Tips and guidance needed - troubleshooting airbag with Foxwell NT510

I picked up a Foxwell NT510 in December, I ordered the Porsche version (you can get one model or I think the pro which does many brands). Their spec sheet says it works with my car year and model. I just got around to trying it last night, and it is pretty interesting, lots of good stuff in a small handheld unit. One if the first things I wanted to do is resetting airbag lights - both of my cars have them on (one because I replaced the seats with the battery connected, and the other because it had racing seats in it before I put the stock seats back in). The unit works fine, it reads codes, can track real time values, etc. But I can’t figure out how to see the airbag stuff, and I think I’ve looked at all of the menus. When I google this, the YouTube video shows a guy whose NT510 has a Porsche logo on the home screen, in addition to the OBD II icon. Mine doesn’t have a Porsche (or any other manufacturer) icon, so I’m wondering if I have to install, configure, or download something to activate it. I do have an email out to their support people ( I got an out of office reply because it is Chinese New Year), but I know some of you have used this same unit to reset airbag codes. Can you share any tips, tricks or advice? Thanks!

Maybe this page of their website will help, but I do note that Porsche is not in the list of supported cars, however the same page says that resetting the airbag light is supported: http://blog.foxwelltool.com/foxwell-...well-nt510-ok/

I have the same scanner and used it to clear my airbag light. Sounds like yours doesn't have the manufacturer specific hardware loaded on it. Should have a Porsche logo on the home screen if not it will just work like a generic OBD II scanner. Mine came loaded with the Porsche software. Its $70 to add any others.

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I suspect that this is exactly the case, it doesn't have the Porsche bits loaded. I bought it direct from Foxwell, and have my original sales receipt in email, and it definitely says that it is the Porsche version. I expect they'll tell me how to update it, once they get back from the Chinese New Year break. Thank you!

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Hi, It is easy to gloss past, but the 996 is listed on the image of the table posted on your link. It shows the Airbag module as well. You're right though, it isn't listed on the ones at the bottom of that page. I think they may have meant that you could add any of those others on the Porsche version of the NT510. The 996 is definitely on their list of supported cars, and it does cover the Airbag module. Here is another link: http://www.foxwelltool.com/upload/pr...list-v1_00.pdf Others here on RennList have used it successfully to troubleshoot and reset airbag codes/issues. Sounds like they either sent me the wrong one, or I need to download the Porsche add-on. Thanks!

You get to choose one free car maker software with the Foxwell unit....did you choose Porsche? Maybe you can get the Porsche specific software and update your unit. http://www.foxwelltool.com/wholesale...e-and-obd.html

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I agree with your assessment. Yes, I did choose Porsche, and verified that my sales receipt (in my email) says Porsche. Copy/paste from the invoice/reciept: Item No.SC283 Color/Style:Porsche Size/Spec.:English

Did you register your unit? You can register and then download/upgrade the software for a specific automaker http://www.foxwelltool.com/service/h...t510-5104.html

No, I did not. That sounds like the right next step. I had no idea. Thank you!

I was just going to suggest go online to see about an update. I had to do the download/update with a different hand held scanner after I unboxed it to get it to work on our Subaru Outback.

@DBJoe996 - You, sir are a genius. That was exactly what the issue was. For posterity: I needed to register with Foxwell, get an ID Once I registered, I needed to login to their portal and register my NT510 using a serial number and password that is on the help screen in the device I needed to install their desktop software Remove the microsim from the side of the unit Plug the microsim into the microsim/usb adapter (supplied) Download the Porsche software (select Porsche and click download - the first car brand is free, subsequent car brands are an additional charge) Hit the update button, it updates all of the software OBDII, Porsche, etc. Eject the USB adapter Put the microsim back into the side of the NT510 The Porsche icon is now on the home screen The unit updated THANK YOU!!!!! PS. This information isn't anywhere on the box, in the printed manual (that I can find) and I didn't have any luck googling it. I am so happy and thankful that you were able to help me.

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I was able to read the airbag codes and reset the airbag light. Mission accomplished. Thank you all again.

Have used VAG-COM to make MODs to A4 in the past and would like to make similar MODs to my 2004 C4S (996), if possible. Specifically looking to MOD: 1) Windows up/down with FOB 2) Fogs on with Hi Beams 3) Side markers blink with turn signals Can this tool access necessary modules to make these changes? If not, options? Are the above MODs even possible on a 2004 -- I've seen conflicting posts? Thanks, Steve

Sorry, haven't tried it. I have a VAG-COM USB I've used on several Audis and VWs. I think the Durametric would be more similar - software you run on your computer that connects using a proprietary cable to the OBDII port. The Foxwell is more like a fancy version of a handheld OBDII scanner, with access to model specific diagnostics. I don't think it has a way to do coding like VAG-COM.

Thanks for the reply. Durametric Pro might do it for a 997, but not for a 996 (at least that is my read from info on their website). Was also hoping for a less expensive option than that. I guess it's PIWIS or PST2, if anything for the 996. Also unaffordable. Unlikely a dealer would make those mods as well, as they are not US-compliant options. Before I bought the VAG-COM software and my own cable for my A4, I used a registry that listed people throughout the country to find someone willing to code options into the car in exchange for things like lunch, a beer, or whatnot. I contacted someone locally, and they coded the options in less than an hour in exchange for a spirited spin down a local twisty road. Not quite the same tools and community with the Porsches--probably a result of the lack of tools enthusiasts can use and afford. Steve

I don't think the Porsche community has anywhere near the same volume of people as the VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat crowd. Plus, I'm guessing fewer DIYers. If you're anywhere near me, I'd be glad to try it with the Foxwell (free of charge).

I thought about that when I first looked at your location -- Charlotte -- but then realized it is Charlotte VT. I never heard of Charlotte VT. I live about 2 hours from Charlotte NC, but many more hours away from Charlotte VT! Anyway, thanks for the offer. It seems from your signature, you have a couple 996s in your stable, so if you don't see any modules or coding options when you plug the tool into your car, the option to code is probably not there. Steve