Launch X431 Pros V Elite - Is Terrible In My Opinion 

I can understand your frustration. As a multi tool distributor based in the southern hemisphere. This is an issue we run into daily, the tool brand be it Launch, Autel or whoever gets a bad wrap because of these online vendors. They sell unauthorised versions of these tools into countries that they are not specified for (incorrect software) thus the tool getting a bad name. As a distributor same as launch tech USA we are unable to support these units generally because the manufacturer will not support it through our channel because it is not a unit they sold to us to onsell, as much as we would like to help. As for price yes your country based distributors might cost a few hundred dollars more than Amazon and the reason behind that is because we need to be able to cover the costs of onsite training, tech support & software development. You might be a few hundred out of pocket at the start but this is a two way street, you get someone to call when the tool doesn't carry out a certain function and we have a channel of feedback to log these issues to improve the tool so everyone wins in the long run. But I do agree the term ecu programming is used too blatantly. Most modern vehicles require j2534 programming with OE software.

Hmm, I too fell for the global X431. I needed to ask LaunchTechUSA a question about my new Launch and found out that it wasn't an American version of Launch. it was a global version, however that does not mean its a fake. Its perfectly legit. Autel is the same way too. There an online version and a offline version, as well (if that makes any sense). At first I was very frustrated with my x431until i started figuring out things in it. Now, I love it. Does just about everything I need it to do. I update it regularly.

Thanks for the review. I have a 95 toyota 4runner. It is an obd1 connector. I have no problem with my launch scanner.

Thanks for this video, i was researching and checking out yourtube about this scanner I was about to buy, glad I did not! I ended up getting topdon, it actually does IMMO and its about $1100, it even works on my Mercedes!, my Jeep and my Ford, all IMMO works :)

Sucks that you went through this, but I use this tool as well as others everyday in a professional setting and have had no issues. The coding aspect is slightly misleading marketing. Almost all vehicles need a j2534 passthru and OEM software for programming, and extras for IMMO

I have all the various brands in my shop. For Toyota, use tech stream with a mongoose wired cable for coding and intense activations, a generic clone cable is barely good enough for read only diagnostic work. For Ford use forscan, snap on for others . The xtools, autel, topdon, launch have their nitch and are useful for certain cars for certain task. No experience with European makes however.

You can get the launch x431 immo plus with the key coding tool but the screen is only 8inch same as the AUTEL 508s

these companies need to stop lying i bought a one for maserati service reset, didnt do the oil viscosity reset or remove oil service due message theres no point i just sent it back

Thanks, I am looking at this just for the FCA use. I have run snap on for years and love it for user friendly. Snap on wants the scan tool to be up to date for FCA to work. $1500 a year with the Verus, not going to happen. Bought an X tool trying to avoid any up grading. It works, but not happy with it and is not on Autoauth list like Launch. Just bought another Verus but a Edge with 21.4 software and found out Ram, Dodge and Jeep softerware needs to be up to date for it to work with paying AutoAuth a subscription. The $50 dollar a year Autoauth subscription is not bad, but the $1500 a year snap on update every year in not possible.

Was just about to order one of these after being dissatisfied with my Xtool D8. Looks like the Launch would be no better. I bought the D8 to work on a 2003 GMC and found I was very limited to what I could do or see, but when I tried it on my Ford F150, there was way more stuff I could access. On the Chev the D8 would not tell me if the key was in the crank position, would not show any info on the starter relay at all etc. I had previously been using a borrowed OTC that was close to 10 years old, and I could not do any more with the D8 (on that vehicle as far as the problem I wanted look at) I guess they will all be a little different and be stronger on some cars more than others. What really frustrated me through the whole shopping process is the confusing amount of models, some just slightly different, a + or no + Pros versus Pro etc, - too many models and too confusing in the Launch line, Chinese anyway. The Xtool at least only had a few models - it may still be best for the money, but Scanner Danner says they are junk, so its very hard to know what to buy, too many to choose from!

hey i too ordered this product from amazon, i have not received it yet but am bummed after seeing your review of Launch Scanner. Did you find a good scanner yet, looks like i will be sending mine back also. Thanks for information

Somewhat misleading review bud. For general modern car coverage and special functinos this is great value for money. Check what other universal scan tool in this price range does work on your old pre-OBDII GMs... There is nothing! This Pro S V is an upgrade of the older PRO V v4.0 which I have that works on literally 99% of cars after 1995 for most functions. IMMO functions are limited on all diagnostic tools in this price range. Most pre ±1995 OBDII cars are before vehicles even had proper electronic modules with very basic ECUs. They usually need an LED tester to test codes. I mostly use an OBDStar DP Plus for immo/key coding. You would need something in this $1500+ range for great immo coverage and reading pin codes.

