Starting problem using Foxwell, or from the ignition switch
 

I was out working/experimenting on the X5, trying to solve the MAF mystery, troubling myself and another https://xoutpost.com/1229029-post22.html. I cleaned the MAF, ran it for awhile while monitoring it on Torque Pro, then tried running it awhile wih the MAF unplugged. Ran fine either way.

Then I unplugged my OBDLink LX bluetooth dongle (for using Torque Pro on my Android tablet), plugged in my Foxwell to monitor codes (BMW-specific, no generic ones shown in Torque), and it kept having problems connecting. I tried several OBD2 extension cords (my bluetooth dongle operates fine on any or all of them), but the Foxwell wouldn't connect until I used the main underdash port (never had a problem before). Still had problems with it not autoscanning the VIN (failed 3 out of 5 times), and it took 10 minutes to load and read data.

Then, I moved the selector from BMW to the OBD2 selection, and again, the Foxwell failed 4 of 7 tries, to go thru the list of obd protocols, just to get to where I could view "live data". Then I went back to more attempts using the extension cables.

Just before disconnecting the Foxwell for the last time, I tried restarting the engine, but not even a click was heard. Tried several times, sometimes foot on brake, sometimes jiggling the shifter, sometimes neither = no start. I had a similar start problem one time before, over a year ago https://xoutpost.com/1218382-post1.html, but none since then.

I guess I turned on the ignition maybe 25-35 times today, to position 1, 2, and engine running, while testing. That's what reminded me of my previous no-start...turning on the key multiple times in a fairly short time (maybe 1-1.5 hours, this time).

I tried starting with my "small battery-saving device to allow my electric (aftermarket) cooling fan to run after the ignition was turned off" disconnected, but it didn't help. But 10 minutes later, having given up, I put my tools (and Foxwell) away, switched the battery-saving device back on, plugged the bluetooth dongle back in, and tried the key again. It started. I tried successfully again (and tested that the dongle & OBD data was working, once more) and came inside to write this.

Questions:

• 1) does anyone have similar ignition switch problems (normally starts on first try, better than two tries a year ago), that occur only during extended testing periods (only, I hope, from "overheating"), or
• 2) is my Foxwell going bad, after only maybe 20-30 hours of use? and is causing the start problem somehow (I was using it the previous occurrence, too), or
• 3) did fiddling with the OBD port + extension cables interfere with the EWS?, or
• 4) did the glitches I saw using the Foxwell tell the EWS to not start?, or
• 5) combinations of some of the above.

Another thing...I saw every combination of warning lights on the panel everytime the Foxwell was trying to connect, and the Foxwell continually clicks when it is stuck loading the CAN protocol. Surely not normal.

Sounds like your battery voltage was getting low... a low battery voltage drives these cars crazy and you'll see all manner of codes, errors and gremlins. They all usually go away once the battery voltage recovers (is charged, replaced etc.).

Look at threads where folks are wondering if their alternator is on the way out - similar symptoms.

Low battery is a good assessment. With all that plugging, unplugging and switching you've done, the computer is confused !
But seriously, I have the Foxwell...when finished scanning...I back out of the screens all the way back to the home screen...do you?
If not , I offer this could be your problem .
Cheers!

how low is too low a voltage reading, for the Foxwell and/or X5?
 

Perhaps you're right; the X5 had no trouble starting this morning, after charging at 1.25 amps on the Battery Tender all night (I leave all my vehicles on battery maintainers, except for the HHR Panel, which the wife uses, because she never disconnects it).

But, I disconnected the maintainer prior to my prolonged diagnostic/experimentation session yesterday, because I once had a maintainer fail after leaving it hooked-up while doing the same sort of procedures.

I have a voltage-reporting plug in the console cigar lighter receptacle, and it's always on whenever I'm in the truck. It shows the voltage usually at 12.4-12.6v before starting, and rises to 13.8-14.1v at idle (750+/- rpms). While using the Foxwell, when the engine was off, the voltage would slowly drain away to 11.8v, whereupon I would restart the engine. So, maybe you're correct that the gremlins were a result of dropping voltage levels, and extra electrical loads caused by using the Foxwell? Seems reasonable to me.

