I have a pad 7. So far, its been the best mechanic scan tool I've ever used. Launch did an excellent job for the most part but I would not recommend Launch to a locksmith. They'll do almost anything else but they only have basic IMMO abilities, even after purchasing the $500 Immo software, key programmer, and the Prog3 anti theft device. There are a few seasoned veteran locksmiths that can get Launch scanners to fully cooperate in IMMO but i couldn't.
I love your videos, I have been a master tech for over 40 years. Bought mant of Snapon and Matco tools. my last one was a Matco, it is just a launch and have had to have it repaired a couple of times, My Matco guy sends it to Launch. I just recieved my new launch tonight, The LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+. It is the same tool Matco sells for 4k. I got it on a lightning deal from Amazon for $921 . Same tool and hooked it up to my car tonight and already like it!
I've been using autel and snap-on for decades. I'm thinking about getting the one you just bought especially for the can buss and key programming. What do you think? Should I grab one they are still right at a grand on Amazon.
Great video. Been a DIY for over 30 years. (I maintain three vehicles) I started out with a basic $60 code reader. Then to a Launch CRP123 in 2019. Launch X431 CRP919E Elite Bidirectional in 2023. Launch X431 Pro Elite in 2024. The X431 Pro Elite is my favorite. I like being able to take decent pictures with a flash. (Not having to use my cellphone) I like the Android OS and apps. (Mine doesn't have the Google Play Store though) I can save reports in PDF format and send by email to my customer. Having the ES Flie Explore app allows me to organize everything in one place on the tablet scanner. I can even do a Google search if needed. (Again, not having to use my cellphone) I have the TPMS TSgun, Endoscope and car battery tester. Had to pay extra for the addons, but well worth it. As you said, knowing the features you want, and need is key. I really like having the camera and place to store all documents and pictures. I normally keep hard copies in the house, garage and on my laptop. I will never get rid of the hard copies, but like being able to pull things up digitally while I'm working.
The Elite is such a great tool. I agree that it really ups the game with the shop software it comes with. Makes customer databases all on the tool a reality.
Thanks for the educative videos... am a kenyan i have been trying to set up such a garage but capital is an issue,hope one day this vision will come to fruition
Best advice I can give you- Follow your dreams. You don't need to have all the fancy tools and equipment to be a good mechanic. Start out slow and build your way up. Some of the best shops close to where I live and small and older, but they do great quality work, the fancy new places are the ones to watch out for, they are trying to make up all the money they spent buying all the stuff. Good Luck to you my friend
Some of the biggest things missing in these reviews are Does it have topology? What is the refresh rate of data pid graphing? How many data pids can be viewed in graph at once. For a diagnostic tech, these are crucial. I appreciate your showing these tools if you could include those points it would be great
True. One of the things I tried to find out before buying a scan tool were the polling rates but unfortunately no one mentions it and the scanners themselves don't show it. You can only have a rough idea by watching the graphs and how fast they react to for example pressing the accelerator pedal. I got a launch crp919e BT and it is fast enough and compared to other much more expensive scanners there's little to no difference. It also depends on the car too and how many PID's you've selected. I know xtool scanners are super slow and there's no use in watching graphs to diagnose something. Scannerdanner said this and it saved me a few hundreds. Opted for the launch.
Yep That's what I've been chasing for years, all of the above. It's amazing how the diag everything has changed a lot. The approach thru to the customer delivery. Can be easier and streamlined and most miss the boat and struggle without proper scanning of all modules etc before diving into repairs etc .. Most techs are lost especially on customer service 🐕🦺
guys, graphing over slow connection is poor .... - Guess why ?? The car own bus gateway is already maxed out with car data. This slow speed is one of the CAN Bus issue, not only slow scanner. What module causes that... the Bosch "ABS /ESP" (no fault code detected!)
As a DIYer in the UK with a 2011 Ford S-MAX - I recently had DPF regeneration issue .. first spent £50 on basic OBD reader, then another £50 on a slightly better one to get better code data. In the end I also got the Launch X431 pros elite for £460 to be able to clear dpf learnt values and prime the vaporiser. Should have got the x431 in the first place. Will need it for further jobs like parking brake reset in near future.
Yup! If you are going to be doing that kind of work, your already a tech! Time to get a good tool for sure. The code readers are fine for new to the industry guys but once you really get rolling, it's time to move up.
Thanks for the kind words! I tried to make sure that all levels of people interested in scan tools would be able to make an informed decision after watching.
I like what you've done and information you're giving but the simple fact is most people can't take full advantage of a higher end scan tool. Most don't know how to use them to there full advantage.
