So, I’ve fixed problems with our beautiful Crossfire based on the how-to’s & suggestions from people in this wonderful forum. I’m now looking at getting a scan tool to help. I’ve found Foxwell to be a good brand. I sent a message to Foxwell asking for a model that would handle TPMS, hydraulics, etc., for our 2005 model as well as codes on our Toyota S-Runner. Thoughts?

https://www.foxwelltool.com/wholesale/foxwell-nt530-with-2-free-vehicle-makes-software.html

 

There is no aftermarket tool that can handle TPMS for the Crossfire such as relearning sensors or reading the TPMS module. Toolman bought the Foxwell scanner and it did not do everything that was advertised for the Crossfire. The Autel MD802 or iCarsoft MB II will scan most of the modules if you tell it you have a SLK320. Other users have had luck with the Launch CRP123.

If you want to have a DRB 3 emulator which will be almost identical to the dealer software and be able to do TPMS then read this thread https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...-emulator.html

 

I have the Foxwell nt 530 with the Mercedes software; I'm pretty sure toolman's Foxwell has the Chrysler software. The Foxwel nt 530 has been a good scan tool for both my CLK 500 and the Crossfires for a very reasonable price. It runs an automatic scan sequence for the car you put into the program. I have cleared SRS lights on the Crossfire and corrected malfuntions in EGR, power seats and the anit-lock brake system with ESP on the CLK. You will have to buy an additional tool to handle TPMS. Doing it again I would try the iCarsoft MB II scanner. You will have to use the Mercedes module manually. I really like the idea of the emulator, but doubt I could figure out how to get it to download and work to it's full potential. I would also have to buy another computer as it will only run on a Microsoft system and I only use Apply Mac while online.
You can purchase additional programs ( up to four ) for any other cars you have with the Foxwell, so it is versatile, and they do have free downloads when they upgrade a module you have previously downloaded. NO scan tool will exercise the brakes for bleeding, as our cars are NOT programed for that function. The scan tool can attempt the brake bleed function, but the Crossfire will not respond/function as it has no programming to bleed brakes.
You will need a Microsoft system computer to download the Foxwell programs.

 

ZIP432, I’m a computer geek as my hobby & I’d gladly get your laptop setup, assuming that you’re near Tennessee. I’m a little bit murky on the rest of it.

* People mention that it can’t help to bleed the brakes. Does that include hydraulics? We need to have our pumps rebuilt for our top & I hope that we can use this tool to tell the cars computer that they’re working right now.

* Does it actually work like the computer software at the dealer? Just how powerful is it?

Thanks!

 

Hi Brian,
On the CLK 500 the Foxwell 530nt runs 43 system checks. However that is dependent on the type and options on the car. My cars are all coupes, so when the 530nt gets to the convertible roof available on another model of the CLK it attempts to run the test, finds it can not and moves to the next. When the scanner does it's sequence of testing it attempts 43 systems on my CLK, but completes just the 29 which are applicable to my car. The same with the Crossfire. I will manually enter either the SLK 320 (170) for the limited or SLK 32 (170) AMG to begin the Foxwell on it's testing/scanning procedure. On the Crossfires I own, both coupes, it attempts 19 system checks, but completes only ten. One of those 19 is the "vero" roof (hard top convertible) on the Mercedes SLK. So it appears the Foxwell will test the Mercedes convertible roof, but how that compares to the Crossfire's I have no idea.
As you have the knowledge to deal with an emulator download and setup, if I were in your shoes I would go for the DRB III emulator as it will certainly give you more capabilities than the Foxwell. The emulator will only be good for your Crossfire and other older Chryslers, while the Foxwell can be used on up to four other vehicle manufactures automobiles depending on which software modules you purchase. The Foxwell is a very powerful tool for under $200 and I'm pleased with it, but I have nothing other than a generic OBD II Ultra Gauge to compare it with. The Foxwell will tell you the trouble code, what seems to be the problem and the control unit, often with it's part number and the name of the manufacture.

I bought a used Dell 3189 on ebay running Microsoft Windows 10 just to download the Foxwell Mercedes module. It is inexpensive, rudimentary computer that is sold to school systems for the use of students, but it worked fine for my needs. Not sure if it has what it takes for an emulator. I am sure I do not want to even try or attempt that download and setup. I see way too many pitfalls and an excellent chance of messing up the Dell to the point I would be unable to use it for Netfex. If we were neighbors you could use my Foxwell. Good Luck!

 

I appreciate the information and it sounds like the emulator is the way to go. I have multiple laptops sitting around with Win X that should work.

As for the TPMS, I’m curious how it will work. When we bought the car, it had four OEM sensors and the system worked. I went to Discount for new rear tires and they replaced the sensors with ones that they said were compatible. Of course, they couldn’t get them to work. I’m about ready to replace the front tires. Do I trust the seller that the sensors that they recommend will work with the emulator? Or, do I need to buy a specific sensor for all four tires?

As for the hydraulics for our soft top, it sounds like the emulator is definitely more effective. I have no idea how complicated the procedure is & I’ve been looking for someone in the TN area that could help. Thanks again!!