LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+ Smartlink HD Heavy Duty Truck Scanner,J2534 Protocols

When buying and OBD scanner, it’s important to understand that the access you have to the ECU, TCU and other modules are all regulated by the vehicle manufacturer and the limitations they’ve set. In other words, if you can’t re-program the injector codes with a OBD CAN BUS scanner, it probably because of the vehicle manufacturer, not the scanner. Obviously, I’m talking higher end scanners like this LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+Smartlink HD Heavy Duty Truck Scanner versus more basic read only tools. That being said this dual heavy truck PLUS extensive car, heavy equipment scanner also includes a VCI device that can do remote assistance networking (a more experienced person can remote in) and this tool also allows connecting via a PC (typically laptop), so you can run manufacturer compliant software for all functions (extra money, as the manufacturers want a cut). This is why buying a unit with the SmartLink C V2.0 might be best. In my sample video, I’m driving up steep grades (State Rd 89A from Sedona to Flagstaff, Arizona) evaluating my DT466e using chosen (you pick what you want displayed) live data. On my 2006 bus, it offers about 25 - 30 live stream options. On newer vehicles obviously many more. I’ve just replaced all six fuel injectors, my fuel pump and other components. I the graph mode, it’s easy to compared what injection pressure the the ECU is requesting and what the high pressure oil pump is delivering. I’m also comparing the same to see if the EGR valve is doing what the ECU says. Plus, I’d replaced a new fuel pump that only managed 42psi with a Bosch that’s doing the 60 plus under load. Driving up hill was a great test. I’d had a couple codes after the repair, but this verified it was just left over air in the system. The tablet is well made, the battery was at 65% after two to three days of occasional use plus the longer live data drives of over an hour or so. The boxes, cables, display, VCI are all very nice and well made. The menu is easy to learn. I made the jump to the more expensive unit for all the features, cars, trucks, heavy trucks, heavy construction equipment all included. Highly recommend. I just want to add, someone commented on poor customer service and that this was the international version. When I ordered, I forgot to click the free gift button for the battery analyzer. So, I emailed Launch in China with my order number. Within 24 hours, they responded and shipped me the battery analyzer for free. It arrived within a week. I’ve also asked other questions with reasonable fast responses, about 12 to 24 hours. Remember, they’re asleep during the USA day. Re: Launch USA, they are just a supplier (I’m guessing third party) of Launch products. This is why the options on their website are less. Probably, do to license restrictions or Launch (China) trying not to cut their own margins. As a manufacturer myself of skid plates, made in the USA, I totally get this. Launch in my opinion, is a great company!

Powerful tool and software for everything This scan tool will connect to anything that can be plugged into. Automotive, Semi trucks, Agricultural machinery, anything. For example, I plugged this scanner into our 2004 John Deere 8320 and I had code reading, data streams and special functions like learning engine torque curve. Plugged it into our 2002 Peterbilt 379 w/Cummins N14 and this scanner was able to tell me that the engine had 6300 hrs on it and that 1900 of those hours were spent at idle. Two years of free software licensing give you plenty of time to make your money back on this kit. Pros: Connects to anything Any adapter you could ever need Well built and protected Easy to learn software (hard to master diag but that's just mechanics for you) Android tablet that lets you have other apps and capabilities on it. Cons: Videos online are few and far between for HD side of things HD software is really clunky compared to automotive side (Not Launch's fault, just the nature of that side of turning wrenches) Overall worth the money, especially if you're a business owner trying to save money on repairs. Have this tool for our farm because shop rates are $200/hr arond here. Shouldn't take long for this to pay for itself. This isn't just a tool for professionals and shops, this is something that should be invested in to help your farm (or any other business with machines) save money. It'll never make you a single penny, but you'll save lots of dollars.

New to the launch product line. I was very skeptical due to the low cost but, I have used it a couple times with success. Did a caterpillar 7.1 industrial engine, tier 4, today with no issues. It actually communicated with both the ECM and the DEF controller. I'm ashamed to say that my $9000 Bosch won't do that. I was able to pinpoint a NOX issue that was giving EGR codes. I am highly impressed so far. I deal with autos, light and medium trucks occasionally and mostly heavy duty equipment with Caterpillar and Cummins. If you don't specialize in particular equipment make or type there is no one answer but, this is the closest I've come to it for such a reasonable price. I just shake my head at what I've spent in the past. I spend more for my yearly updates than this tool cost.