Thank you for the solid review. I purchased mine on Black Friday. Have not even opened it up yet but your view along with several others has made me set it up for a Amazon return. I am just a DYI at home guy and not a mechanic. I have watched Eric with Advanced Level Auto on You Tube. He seems to like his Launch but I don't know about all the items you mentioned.

Just initiated a refund for mine too,it's supposed to be a pros v+ elite but when registered it comes up as a pro 4. I found out they replace chips and do all kinds of crazys tuff and some of it came even mess vehicles up. I read where 1 guy used one to try and do a key on his and every light on the dash came on and the dealer told him the scanner messed it up and they had to fix it. Amazon immediately offered me a refund when I told them about the registering difference problem and the launch site says eBay and Amazon scanners are absolutely fakes.

Thanks for the warning. Have u looked at the launch x431 throttle 3? I believe that one will do everything u want.

Old video, I know, but an update for the x431immo. Bought in Feb 2024 for the specific reason to offer customers key adding and programming. Payed around 1,500 for the tool and the immo. It specifically says it can read the immo pin code to add keys, etc. The first key job came in for a 2012 town and country. Used the tool, and it wouldn't read the immo pin to add a new key fobik. Called Launch customer service to be told it was a software issue on their end. I should've just ponied up the extra 600 bucks and bought the Autel. I have seen folks having the same issue with the X431 with the J port. Wont do ecu reprogramming. I wouldn't recommend these tools. They are more geared towards foreign cars.

Sounds like you are talking crap on a company because you ordered the wrong scanner. It's not their fault you ordered the scanner for imports.

Thanks for the review. These keep coming up at auction and now I know why. You saved me a bunch of money and heartache.

Sorry but snap on does the same thing, they advertise the world but just scratch the surface. Unfortunately have to have multiple scan tools. I paid huge for my Solus ultra and was disappointed.

Purchase a Launch x431 in June 2023. $1,400 us dollars. After testing on multiple cars and contacting there customer service i was told its not capable of programing a BCM for a 2017 Gm, but it was advertised as it would. I when the route you took, let me contact Launch. Was told the same thing, China unit they dont support. Sorry, good buy. Unfortunately, Tom is passed and I was unable to return. My biggest frustration I’ve just tried it on a dodge ram Chrysler product and I’m unable to get through the security Gateway because this is a offbrand unit not US made. I believe launch does have skin in a game. It’s their name on it. Same product, they’re just getting there sales up and running there products name. I wont buy or rexommend there product.

there 2 version and you probably got the one for foreign cars or the listing did not specify

Thanks for sharing your experience

Misleading you have to pay extra for the most important features my 200 dollar scanner does more for $1800.00 it's junk

Great video.. Are you still happy with the autel ? Thank you..

Agreed , mine lasted about 10 days and would not turn on . Back to Amazon .

Really helpful video! Was considering one of these, thank you for saving me. Apparently there's a difference between "programming" and "coding". I need one to program ECUs (or clone them, as modules seem to fail after 10ish years). Which one do you recommend for the task?

Thanks for this! Have you found a scanner you like yet?

Well, I have the launch x431 pro3s. Was bought with the 2 year free updates, well needless to say, it only came with 1 year. I contacted them, which isn't the US company. I didn't know that either! I have been less than impressed with it. As long as it isn't connected to wifi, I can use all the previous installed software, the minute it's connected 90% of everything is blocked. So frustrated

Did you update it before using it?

Hey Brother, I too ran into Launch USA not supporting my X431 V !!!!! And the reason I bought it was just like you "Supports IMMO and key Re-programming" Ha !!! And when try to get support I should say "Text support only" you better hope it's not on a Chineese holiday!!! DON'T BUY YOUR DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS ON AMAZON Like we did. Thanks for making a video on it. Can I ask what you are using today?

