Foxwell and pre-facelift Zs

[RTV]

Howdy folks,

After reading a lot about issues with cheap cables, problems with versions, new computers, drivers, etc... I decided to bite the bullet and go for a proper scanner to have in my toolbox. I do help other friends with maintenance stuff so always a plus to have a capable diagnostic tool, so I ended up purchasing the Foxwell NT680 Pro (all models, all systems).

Got it today in the mail, looks like a proper shop computer! All excited I went to my Z to clear the ABS light (as I replaced the seat bushings and forgot to disconnect the battery), but no joy... it won't event talk to the Z.

I tried using the auto detect function, nothing... manually selecting the Z, nothing... Tried E36 option, nothing...

I'm using the 20 pin connection under the bonnet of course and the pin adaptor works OK, with another OBD2 scanner that I have I can see the engine and even get live data, but with this one it won't even connect.

Anyone has eny experience with the foxwell scanners and pre-facelift models? Any tips or tricks to make them work?

Scanner seems to work, connected OK to another vehicle and done what it's supposed to do. Hope I don't have to return it...


Thanks
Rami

 

[NZ00Z3]

I use the Foxwell NT530 with BMW software.

This is what I put together about using it. https://zroadster.org/threads/how-to-scan-early-model-z3s-pre-build-date-03-98.39937/

 

[RTV]

I use the Foxwell NT530 with BMW software.

This is what I put together about using it. https://zroadster.org/threads/how-to-scan-early-model-z3s-pre-build-date-03-98.39937/

Thanks bud, I read that and tried the E36 option as I mentioned on the first post but that didn't seem to work. I would hope that the NT680Pro would be better than the 530 but that might not be the case?

When you say BMW Software, it's just the drivers for it, right? If so, then yeah... This one comes with the BMW cars and many others.

I opened up a case with Foxwell, we'll see what they say. Might have to return it if it doesn't do the trick....

Cheers,
Rami

 

[RTV]

@NZ00Z3 maybe you can help me with this... I've been triple checking everything and turn my focus on the 20 to 16pin adapter. Pins seem to work perfectly fine and match perfectly the diagram #1 but if I compare it to diagram #2 I don't have the following:

Don't have 16pin#8 pin but 16pin#7 is linked to both 20pin#17 and 20pin#20

16pin#1 and #2 are not connected to pin20 but again, they don't show on the first diagram. Could you confirm if you have these connected and do you think it'll make a difference?

 

[RTV]

Well... Got it working somehow and was able to clear my airbag fault.

Touched and changed multiple things but I suspect that cleaning out the OBD port with a contact cleaner is the one that has done the trick for me.

So I can confirm that the NT680 is in fact able to read and clear all modules on pre-facelift models.

1997 in my case with no OBD2 port under the wheel.

 

[t-tony]

If the connector under the bonnet isn’t “clean” a spray of electrical contact cleaner spray can work wonders. I’ve used this on several Z3s where they wouldn’t communicate. I have the NT530.

Tony.

 

[RTV]

If the connector under the bonnet isn’t “clean” a spray of electrical contact cleaner spray can work wonders. I’ve used this on several Z3s where they wouldn’t communicate. I have the NT530.

Tony.

And you're telling me this now???

LOL... Yes, I used a bit of ACF50 which does wonders for contacts and will keep them clean for a while as well. Delighted with the results anyways, had a bit of frustration after spending quite a bit on the scanner but all turned out great.

Even the auto vin detection works which I was quite impressed.

 

[t-tony]

Glad you got there in the end.

Tony.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Pleased to hear that you got it all working.

With the NT680, could to talk to the Pre-facelift Z3 modules directly through the scanner menus, or did you have to do the E36 select?

Once you confirm, I'll update my other thread about the NT680.

 

[RTV]

It actually works by doing the Vin auto detection as you can see on the photo above, so no need to go through the specific model/year.

If I go through the manual route, I'll probably have to go with E36 as you suggest in your other post as the Z3 options are all post 1998