I ran into some hitches at first in regards to HD Truck capability. Please read to the end as all was resolved ultimately. When trying on one of our older (1999) International DT466E it stated I would need to purchase another module for $ 199.00 (MaxxForce). Eventhough our truck is NOT a MaxxForce. I felt a bit cheated as the ad and description states that which the PRO3S+HDIII evey HD TRUCK item is included as its an HD Truck package. That is not true and a bit misleading. However, I found if I select manuall HD OBD SAE 1708 protocol ( as this applies to this older truck) I was able to read out everything I need. I did add the MaxxForce package (grudgingly) just to find that it won't give me much more on that old truck. The Likes: Very easy to use interface. Easy to navigate. Coverage on most brands i.e. Range Rover, BMW, GM very complete. That is to be noted, that especially for Range Rover the MaxiCom MK908 I tested didn't even cover close the functions, some very neccessary such as camera calibration, needed. Not to mention the aweful MK908 interface. The software on the Launch X431 is so easy to navigate, graphs, live date, reports, all easy to find, create and save. The hardware is pretty decent. Not as solid as the MK908, but definately sufficient for daily use. I upgraded from an Harbor Freight Zurich ZR-Pro, which has served me well for the last 2 years. Better then expected. But the Launch X431 is definately a class above in many ways. In part due to the Zurich being 2 years old and likely a re-branded Autel. I also tried a ThinkTool Pad10. That seems to be on par with the Launch, even has a nicer module Topology interface but with a very big issue. It was advertised to be HD Truck capable, but clearly is not. Their tech support simply stated that it is not even though they advertised it. In the end the Launch X431 PRO3S+HDIII is the best package and the best bang for my money. They sweetened the deal with a discount and through in a inspection camera. Also a tpms. Don't Like: First I was very unhappy that I had to pay extra for certain truck modules. I felt mislead and still think the description is misleading on that. I would have bought it probably anyways and there is no need for these exagerated and inaccurate sales claims. (all seem to do that). I would really like to see topology for the modules added. The case is a bit flimsy with all the adapters just strapped in with velcro. A case like the Autel with doors and molded holders wold be nicer. Not a deal breaker though. And, tech support is very limited. It's china based, mostly they answers point to links at their website, and allow them a day to respond due to the time difference. This by the way is the same with the ThinkTool. Only Autel has US based support IF you buy from a US authorized dealer. I was told by Autel US that none of the Amazon seller are and they sell only non US models. Conclusions: For the price and compared with all other option I believe the Launch X431 gives you the most function and quality for the money. Most professionals know, that none of these tools are perfect and cover everything on every model. Only OEM based software does that. For the everyday stuff this Launch X431 does most of what I need nicely. Keeping that around (I did at times) for several different manufacturers is cumbersome, expensive, using laptops and different VCI's. And most of them are awefully slow. I would have given it 5 stars if it wouldn't have been for the misleading description leaving out that some truck modules/manufacturer software cost extra.

Ok will do! As for the scanner it is absolutely amazing! I specialize on the diesel end, I do equipment loaders dozers as well as paccar and peterbilt kenworth Volvo western star and it truly is amazing what this tablet can do, I am a Diesel Instructor at a tech school here in colorado and we train future technicians for Ford peterbilt paccar kenworth and for companies like penski and we have a partner ship with matco that they want us to push our students to buy the launch USA scan tool from matco which is just a rebrand of the launch 431x that they call the throttle 3 and they put it in a matco case, well I have showed and tested your version the 431x pro3 with the HD dongle and it is without a doubt the best scanner I have ever used for diesel medium duty and heavy duty. I have my students instead of getting the throttle or matco launch go and buy the x431 hd from you in Amazon I strongly support and push your tablet over any other brand, and make sure they get it from you because of the customer support I've been a launch customer with you since 2019 and you have treated me amazing so that also helps in my decision thank you so much! And I will always recommend the 431x as the best out there!

This is Great for the price and worked on cars and HD Trucks just fine!

Junk! Good luck connecting to anything new for heavy duty or Isuzus. And absolutely no support for help

So far it's working okay. Couple vehicles that had the ECM locked I wasn't able to get into even though launch says you can. Another issue that I had was clearing DTCs sometimes they'll clear and other times it will say they clear but they really don't and I have to plug in my cheap scanner to actually clear out some codes after a repair. The bi-directional control is really nice I had one vehicle the customer couldn't open his trunk and I was able to do it with this tool and it's also great when you're working with EVAP. Topology was the selling point for me. Connection speed in transfer rates are fairly decent, it usually defaults to Bluetooth and it took me a bit to get it on Wi-Fi but even with Bluetooth it's not horrible. It could be just the way I'm doing things but it would be nice to just plug into a vehicle and see DTCs in a row like with Torque pro or forscan and not have to click on each module and pull codes. I've only been using it about 3 months now I'll give it a little bit longer see how things go and update my review accordingly.

Im still getting used to it. But what i know is ill never pay a dealership 200 dollars for a diagnostic only for them to tell me they cant figure it out. I plugged this in screenshot the codes. Took it back to the dealership asked them, got answers for each and when asked why, I said. Cuz your incompetent mechanics couldn't diagnose my vehicle. I did, this is what needs to be looked at. Awesome tool, never get ripped off again

It's good.

Does not works well on big truck. Too complicate to understand