Coding With the Foxwell NT500

[cpaugh]

I posted this in another thread (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...T500-scan-tool), but thought I'd share it here.

I recently purchased the Foxwell NT500 VAG scan tool. ECS Tuning had it for $199 with free shipping.

There has been some interest and questions from some folks in regards to the coding capabilities of the unit, so I did a quick run through to illustrate.

Here's a quick coding example to disable the seat belt chime on my 2008 A4 (You can see the selection for Adaptation in this view as well):









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:





Have a good evening!

[heateris]

Pretty cool. It does logging also? What can't it do compared to VDCS?


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[cpaugh]

Pretty cool. It does logging also? What can't it do compared to VDCS?

It does log data and you can view live graphs while recording:



Playback is a little less exciting. You can open saved logs and read through them one frame at a time, but there is no graphing. I have located the files that get stored on the SD card and am planning on making a utility to translate them to a format to import into Excel:



I personally do not know all that VCDS can do, but the more I find, the less the gap seems to be.

[heateris]

Thanks for the info. I've been wondering how useful it could be. It's seems like a nice alternative to VCDS especially considering the price.

Does it show show actual vs requested values? Like say for boost?

Are you going to share your translation utility? Will it work on OS X?

IIRC, I read that it won't code new components. Like adding xenon's or RNS-E. Any idea?


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[cpaugh]

Does it show show actual vs requested values? Like say for boost?

IIRC, I read that it won't code new components. Like adding xenon's or RNS-E. Any idea?

I'll pull it up tomorrow and check. I'm pretty sure I've seen the channels listed.

I think it's a go on the latter item. I was checking out some steering wheel and headlight options in the adaptation settings. I'll verify.

[drumnjuny]

this is great!! rosstech needs some good competition to drive their prices down #capitalism

[cpaugh]

Does it show show actual vs requested values? Like say for boost?

Here are some screen shots:





From the Saved data... Engine speed is 3840RPM. Looks right for APR Stage 1:



Not sure if the sample rate is different than VCDS. I haven't looked to see if it can be changed depending on the channel. I believe it is faster for live data and graph view, but is slower for saving. It may also be limited to 256 samples.

I hope this gives you some more useful information...

[Mister W]

Is it vw/audi only orit will scan any car brand?


Envoyé de mon iPad en utilisant Tapatalk

[cpaugh]

Is it vw/audi only orit will scan any car brand?


Envoyé de mon iPad en utilisant Tapatalk

It will scan and read diagnostic codes for any OBDII auto, but does not have the extended editing capabilities for all.

[booosteda4]

I am trying to use this on a B8 S4 and it's not giving any option for "coding" ... any ideas?

[cpaugh]

What system are you in? The coding option does not show up until you select a system that has coding options.

[dirtydub01]

Just bought the Foxwell tool from ECS and used it on my new B7 for the seat belt chime and it worked like a charm. Nice not having to get a laptop every time I want to check something out.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

These Foxwell units are great little gadgets! They have a lot of the same capabilities as VCDS. I haven't gotten to explore all of the functions yet, but I will say if you are in the market for a scan tool this is by far the best one out there.

Click HERE to order or for more information


Jason

[david3707]

will it do radio coding?

[allstock]

@ ECS tuning-audi, can I get my money back for the Vchecker that barely ever picks up any existing codes and is good for just clearing them - even though I can't see them?

[heateris]

@ ECS tuning-audi, can I get my money back for the Vchecker that barely ever picks up any existing codes and is good for just clearing them - even though I can't see them?

Not the place, man.


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[allstock]

Didn't mean to bust your foxwell thread. I think this would be a good addition to VCDS based on what I know about it. However, I think one would be better to shell out the extra hundred and fifty dollars for Vagcom if one over the other.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

@ ECS tuning-audi, can I get my money back for the Vchecker that barely ever picks up any existing codes and is good for just clearing them - even though I can't see them?

Do you have the basic or the pro model? The basic is literally just a code reader. But you can call customer service at 1-800-924-5172 ex 134 if you are not happy with it.

Jason

[allstock]

Thanks Jason. I have the blue one, I think it's the pro.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Thanks Jason. I have the blue one, I think it's the pro.

Yeah that's the pro. This should have no problem reading and clearing CEL codes. It does not have the capabilities to read ECU codes though. If this is what you are referring to.

Jason

[allstock]

Several of them, last couple I remember it not reading with cel was p2099 and p2181. It'll clear them though.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Several of them, last couple I remember it not reading with cel was p2099 and p2181. It'll clear them though.

By not reading do you mean not telling you the long description? It may just not have that programed into it for that code. But either way you still have the code number that's causing the check engine light. All you need to do for a longer description is plug that number into Google and you'll have more information on it.

Jason

[allstock]

No, a CEL and with an existing boost code pulled on VCDS. However the vchecker pro said "no fault codes" or something to that extent, I don't remember. I have a documented pic that I took if I can find it. Haven't used it after that obviously.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

No, a CEL and with an existing boost code pulled on VCDS. However the vchecker pro said "no fault codes" or something to that extent, I don't remember. I have a documented pic that I took if I can find it. Haven't used it after that obviously.

Most boost codes are ECU codes so vchecker wont read that. But shouldn't have a problem reading most other CEL codes.

