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Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?
A: Bluetooth capabilities allow for only one tool to be needed to do the testing and programming.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop's profitability?
A: Through its speed, functionality, and efficiency.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using this product?
A: Minimal setup: Turning on, connecting to shop Wi-Fi, and then creating a Foxwell account. Within several minutes, this was easily done. I will note the confirmation email got snagged in my Gmail spam.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: It is Android-based and just as fast and intuitive as using an Android-based phone. I really like that it has features, like expanding font size, just like any other Android device.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: Professionally boxed and a small but seemingly durable case is included. A charging cord is also included.
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was it easy to understand?
A: A full printed instruction manual is included. The tool is so intuitive that many will not use it, but I really like having a paper manual with the tool that I can reference if needed.
Q: What features did you like?
A: There is a lot to like about this tool:
- Tool navigation is a breeze, finding what function I want to use is easy and fast.
- The Bluetooth connection is a game changer, with a previous tool I would need to use a different scan tool to put the vehicle into learn mode so I could use the TPMS tool to trigger the sensors. Because of Bluetooth, one tool easily does it all!
- The added feature of being able to check key fob remotes is great and seems to work much better on this tool versus previous TPMS tools I have used.
- The OBD-11 scanner feature is powerful for a generic scanner, which makes the TS5000 a convenient first grab for I/M readiness.
- The USB-C cable for charging is great and shows that Foxwell is at the front of the technology curve.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A:
- The screen size is a tad small, which results in a smaller font; increasing font size in tool settings helps. Increasing the screen size slightly would be perfect!
- The system uses a version of Android that has not been supported since 2022. It’s currently a stable and powerful Android version, but being unsupported could cause future security issues with some OEMs. I get that Android versions are advancing so fast that it’s tough for scan tool companies to keep up -- as someone that has helped develop Android software for the auto market, I realize the incredible difficulty this creates for the tool maker. And in this case, Foxwell has brought an incredible tool to market that runs great, but it’s still the outdated Android version end-user concern.
- A replaceable screen protector would increase tool durability and ultimately tool life. Probably, a generic protector can be found after doing some measuring.
- Having a dock for the OBD dongle to clip to on the tool would prevent future misplacing of the OBD dongle.
- Boot-up time could be a little faster.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: TPMS testing to locate, replace, and program faulty sensors on a 2007 GMC Yukon, 2014 GMC Acadia, 2010 Cadillac CTS, and a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. I/M readiness in a 2005 Jeep.
Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you've used like it?
A: This is my first experience with any Foxwell tools. I have had a TPMS tool of some variation since about 2008. The Foxwell tool screams quality. As soon as you see it and grab it, it feels like a high-end tool. During my evaluation, I didn’t find any holes in TPMS coverage.
The generic OBD-II scanner worked great, was very intuitive, and the display was above average. For example, looking at monitors run versus incomplete, they all show orderly on one screen. For fast code checks and monitor status, this tool is quite competent!
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: I would rate this a 9.5. Easily the best TPMS tool I have used to date, the screen size and concerns about Android 9 reliability in the future are the only things holding this tool back from being a 10.
