Anyone having problems with their Foxwell software?

[workingonit]

I don't drive my X5 much lately (looks like in three-month intervals), and usually check for codes with my Foxwell NT510 Elite afterwards, though I use Torque Pro on an Android tablet (mounted on the dash) for data while driving.

After I get back to the house, I check codes and live data with the Foxwell, followed by putting the SD card into my PC, and then downloading any saved data, and updating the software version from Foxwell.

So, after my April Dr's appointment, I followed that procedure and downloaded the V370.002 BMW software upgrade, which I used following my Dr's appt. in July, and it worked fine. And I upgraded the software to V381.001.

Then yesterday (again, after a Dr's appt.), I used it to scan the X5, but it wasn't working as expected. The automatic VIN scan wouldn't work, so I entered it manually, and then the auto/quick diagnostic scan only scanned 5 items/modules, instead of the usual 13 (IIRC). I repeated both operations several times (while the voltage was 13.9-14.2 vdc), but it never worked on those two procedures. Plus, the menu of actions available in service or special categories was limited.

Once again, back at my PC, I checked https://www.foxwelltech.us/ for software upgrades, and downloaded the newest ones (both BMW and GM). The new BMW version is V384.001, which I'll try either later today or tomorrow. I also filed a "complaint" on the upgrade site, regarding the problems I had with the V381.001 version.

Anyone else having similar Foxwell problems?

[andrewwynn]

The limited set and no vin matches the condition with wife's 2000.5 model year. On that car I had to connect to the round port under the hood for the full list.

When it happens out of there blue suggests a fuse or wiring issue. People have had this problem when the obd connector had cracked and some pins didn't make properly.

[workingonit]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The limited set and no vin matches the condition with wife's 2000.5 model year. On that car I had to connect to the round port under the hood for the full list.

When it happens out of the blue suggests a fuse or wiring issue. People have had this problem when the obd connector had cracked and some pins didn't make properly.

My 2001 only has the 16-pin OBD port, so the 20-pin isn't applicable. But, I used two OBD extender cables, one that's a splitter, with two on/off switches, that may be the problem. I'll quit using them, and plug the Foxwell (or whatever OBD device I'm using) directly into the underdash port, one at a time.

Come to think of it, last time I was testing/experimenting with scan tools and cables, I had some problems with extensions.

I always leave my OBDLink LX bluetooth dongle plugged in, so I don't have to go thru set-up everytime I want to use OBBDWiz or Torque Pro apps on my tablet. The second cable extension is for my INPA laptop USB FTDI cable or the Foxwell. I'll turn off one extension in order to turn on the other. But, there might be some pins mismatched or circuits crossed in either cable (Chinesium), so I'll not use them like that anymore.

I have time enough to reset my bluetooth dongle before I drive the X5, since I only drive it every three months!

[andrewwynn]

I will definitely try it directly plugged in. I use veepeek bt dongle it stays running but might be too much power to leave plugged in for months.

[workingonit]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I will definitely try it directly plugged in. I use veepeek bt dongle it stays running but might be too much power to leave plugged in for months.

The OBDLink LX dongle features "Automatic sleep & wake-up" (per their website), so I don't think it's drawing any power after awhile. I formerly used a BAFX Products Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices, and when I forgot to unplug it, it would drain the battery.

I've used another LX dongle on my '04 Chevy 2500HD for years, even before I started using a charger/maintainer, and it would sit for weeks without drawing the power down; besides, all my vehicles now sit idle with charger/maintainers connected.

The problem with removing the dongle after each use is that my Android tablet has trouble pairing with it (sometimes), and it always seems to happen when I'm in a hurry to leave. Patience is not one of my (few) virtues. But, to avoid future OBD port connection problems, I'll take the time to set-up & use a connected device ONLY when I'm in the X.

[andrewwynn]

It's too bad that bimmerlink doesn't work on e53. It's fantastic on the e70 and f10 in outer current stable.


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[workingonit]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

It's too bad that bimmerlink doesn't work on e53. It's fantastic on the e70 and f10 in outer current stable.

Yep, a good (simple to use) plug and play diagnostic program (with coding) would be nice to have on the E53.

I've used, with varying degrees of success and utility:

• 1) Torque Pro (Android app),
• 2) OBDLink (Android app),
• 3) BimmerTool (Android app),
• 4) OBDWiz (Windows laptop),
• 5) INPA (Windows laptop)

.
I've installed, but haven't had much luck on my Win 11 laptop with:

• 1) NCSExpert,
• 2) WinKFP,
• 3) Tool32

and zero luck in installing any version of ISTA (D, P, +, or Rheingold), on my low memory laptop.

There's another Android app I've installed, uninstalled, and reinstalled, but I haven't yet succeeded getting it to run (I think you need more computer/smartphone/programming expertise than I, just to make heads or tails of it).

And, I'd like to try BMW Scanner 1.4.0. PA Soft on my laptop someday, but I haven't bought a copy yet.

So many diagnostic apps and programs out there, too little time/money/expertise to try them all.

[workingonit]

Trying to beat the oncoming rain (which gave the mosquitoes a chance to swarm me), I did as I promised, and tested my Foxwell again, today.

I removed all extension cables from the equation, connected my Schumacher XCS15 charger (at 10amp setting) to the underhood posts (so I would not have falling power to confuse the situation), and tested my NT510 Elite.

andrewwynn, you were correct as usual. I had no problems with the Foxwell! I had been having strange problems off & on with my Foxwell for almost two years, either failing to complete scans or tests, and even the Smart VIN scan. Not so today. Everything is back to normal, with the VIN being automatically read, and all 13 modules being scanned for codes. I even was able to check other functions that hadn't worked for awhile (EWS key info, etc), and all the special active tests reappeared.

I had added (2) extensions to be able to easily plug in whatever dongle, cable, or scan tool I was wanting to use, while sitting in the seat (I don't like where the OBD port is located on the X5...not easily reachable, unlike on my GM cars/trucks). I guess from now on, I'll get my kneepad out of the trunk so I can get down where I can see and reach the port.

Today was the first time I actually used my 2/10/15 amp charger/maintainer to supplement the battery power while using the Foxwell; it sped all actions up quite a bit. If I ever get a program/tool that will code the E53, I'll get a regulated bench power supply to 13.5v at more amperage. But for now, it's enough, just having the Foxwell back to normal functionality.