Are you looking for a reliable car diagnostic scan tool that won’t break the bank? The Foxwell NT200 is a popular choice for DIY mechanics and car enthusiasts alike. But does it live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll delve into the Foxwell NT200’s compatibility, features, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right scan tool for your needs.
The Foxwell NT200 is designed to be broadly compatible, particularly with vehicles sold in the UK and Europe. For petrol cars sold in the UK, you can generally expect compatibility from 2001 onwards, and for diesel cars, from 2004 onwards. This coverage extends to most European petrol Ford vehicles equipped with the EEC-V engine management system, and many petrol Jaguar vehicles dating back to approximately 1997. If you own a USA import car manufactured from 1996, such as a Lincoln Town Car, the NT200 should also be compatible.
Extensive Ford Vehicle Coverage: Including Older Models
While the NT200 boasts excellent coverage for newer vehicles, its compatibility with older Ford models is a significant advantage. We’ve put the NT200 to the test on a range of pre-2001 petrol Ford vehicles, all utilizing Ford’s EEC-V Engine Management System, and found impressive results. Here’s a list of compatible models we confirmed:
- Ford Cougar (1998 onwards, petrol only)
- Ford Escort 1.3 (1994 onwards, Engine Code: J4B only)
- Ford Escort 1.6 16V (1994 onwards, Engine Code: L1K only)
- Ford Escort 1.8 (1994 onwards, Engine Code: RKC only)
- Ford Explorer 4.0 (1996 onwards, Engine Code: E only)
- Ford Fiesta 1.25 (1995 onwards, Engine Codes: DHA/DHB/DHC/DHD)
- Ford Fiesta 1.3 (1995 onwards, Engine Codes: J4C/J4J/J4L/JJA/JJC/JJE)
- Ford Fiesta 1.4 (1995 onwards, Engine Codes: FHA/FHE)
- Ford Focus (from 1998, petrol only)
- Ford Galaxy 2.0 (1995 onwards)
- Ford Galaxy 2.3 (1996 onwards)
- Ford Ka (from 1996, petrol only)
- Ford Mondeo 1.6 (1996 onwards, Engine Code: L1J only)
- Ford Mondeo 1.8 (1996 onwards, Engine Code: RKB only)
- Ford Mondeo 2.0 (1996 onwards, Engine Code: NGA only)
- Ford Mondeo 2.5 (1996 onwards, Engine Code: SEA only)
- Ford Puma (from 1997, petrol only)
- Ford Scorpio (from 1994, petrol only, excluding 2.9L non-24V with engine code: BRG)
- Ford Transit 2.0 Petrol (1994 onwards, Engine Codes: NSF/NSG)
- Ford Transit 2.3 Petrol (2000 onwards, Engine Code: E5FA)
It’s important to remember that the Foxwell NT200 is fully compatible with ALL* UK-sold petrol Ford cars from 2001 onwards and diesel models from 2004 onwards, along with vehicles from other manufacturers within these year ranges.
Understanding Pre-2001 Vehicle Compatibility Limitations
You might be wondering why the NT200, and similar tools, may not work on all cars manufactured before 2001, especially when some suppliers claim broader pre-1996 compatibility. This is due to the European legislation regarding vehicle diagnostics. Vehicles manufactured before 2001 predate the mandatory implementation of EOBD (European On-Board Diagnostics) standards. While many manufacturers started incorporating 16-pin diagnostic ports even before the legislation, these ports were not always fully operational or compliant with the standardized protocols we see today.
The 16-pin diagnostic port is a necessary component for the NT200 to function. However, the presence of this port on a pre-2001 vehicle doesn’t automatically guarantee EOBD compliance. Many vehicles were equipped with these ports in anticipation of the upcoming regulations, but the underlying systems were not yet fully standardized.
Conclusion: A Solid Diagnostic Tool with Excellent Ford Coverage
The Foxwell NT200 car diagnostic scan tool offers a compelling blend of broad vehicle compatibility, especially for Ford vehicles, and user-friendly operation. Its ability to work with a range of older Ford petrol models, in addition to its comprehensive coverage of 2001+ petrol and 2004+ diesel UK vehicles, makes it a versatile tool for car maintenance and diagnostics. If you’re a Ford owner, or work on a variety of vehicles including older models, the Foxwell NT200 is definitely worth considering as a valuable addition to your toolkit.
* – Applies to passenger cars newly sold within the EU, with fewer than 10 seats and a gross vehicle weight rating under 2500kg.