My channel aims to help the many techs that really don't know much about cars and help them to understand that these tools are far more than simple code readers. I love Identifix, but I feel it's making a lot of techs give up on learning the real way to diag a car.
Thanks for the good info! I just have a OBDLink Bluetooth reader right now but I’m not an expert tech or anything. I’d like to find a less expensive Bluetooth OBD tool that can program Fords using Forscan
Snap on's warranty is for however long they carry the tool. NOT lifetime you own it. So special tools especially warranty ends the sec they stop it from sales.
Back then an better scan tool , not obd2 , for one brand car was around $3000 , today one that do all cars all systems is around 300 . Here China really did some good .
I have a Xtools D9 pro and it sucks really bad....slow to connect, tests that don't work that should, doesn't recognize modules that are there. I've since used a Launch x431 and it's way better!!! -regretful Xtools buyer
Don't know if you are aware...but " Zeus " is an actual name of a demon from Hell.....does that make sense now ? yes it does....peace and love man ..great vid Jay.
@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs thanks for the kind reply....do these scan tools need an update at 2 years ? do they stop functioning if you do not ? and become useless ... thanks in advance ! Jay.
I just looked into the Launch X431 Pro Elite on Amazon and "lightning deals" based on some comments here. I just saw a lot of unhappy people saying their units were used, have no support from Launch, the ones received don't support American vehicles (chinese region only), and the seller/tech support is in China. Reviewers say they like their Autel better. So many options, not enough reviews, too many bad reviews (as with most electronics nowadays).
I don't know where those comments come from, but I suspect it's from Launch's USA PR. I've owned several models now and had very few issues. When I do have an issue, I contact Kingbloen (the US distributor) and they always take care of me. US Launch costs 3x as much and offer exactly 0% more than the global version. my best guess is they are spamming global sellers to make them look like a bad pick.
Ha ha. I brought a snap on modis ultra. Biggest rip off I've ever owned. Also have the old maxidas and a really pld launch. A nd now I have the launch eiro tab 3. Which is great. The only thing I don't like is that they do take a lot longer to load things. I own my own shop here in Australia
I love your tool! As much as I wanted to include every tool I own or have reviewed, some did indeed get left out. I did however link to your tools on Amazon. Don't worry, this isn't the last video on the subject!
@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs It's so nice of you for all that. We know how much effort you've put into creating such amazing videos. Take it easy ;)
Excellent video, w helpful info on the various levels of features and functionality. Towards the end of the video, you mentioned diagnostic options that are "software only," designed to be installed on a laptop or PC, similar to TIS. I'm interested in this alternative solution, and what your thoughts are on this approach. Do you have any recommendations or videos covering this topic, and the products that are available? Specifically, what software is available for the "All Makes & Models" Diagnostic Techs & Mechanics, that don't work at a "Manufacturer OEM Specific" dealership.? TIA
So when it comes to pure software based tools. Nearly all that I have worked with are model specific. Toytota uses TIS, Volvo Uses VIDA, and so on. The only (Now extinct) program I recall that was a "Bring your own laptop" kind of solution came from OTC and it was the Genysis touch program. They stopped supporting it a few years back though.
You won't find a decent aftermarket unit. Non will code injectors, non will really get into it. The Pacar guys don't read DD or Cummins, and the TCM talks to the ECM, even clutches are adjusted with a scanner tool on Automatic Trans. Years ago I worked at a Cat dealer, and already in the late 90 s we were coding every week though our dealer link to Cat, password changed every week to my Service Managers email,as techs were loading their personal laptops so they could scan on weekends, all the big HD are gone to that. So it's hard, but a few pirate systems are out there, but again, each and every brand had their own system
@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs THANKS so much, huge help there! I was worried it would brick the tool. I've been leaning towards the Xtool d8, hoping it can do some things that techstream does......I just want to get one tool for my taco!
I just replace my camshaft position sensor (Bank 1) code P0340 on my 2014 Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote. What affordable Scan Tool can I use to relearn the new sensor that was just installed?
Check out “X Tools” brand scanner. Model D7. Good price, unreal scanner w programming. Give them your VIN # before you purchase and they will answer your question/needs before purchase.
Good day mate. I'm looking to buy a used car in Europe. The problem is that most cars there have fake mileage. I don't know which car yet. If you can tell me which scanner ( which can I buy In Australia ) , can read the right mileage from the largest number of the cars. Thanks.