Interesting.

Jason

[allstock]

That scratch is on the protective film I left on. I can assure you this was properly connected when I took the picture.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

That scratch is on the protective film I left on. I can assure you this was properly connected when I took the picture.

As I mentioned you're welcome to call customer service if you aren't satisfied.

Jason

[p0isin]

^^^ please take this to another thread or PM each other. Half this thread is now unrelated to the original topic.

[cpaugh]

will it do radio coding?

I'll get you some screen shots this evening.

[cpaugh]

will it do radio coding?

Here's what I can find related to radio coding:

There is a Digital Radio section:



But I did not see any coding options available:



There is, though, another Radio section:



In here there are options for Coding and Adaptation:





There does not seem to be any documented codes, but if you are aware of what you need to do, it is available:



FYI... When you access the Radio systems, the radio screen looks like this (if you have a radio like mine, anyway):



Also, it's a good idea to mute the radio when you do this or it may scare the tar out of you when it resets.

Good luck!

[Eric F]

Cpaugh, I ended up buying one of these too based on my questions to you in that other thread.

I've been quite happy with it. I've done a little successful coding with things such as turning off automatic door locking.

But I haven't been able to do any radio coding yet. One of the problems is the Importer Number. Mine also shows all zeros like yours does. The problem is that I can't edit or access that number. And as you know, in order to get it to accept a new code you have to access and save each of those lines, even if you don't make any changes. And since I can't access that Importer number, I can't save any radio coding changes. Are you able to access the Importer number?

I've never used VCDS and had considered buying one, but I've been very happy with this tool. The reasons I prefer this over VCDS are the fact that I don't do any extensive coding. Just some of the most common ones which it does. I mainly wanted it to access all the trouble codes and this tool is able to do that, including the additional ECU in my RS4. The cost is obviously lower, not only for just the VCDS vs NT500 but also the fact that you don't also have to purchase a laptop or tablet. And for recording data it's pretty nice too. I can plug it in and stick the NT500 inside the storage bin in the door. That wouldn't be possible with a laptop, though it probably would with a tablet.

I don't know if this has all the capabilities of VCDS, but for someone like me that wouldn't have used all the deeper capabilities anyway, this tool works great.

[cpaugh]

Are you able to access the Importer number?

I will check this out. Do you have any specific codes you are trying to enter? I can try them on my system.

I agree with everything you said about the convenience of the NT500. It's really quick to plug in and retrieve information. I keep it handy and plug it in whenever I'm interested in something. Like you said, it's very easy just to pull over, plug it in, start logging, and stick it in the door pocket.

I'm not using it as much as when I first got it because I haven't made any changes recently and my car is very dependable. My daughter's 2006 A6 is another story. I have a laundry list of fixes I need to do on her car. All diagnosed with the device.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

I got to play with this a little more over the weekend.

I really like that it offers so many real time measuring blocks. I mean I could check just about everything. Live ignition timing, misfire counters, throttle position, coolant inlet/outlet temp, Injector duty, wastegate/N75 duty, Exhaust temp.. just to list a few.

It's definitely handy for keeping plugged in and data logging too. You can just keep it in your lap. Or what I found even easier was to run the cable over the steering column and away from the pedals and just set it in the passenger seat. There's plenty of cable length!

Jason

[Eric F]

It's definitely handy for keeping plugged in and data logging too. You can just keep it in your lap. Or what I found even easier was to run the cable over the steering column and away from the pedals and just set it in the passenger seat. There's plenty of cable length!

Jason

As mentioned above, I just stick it inside the door pocket on my RS4. It fits perfectly in there and the cord is out of the way there too.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

As mentioned above, I just stick it inside the door pocket on my RS4. It fits perfectly in there and the cord is out of the way there too.

My door card pocket is packed full of receipts Never quite understood why they give you a receipt for coffee.. My interior is in major need of a spring cleaning!

Jason

[pkny]

Didn't mean to bust your foxwell thread. I think this would be a good addition to VCDS based on what I know about it. However, I think one would be better to shell out the extra hundred and fifty dollars for Vagcom if one over the other.

I am in the market for another vag tool. Seem that my cable has disappeared.
Based on your knowledge of both tools. What does the Ross Tech software has to offer over the foxwell? or Vice versa.

[angrodri]

I just picked one up from ECS as well. Mine only seems to be able to save 20 Frames, even though on device it will log more. Have you run into this?

Also .cbf save file is text but not in .csv (comma, space, tab, semicolon delimited). Have you been able to translate into a usable format? Right now I can either print 1 frame to .pdf or look at the data in notepad -- not very useful.

Cheers

[10spd]

Will the NT 500 read/clear HVAC codes?

[RandyQUATTRO]

Foxwell needs a mini keyboard or to allow a bluetooth keyboard for coding. Seems like using this would be reminiscent of using old cell phones to send text messages.

[chrisbreezy]

Has anyone tried out the foxwell to unlock hidden menu on the mmi system? Thinking of getting one for scanning but hidden menu activation would be a bonus!

[N S4eridan]

Nice example cpaugh! Bought this a few months ago and haven't gotten around to try it. I'm going to try and code the LED DRLs and reverse lights, which I installed (LEDs from USP Motorsports, they're throwing a code).