a deal on it. Local boards are just as awesome people!

[b7passat]

hi there im new to this forum as I wasent able to find anyother person who knows anything about the foxwell nt500 but you...you know more about this than me.....I only got mine a week ago lol but I want to change the fuel filter that's fine but to prime the fuel system I must run the fuel pumps to prime the system before starting the engine but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to do this I even asked foxwell themselves and they haven't a clue so just wondering would you...any help would be greatly appreciated as im new to diagnostic tools and haven't a clue and bought this over the vcds.thanks for any help...ian

[old guy]

After you replace the filter turn the ignition key to the on position. Wait three seconds and turn the key to the off position. Repeat this four or five times. Each time you turn the key to the on position the pump primes for a few seconds and stops. If you want to you can "burp" the fuel rail by briefly depressing the schrader valve on the back of the fuel rail. Have a rag ready to catch the spray.

Then start your engine. Done.

[EuroCK]

Just picked one up and received it yesterday. I was able to reset the Service Intervals, however I need to read a bit more on the Long Coding aspect. Not much info, like ROSS has; anyone have any tricks or just follow the coding info that posted within the forum?

[poormanrich]

Gonna bump this thread and ask how you guys that have it like it, I'm looking at possibly picking one up this week.

[Let it snow]

Gonna bump this thread and ask how you guys that have it like it, I'm looking at possibly picking one up this week.

I am totally satisfied with mine. I have done throttle body adaptation. Did output tests on my SAI and combi valve. Checked out the coding functions. Scanned and erased codes. Viewed live data among many other things. This is a great addition for any diagnostic toolbox.