So now that my delivery issues have been satisfactorily taken care of, I finally consider that I own my first Aston. The process now starts for getting up to speed on certain items, the first one being the ability to diagnose issues when they arise. I have always tried to do my own maintenance on my fun cars.

I had hoped to use my Autel MD802 that did a good job for me interrogating my MB SL550 in lieu of getting SDS capability. Where it has the MB specific codes, it has nothing for Aston.

Does anyone have experience with using the Foxwell NT510 (loaded with the Aston codes) for both the OBD and body systems on a Vantage?

Thanks

 

I have the Foxwell for Aston, from what I know and reasearched it is the only financially senseful unit with some AM capabilities. I have used it once to delete error codes I made and it did work.
Next step up would be AMDS valued like a small car for the wife or kid. Last one I saw was sold on fleabay for $10000 as used unit. New form AM close to 30000, I am not sure if that price is correct I read it in a forum.

 

How does that work with non loaded car brands? I'm assuming you can still read and clear generic codes?

Thanks

 

I assume so, I did not try he Foxwell on my other cars as I have a different OBD scanner for them.
In the main screen you can select OBD and Aston Martin, so my guess would be OBD is for the standard codes. Mybe I should read the book of words If you PM me your eMail I can send you the manual.

 

I also have the Foxwell NT510. I used it to clear the codes after my DB9 coil pack replacement project. It does work as a regular OBD2 scanner on other cars. I haven't used it to do anything more complicated on my Aston, so I haven't looked for more functionality.
If you haven't checked out Aston1936's blog, he has a lot of OBD2 info, including his Ford data hack. Incidentally, I'm not sure that buying an AMDS unit would be any use even if you could get one. When I had to get my new convertible roof module flashed at the dealer after installing it, the dealer service manager told me that they get the software packets sent to them from Aston Martin on a case-by-case basis, and sometimes have to work around the difference in time zones.

 

I did give it a try on my Discovery 4 and it worked like a normal standard OBD scanner.

 

So I went ahead and purchased a Foxwell NT510. I got it through Amazon, rather than directly from the Foxwell site, in case of return issues. When it arrived, I went on the Foxwell site, registered, and downloaded my included car brand (Aston Martin). All went smoothly.

I tried it on the car this morning and it worked on both of the car's diagnostic plugs. It cleared a couple of minor codes, so I will see if they come back.

It even had an active mode on the ASM transmission where it physically checked the operation of the clutch and put the car into gear. I haven't checked the live data function yet.

Unlike my Autel MD802 (which works well on my other cars), Foxwell provides free software updates.

So far, so good.

 

I have the Autel MD802 for my Porsche and some other cars and have TIS for my BMW (BMW software is great for coding all sorts of options)

Do you think the Autel works well enough on Astons (2009 vantage] if i update software?

 

I used my Autel MD802 on my recently departed MB SL550 and it worked well, however, they don't have the Aston software available for it, which is why I went for the Foxwell.