Yeah, I got confused too, about which light would come on or go off when using the Foxwell, or if it would work at all. So, I pulled out all the OBD extension cables I was trying, and gave up on the Foxwell, and reverted to "old faithful", the bluetooth dongle+Torque Pro on my tablet. I guess that combo is OK with variable voltage.

Yes, I normally do back out, all the way to home screen, when switching test modes on the Foxwell; but, yesterday, it would hang-up in various sections for extended amounts of time, so I'd end up unplugging it entirely, and starting over. Each time, I worried that something would go awry, so when the X5 wouldn't start, I assumed that the Foxwell was partially at fault. On my other scan tool (non-bidirectional Innova 3100i), I never had this hang-up mid-test problem, that the Foxwell has. Does anyone have a Foxwell NT-510 Elite that does this?

After this testing fiasco, I'll use my Schmacher XCS15 charger/maintainer during extended sessions with the Foxwell (and with my INPA/Windows 11 laptop), to keep battery levels steady. I can choose from 2/10/15 amps to keep the battery up, when the engine's not running. I keep this charger/maintainer (+desulfator) with my tools in the trunk, so it's ready at hand. I can either feed voltage thru the plugs back there, or probably better, thru the underhood jump/charging posts. The Battery Tender, at 1.25 amps, is probably better left for long-term use.
Attachment 83186

Thank you both, this info sets my mind (partially) at ease. I might just test the battery (under 5 years old at most), while I'm testing next round. But, ever since I started maintaining my batteries, full-time, all my batteries have lasted from 8-13 years.

[QUOTE=workingonit;1229125]

Yeah, I got confused too, about which light would come on or go off when using the Foxwell, or if it would work at all. So, I pulled out all the OBD extension cables I was trying, and gave up on the Foxwell, and reverted to "old faithful", the bluetooth dongle+Torque Pro on my tablet. I guess that combo is OK with variable voltage.

I use Foxwell 615...I think, I not too excited about it.
My bad...614 Foxwell
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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...217b14c8d0.jpg

Not all Foxwell scanners will read all the modules on the e53. The nt-510 and nt-520 will and are bidirectional but the nt-530 misses several modules from what some on here have found plus many other models are not bidirectional. I have no idea about the 615.

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Foxwell numbering is idiotic. Tye 6xx series are lower end than 5xx series and don't do the same functions.

For e53 the 510/520 is the way to go.

For wife's F10, I needed to get upgrade and the 710 looks like the way to go.

more on Foxwell scanners
 

I guess I jumped to a false conclusion about my Foxwell NT510 Elite causing the no-start condition,
so I'll try it again, but this time with plenty of volts so it won't have problems! So, concerning Foxwell(s):

I can't find a 615 among the Foxwell models listed...check again. There are updates available for many of their models https://www.foxwelldiag.com/blogs/ca...eid=993d931f39, so check and see if your model is listed.

I updated mine just now, and it includes a new software version for BMW, for Foxwell NT710, NT650 Elite Ⅱ, NT706, NT716, NT726, NT809, NT809BT, NT809TS, GT60 and GT60 Plus, though not shown for Foxwell NT530, Foxwell NT650 Elite, NT680 Pro, NT680 and NT680 Lite. The NT 510 also got updated, though not shown in the list.
Attachment 83188

It seems like Foxwell no longer makes the 510 or 520, though the 510 is still available, but not listed on the http://www.foxwelltech.us or http://www.foxwelldiag.com websites. They do advertise this: "Foxwell NT530 OE-Level & Bi-Directional Scanner Upgraded Version Of NT510 Elite & NT520 Pro" on the foxwelldiag.com website, so I wonder what it can't do that the 510 and 520 can?

There is a new update for the 710 to improve the coding process of the F chassis, so it looks like that's the model to get for it.

Starting problem using Foxwell, or from the ignition switch
 

I don't know if the 710 works with e53. The 710 but for the fact it has wifi to do updates itself is worth the price itself.

It insists on doing a full scan of modules before you can ignore the 90% and go to the one module you want so for basic scans I use BimmerLink. BL doesn't work on e53 though I'm pretty sure

Then there is the old Foxwell "Braking Dynamic Error Code". No dynamic braking with E53 so why show a code?
The unit works well but as mentioned, when voltage drops below 10V all bets are off