If anyone had told me that today, I’d be typing this Foxwell NT301 review and silently chuckling, I would have heavily doubted it. The reason is simple and to the point: immediately after the NT301 shipped, I developed cold feet – and wondered if it would be worth my time.
When I got the package, I took one look at the NT301 and silently dismissed it as a large unit that was likely larger than needed (like the Konnwei KW850).
At best, I figured that the code reader would simply be as my glove box option, the Ancel AD410, which I already owned, by the way.
Nothing prepared me for the surprise that was to come when I finally plugged this code reader into the OBD II port of my vehicle and began my reluctant testing.
To say the Foxwell NT301 surprised me and got dubbed the ‘queen of OBD surprises’ will be both correct and timely; from a lukewarm attitude, I looked at the unit with admiration and internally, gave it the ‘respect’ it deserves in my little collection of OBD II code readers.
The above said, like every other product commercially available, the NT301 from Foxwell has its own challenges that I’ll mention later in this review. These challenges will give you a balanced view of what the code reader is and is not and importantly, help you decide if you should buy it or look elsewhere for your OBD II scanner needs.
That said, here’s what the Foxwell NT301 code reader looks like, on Amazon.
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Table of Contents
Foxwell NT301 Review: First Impression and What’s in the Box
I’ve already mentioned that I had mixed feelings when the NT301 shipped and was on the way to my address: I looked at the dimensions, compared it with the Ancel AD410 I already own, and started wondering what I was thinking.
Curious to give it a chance, I took a deep breath and allowed the order to arrive, in peace.
That singular on-the-whim decision turned out to be a wise one a few days later when (after not being impressed with the physical unit upon arrival), I plugged the code reader into my vehicle and smiled like a young teenager in love for the first time.
Holding the unit for the first time, I realized that it wasn’t as big in my hands as I had expected, from its dimensions. I could hold and use it with one hand without any challenges.
I also noticed, right away, that its keys were soft, bounced, and returned beautifully when pressed, something the Ancel AD410 I was comparing it with lacked.
Looking at the color display and how excellent the code reader ‘carried itself’ in my hands, I had an instant change of mind and couldn’t wait for the other features as they manifested.
The code reader itself did not come with much: offered in a transparent plastic clamshell arrangement, it was packed to face front, an update cord at the rear, and in between these two, a user manual.
Functions & Abilities
The Foxwell NT301, as you’re aware, is a basic code reader with basic functions and abilities; what sets it apart, ultimately, is the way and manner the code reader carries out its basic functions of code reading and OBD II diagnosis.
So, when I plugged it in, what did I see?
1. Basic Code Reading & DTC Erasure
Plugged into a functional OBDII port, the Foxwell NT301 code reader easily pulls out OBD II error codes if present and importantly, runs a summary of what they mean.
For instance, the DTC P0113 means nothing to the average car owner or DIY mechanic. However, with the explanation the code reader offers, Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High (in the instant case), things begin to make sense and importantly, you’ll begin to have a fair idea of what could be wrong.
Interested in erasing the codes after a repair? The process is quite easy and straightforward: there’s a dedicated button for it or alternatively, using the menu option, nestled in with other options.
2. A Dedicated Home Button
There’s another function that is rare (and strange) on OBD II Scanners today that the Foxwell NT 301 possesses: a dedicated home and power button.
If for any reason you decide to cancel what you were doing on it and return to the ‘home page’, there’s no need to keep pressing random buttons and hoping that it ‘backshifts’. There’s a dedicated ‘home’ or ‘return’ button that you need to depress and hold – and whatever it is that you’re doing clears, giving way for the system to start afresh, again.
This is a smart function that saves time, especially in the tense environment many DIYers and professional mechanics must operate.
3. Live Data Reading
Live data is where the story of a vehicle’s current health lies. Some issues, such as a blockage of the air intake, leading to outrageous fuel consumption, won’t be immediately apparent on a scan.
This means, scanning a vehicle with the intent of picking up these issues via a standard DTC is a waste of time.
However, running live data and comparing the values with what the MAF is seeing (with what it ought to) will immediately point you to where you need to focus your attention.
This is why, I’ve always held that the minimum a code reader should have should be the data reading function: if a unit doesn’t have it, it’s as good as no good.
Fortunately, the Foxwell NT301 also sports this feature and it makes sense to point out in this review that you’ll be enjoying it when the time for diagnostics comes.
4. DTC Lookup (With Advanced Option)
As ‘icing on the cake’, there’s a DTC lookup function, which is essentially a library of DTCs wherein you input a code, tap ‘ENTER’, and get exactly what the definition of that code is.
However, this DTC lookup is an advanced variant: it doesn’t simply stop at the mere definition of codes – a reality that leaves you still confused if you’re dealing with a code that is unfamiliar or you’re a casual DIY mechanic unacquainted with DTCs.
The function takes things a step further by explaining to you possible challenges that have triggered such a code, making it easy for you not just to understand what is wrong, DTC-wise, but also, the challenge(s) that could have triggered the wrong in the first place.
Other Notable Functions & Features
Beyond the basic functions and ability a basic code reader is expected to have as shared above, there are other notable and extremely satisfying functions and features that the Foxwell NT301 sports, away from the ordinary.
These functions and features are what truly sets the code reader apart and into a class of its own.
They are:
1. DTC Explanations, Negating Google
DTCs are what they are; Diagnostic Trouble Codes. However, without an explanation of what these codes mean and importantly, what to look out for, the DIYer, home mechanic, and vehicle owner is at the mechanic’s mercy, despite owning a code reader.