My Guy i went back and forth with Autel AND Launch and EVENTUALLY i got the same answer. Why pay Cornwell 1800-2400 for an Autel906 when i can get it from chine for 1000? The Matco scaners are LaunchTechUSA but 2-3k MORE than buying LaunchTechUSA from nappa or even Cornwell.. for 1000 Launch makes a pocket scanner nut no programming BUT a lot of bi-directional

Brilliant video mate i have just brought a bran new launch x431 pro plus diagnostic tool off ebay over £1000 and it would not even let me connect to the car i was on it for hours couldn't find the vin number either plus it did not even come with the key coding tool thats a extra £500 and it would not to a topology mapping MODULES test either its gone back to ebay

Sorry for you loss ❄️

Works well for 03 6 liter powerstroke , 6.4 , 6.7

Problem is u simply have chosen wrong scanner for USA vechiles it does it all to European cars

Launch do not honour there warranty. I bought mine from launch direct and when it glitched due to prescribed software updates then your on your own. when I emailed launch i was given the run around and eventually gave up. The conclusion I drew from this is possibly Launch is a chinese company, Chinese= poor quality and counterfeit products. I suspect that there vehicle software is unauthorised and poorly copied hence not being able to access certain vehicles, perform certain functions etc. When you raise these issues with launch you will then realise (as I did) that you have blown your cash and the warranty is worthless.

Xtool d8 is quite good at immo.. it was seven hundred when I bought it in 2022. now I've seen it around for under five hundred.. and they have also upgraded it to have topology. It's better than most at immo though. Says it has ecu and eeprom programming. But I've never used it. There are bluetooth and wlan versions now that cost a little more. The original D8 is direct wired.. which I prefer

On bmw only work on msv90 on msv80 not working on Mercedes 2009 up to 2018

Sry but Immo is for m y launch no Problem read erase coding clone, but you need a Tool Names Lauch X-PROG3 this in combination with x431 then you can do all immo options....

I planning to buy global version x431 pad 7 elite to use in Trinidad wondering if i making the right choice 😓

I just got the X-431 Pro3 Apex and it did everything on a 1998 Merc CLK320 in EU. Launch is better in EU cars and Autel better in USA only cars. Launch is the biggest and oldest scanner tool. It also best for price. Autel is a freakin ripoff and would not scan simple 2003 VW Polo in EU but Launch sees all functions in the VW. Topdon is a new small co. and so is Xtool. Stick with Launch.

Thanks for such valuable information because I was leaning towards buying one but I’m glad you revealed the truth, I’m so thankful for your video

A little late to the party as usual. If you want the full capabilities you are looking for as far as IMMO and automotive key programing in the US, you need to be a member and certified with NASTF.

Do the research on otofix d1 imm1

Most of these scanners don't work properly with north America and Asia cars. They all work with European cars and China.

They'll say anything for a Sale

I had it less than a week and exceeded the limits,junk. Hardly any special functions.got burned on an mdi2 as well.. not fucking happy either

Man, I'm not impressed at all with mine as well, did not program nissan frontier, with new ecm would not read new key as well will not recommend.........................

Xtool

Thank you

Did you take a look at the Autel MS906BT?

Bosch 525x.. check this out you're going to need autoauth for 2012 + for any vehicle for programming modules, key programming, the interface will program u have to tie to a lap top i5 16gig or better bosch is 1 of if not the biggest manufacturer of automotive computers gm has everything locked down. GM software "dealership" is like $60 for 3 days along with the autoauth in order to bypass the security gateway. The 525x I can hooked to Diesel " hd semi's" with and adapter cord and does more then the average 800 hd dioanostic tools out there. They make a great product. All Chevy GM vehicles Bosch, a text 2 clone., and or and interface with gmwin2 once again through Bosch 525x 3500 2yrs ago now new in box 1600 max sometimes 1350 range all the chev vehicles u have you won't regret it

Odd. Other videos on here . The techs highly recommend Launch. 🤨

What a bummer eh?

🤡 upload video of it not working

I know you don't want Chinese tool but X tool is strong 🤣

That's right Upper Peninsula DIY. same experience with me from this launch obd it's frustrating mostly of special function are not supported and data PID are some missing that sometimes you need to get the information. but according to their advertise are everything can do even key programming. NO! THAT IS NOT TRUE! lot's of GM, Dodge, Ford and other vehicle key it cannot program in this launch tool. cannot read the vehicle security 4 digit pin code. they said launch x431 pro or what ever is upgraded. THAT IS NOT TRUE AGAIN. all LAUNCH same function nothing are new, not upgraded.

Sometime you got to send it back!

Yo lo tuve irá buenísimo si no sabes usarlo es una mierda pero una vez que le pillas el truco es genial

i bought my from bidfta chinese only support usa same problem 3 cars only read one 09 07 but 04 f150 work very limted not worth the money scamers

Dam I just bought one also 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