MOst of the mid level and pro level will show mileage based off the ECM. I am not sure how they are faking the mileage on the cars. It is highly illegal in the US, so I never looked too far on how they were doing it. I am sorry there are so many bad people out there who do stupid stuff like that. Good luck to you
Great informative video but I do have a question. I'm about to get a Ford Transit Connect XLT 2012. The seller tells me there's a small issue of that the car will slip in first gear but besides that the car works perfectly. He went on and had it checked out but the problem was they told him the transmission was fine or at some point they told him the transmission needed to be changed. So some person suggested to me a diagnostic tool of like the ones that you show. And to go into the diagnostic and clear the transmission data that should realign the transmission to work in the right way. Would you recommend getting one of these tools or just having someone who has one of these devices come and reset the vehicle? Help me Obi-Wan and thank you
I would not recommend purchasing that vehicle at all. Lots of times if you use a scan tool to realign the transmission can cause it to fail. If it starting to slip, that is a red flag. Do your self a favor and walk away from this one- you will be happier if you did. The car works "Perfectly" is your key word that there are issues.
I need to program a new abs module for a 2017 chevy truck. What is the lowest priced Autel setup that will do this? The choices are overwhelming. I know I have to purchase access to software and use a laptop. Any ideas would be appreciated.
I live in Southern NH, and quite a few garages(dealerships) are disciplining mechanics that fail to uptick every customer twice - two times. I have written estimates in-hand, totally false. And I have parts still on the shelf that I purchased on the pretense of false info. Sorry for such a negative comment. (DIY about 80 yrs.) I wonder if anyone could help me with cartridges for a Mastertech 3100? GM and Toyota1995+/- to the end or so.
Man I had a Mastertech. Toyota and Lexus used them. I'd check eBay for used carts. As for the upselling and outright lies, yes, it's a sick part of the industry brought on by greed, poor quality techs and the root cause is of course the outdated flat rate system that encourages cutting corners.
can any of these from video code for example module on electric cars like ioniq 5 or kia or volkswagen id3 ? when i say code i mean write vin number to new module when replacing it
i am searching for tool that can just do coding vin number when module fails on electric cars. i would appreciate if you would tell me which launch model can do that . i dont need for high voltage battery i just need for modules.
What is your opinion of a Innova SDS 50 Im working, have a 04 duramax, 04 Volvo XC 70. I know its not a Vida, as i have a pre 16 Ross Tech for our VW, so I know its not factory level, but your thoughts, I looked at the Launch stuff, dang so many option, lost me. Thanks
Here's the novel idea make every car manufacturer have a OBD scanner built into their dashboard and they're required to put it there so we can look and see what's wrong with their junk instead of having to buy a $400 scanner to look it up or take it to a mechanic and find out they fix things that there was nothing wrong with it these cars are so complicated this needs to be a must I push to have an OBD scanner built into every car so we can tell the real story of what fails on these things rather than work on trust with a mechanic and then the people that enjoy working on their cars would have some clue as to where to start with these complicated space shuttles with wheels I think that be a great idea but you'll never see it that would lose money for the manufacturers of the automobiles they never do it they're too much of a capitalist society that they exist Within
@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs yes I have done that with the parts store here in town that loaned out their scanners with the idea that when you found out what was wrong you would return the scanner and buy the part from them then in itself was a good and a Humane thing to do for our fellow man instead of concentrating on how much money we can get from him thank you for commenting
I actually use 3 of them right now. None are all that fancy. Two of them are generic USB type obd-2 connectors. One for Toyota and one for VW. The third I use with Volvo is the usb driven DICE unit.
Ive seen the super expensive oem ones as well as the drewtech or even the “pass through” options on the more expensive scan tools. I’ve also seen the ebay or amazon no name brands, how do I tell if the unknown brand on amazon will work and hopefully not damage the car?
I sent mine back. Features are not for all vehicles even though they may be listed. Also, the app had a hard time initializing at first, and random app freezing.
@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs no, I bought the car. I took it to Brake Masters for a diagnosis and they told me to take it to the dealership bc of mismatch vin number that was interfering of the diagnosis process. Told us that someone needed to reprogram the computer with the correct vin.
@@iam1smiley1 Do you know how? Or what equipment/device I need bc even the dealership said that they couldn't fix the mismatch vin problem but they were still able to diagnose it
Can i use one of these on a 2011 renault megane or do i need to use a CLIP (renault) diagnostic tool? I bought a OBD2 device but wasnt sure if i plugged this in it would cause more issues
I am not joking here, but a lot of times, you buy it and find out! That is why I own many of these scanners. No one scan tool can do it all. Even the crappy Snap-on Zeus sucks with certain cars.
If the unit just needs to be married to the car, then Yes, I believe it will work. If it needs software flashed to it from a website, then no. you'll need an OEM solution.