As a way around this, vehicle owners and DIYers often use Google and other search engines to figure out what these codes mean, when they are pulled out.
The Foxwell NT301 offers the meaning, without asking, immediately a code is rendered.
However, the design of the code reader goes over and above merely offering this information: a list of what could likely trigger the said DTC is also shared, upon pressing ‘ENTER’.
This cute, little, smart, thoughtful addition makes the 301 all in a class by itself, as far as basic code readers are concerned.
I found this not just worthy of emulation but seriously believe that all code readers should be designed this way, irrespective of how basic they may be.
2. Dedicated Erase Function
The ability to erase DTCs is a standard feature of almost every basic code reader; nothing special about it.
However, very few code readers have a dedicated button for this function; a button that doesn’t need to go through the menus to access.
This option certainly saves time and is one of thorough convenience; you just highlight the DTCs that you’re interested in canceling off for whatever reason and simply fire the button and the code(s) vanish(es).
This can be done while you wait for the light to turn green at a stop – which is quite convenient.
3. A Solid Protective Case
The average OBD II code reader lives an extremely hard life: from the occasional hard falls to the handling with greasy/sweaty hands and everything else in between, few code readers can boast of nice, good treatment.
Unfortunately, because of such treatment, most of these code readers don’t last up to a year and traditionally, by the third year, many units have well been ‘retired’ due to one unfortunate mishap or another.
For the Foxwell NT301, this will hardly apply as the code reader is powered with a protective case, coated outside its traditional case. This soft, strong coat absolves the shock of falls and takes away most of the dirt that otherwise should have gone on the body of the code reader directly.
The idea is pure genius!
4. Nice, Large, Bouncy Keys
Sometimes, after a hard day with a vehicle’s challenge, the childish nature of a car owner simply seeks to be set free. Unfortunately, at a certain age, the options for making this happen are limited and far between.
The perfect outlet, I’ve found, is with the nice, large, bouncy keys of the NT301!
Depressed, the keys are soft to the touch and go down almost immediately, fueling deep and instant satisfaction; left alone, the keys nicely bounce back, in the most majestic manner possible.
It’s usually one of the reasons that makes me specifically choose this code reader, when I have a vehicle issue on a day I’m not my best.
…talk about knowing what calms you down!
Foxwell NT301 Vehicle Compatibility
The Foxwell NT301 is compatible with most vehicles post-1996 that I’ve tested it on; not only does it work flawlessly, but it always delivers, in most cases, more than 80% of its functions.
However, while the NT301 is widely compatible, I’ve not tested the unit with newer hybrids (including plugin hybrids), electric cars, and sports cars. I’ve not also tested it with luxurious models like the Rolls Royce.
If you have any of the vehicle types that I’ve not been able to positively confirm compatibility, it’s best to reach out to Foxwell directly to confirm compatibility with your make and model before deciding to ‘settle down’ with the code reader.
Limitations
It’s not all rosy for this Foxwell though: like everything else in the world, it has its own limitations. Though these limitations have not been deal breakers, it’s important to be aware of what you’ll be up to, should you buy.
1. The Keys Aren’t Backlit
Granted, I’ve never held a backlit code reader in my hands before this time and sometimes, I’m tempted to believe they don’t exist, at least, at the moment.
However, given the solid build of the NT301, it makes sense that the keys be backlit – even if it will add a little to the final cost.
The fact that the keys have a perfect bounce feel and are luxurious in themselves doesn’t simply go well without them being backlit for that special time in the dark when the code reader must be used.
2. The NT301 is a Basic Code Reader
Besides the code reader being without backlit keys, it’s also a basic code reader, one without the ability to scan extra vehicle modules such as the tranny and the ABS.
Granted, these modules hardly have issues on a well-engineered vehicle but sometimes, it’s a good feeling to scan ALL possible modules just to be sure that there’s ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with your vehicle.
This is especially true in rare instances where you have a challenge you can’t pinpoint and desperately want something to pop on the code reader.
3. The Cord Isn’t the Longest…
Finally, the cord isn’t the longest in the industry; granted, the cord is long enough to serve you in any vehicle and seating position irrespective of the driver’s seat.
However, after using the Konnwei KW850, I was suddenly excited that I could stand outside the vehicle and still not have a challenge using the code reader since it had a truly long cord.
Now, poor me, I’m beginning to look at that length when I plug OBD II code readers into any OBD II vehicle port.
Strange, isn’t it?
Alternatives to Consider
The Foxwell NT301 is a solid code reader. However, it may not serve you if you’re interested in something smaller, with fewer buttons or an option that fits into the palm better.
If this is you, consider checking out the Ancel AD410 code reader: it has remained my glove box code reader for more than 5 years now and I have absolutely no regrets bestowing it that honor.
If you’re looking for something powerful – but very affordable, you should consider the TopDon TopScan; its a small, pocket-friendly code reader but curiously, is powerful enough to scan the ABS, tranny, and all other modules you’ll be interested in as a DIYer, vehicle owner, home or professional mechanic.
What’s more? It’s BlueTooth powered and works across an array of both vehicles and smartphones.
Should You Buy the Foxwell NT301?
Yes – without a shred of doubt.
In my Foxwell NT201 vs NT 301 article, for instance, I showed just how superior this code reader is.
That above said, it’s important to understand that though the cons mentioned above aren’t deal breakers in themselves, it’s very important you take a second look at them and come to the conclusion that they aren’t deal breakers yourself (and you can live with them).
Want to give the Foxwell a trial? Click here to check out the Foxwell NT301 on Amazon directly.
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Throttle Lan
DIY Mechanic and Freelance Auto Writer