Reviewing a Budget Friendly Scanner Made For DIY or Pro

Our first tool review on here. We hope you enjoy. This is the Launch CRP919E scanner. They sent it to us and asked for us to give our thoughts. We are going to keep it real with you guys on anything we are sent. This is our honest view on it. We hope you enjoy.
You can purchase the scanner here: amzn.to/4bD3Gk3
Our Affiliate Store:
Autel MS909 Scanner: amzn.to/4bVbXQ2
Top Don Battery Maintainer & Jump Starter: amzn.to/4bW0dwB
Topdon Phoenix Lite 2 Scanner: amzn.to/3wJMEBz
Brake Fluid & Coolant Test Strips: amzn.to/4ayOQJS
5 Piece Protective Lug Nut Socket Set: amzn.to/453c4GW
Fluke Multimeter: amzn.to/3UX86La
We are partnered with AESWave. We've dealt with them for years and they are great people so please show your support to them! Our store link is:
www.aeswave.co...
Yes we make commission on these products if you buy from these links. This supports the channel. We will never recommend a product that we don't truly believe in. This is just the beginning of our products. We will add more as we go.

[@glengrimm4075]

Don't ever believe someone who gets the item for free to review. It's NEVER EVER an honest review. Find someone who actually buys the item and that has an unbiased opinion. Best ive found for the money is the Xtool D7 Scan tool. Absolutely amazing for the money. The D8 is even better.

[@bretlagasse3560]

I have that same one. I'm not a professional, but it was an amazing tool for me to trouble shoot my entire evap emission issues and missfires. Saved me a lot of money and helped me narrow down the issues.

[@kriseastwood3507]

Does it have the troubleshooting and wiring diagrams on it?

[@connorrampage7817]

Any time you do scan tool reviews you have to let the viewers know if there is a subscription for the updates, how much they are and how often you need to get them. Doesn't matter how good they are, if there is an expensive subscription it's probably going to be a deal braker.

[@davidsimmons3844]

Heard they put ransom ware in them to! After the free updates if you don't buy the updates after it won't let you access diagnostic until you pay for the update! Not sure if true! But that's a deal breaker!

[@XxTWMLxX]

The launch scanners get 2 free years of updates then you have to pay. Would be nice to know that kind of stuff before buying one and what the updates cost.

[@ericbryant796]

per info above its $150/yr for updates.@@XxTWMLxX

[@blue03r6]

​@@XxTWMLxXyep these tools can often cost more than more expensive tools in the long run. Might be cheaper up front but not long term

[@markmccormack1796]

Absolutely. This model isn't cost effective for me. Nice, but I can't afford it.

[@mattgarcia7703]

If all scan tools had you reviewing them and showing different module communications the way you do I wouldn’t be struggling to find one I love! However because of you I’m getting this one!

[@meganw6007]

Thanks for everything, Sherwood! I am loving all this knowledge I'm picking up from your videos!

[@acdii]

I have this unit and found a couple minor inconveniences. One, the older the vehicle, the more chance it will miss the VIN. On a 2007 RAV4, it would not pull the VIN and had to be added manually before it would work. Two, it needs to be connected to the Internet in order to work. This could be an issue when doing a road test, though have not attempted to do one yet. Three, it is subscription based for module and vehicle updates, but includes the first 2 years free. I bought it for doing Focus clutch installs and maintaining Diesels.

[@mikelittlejohn3743]

you can connect to your hotstop on your phone if you are on the road

[@ede4345]

I’ll stick with my cheap scanner ,

[@DS-ss7vl]

It does not need to be connected to the internet to work. Mine works just fine without WiFi.

[@ZahdakaYAH]

@@ede4345what scanner do you use?

[@ede4345]

@@ZahdakaYAH innova 5512

[@Redbaron_sites]

More diagnostic tool reviews. I am a new subscriber, and was impressed at how you explained the basic operation n a clear way. Thanks, and God bless you and your family ❤

[@tsant6591]

Topdon has basically the same model and platform. I think they're sister companies. I love mine. As a diy, it gives me enough data to make a repair, or take it in to my mechanic for the bigger jobs. But money well spent imo. Great review!

[@stever1053]

I have the topdon version and I regret buying it because I am more of a nuts and bolts person, I am not good with all this tech stuff. So if anyone is going to buy one think carefully about whether you will be able to use it if your tech skills are not good. Mine doesn't find my cars vin, where my neighbours $40 one does.🙃

[@bryancenterfitt7127]

Personally, as a former tech ( disabled now), I prefer snap-on myself. However, I do like Autel for a secondary. Just my personal preference.

[@SSid-or8rv]

I recently bought this and overall it's a nice upgrade over my Autel DiagLink. However, the one thing I didn't know prior to purchasing and it's quite important is that you can't monitor data pids and perform a bi-directional test both at the same time. So for example, if you want to see how the O2 sensors react while you turn on the evap purge valve...you can't do that. You can go into actuations and turn on the evap purge valve but you can't see the real-time o2 data stream.

[@educationaltvshows9950]

Any info What tool does that?

[@Mr2004MCSS]

I love tool reviews so keep them coming. I'm a DIY'er and have bought various scan tools over the years. A couple of years ago I bought a Thinktool Pros which uses Launch software which looks very similar to the tool you are reviewing and it has been a good scanner so far.

[@petergrunvald9200]

Hi, Does it have a subscription locked features, or not? Thanks in advance.

[@Mr2004MCSS]

@@petergrunvald9200 I also have a Thinktool Pros which I bought almost two years ago. My subscription expires in early October so no more updates if I don't renew. I'm not sure if I lose any features or not once the subscription expires. I may find out soon because I don't know if I will renew it or not.

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

LAUNCH X431 CRP919E Bi-Directional Scan Tool Discount code NAEBUNNF $395.1 after coupon code amzn.to/3t9RMt8

[@educationaltvshows9950]

250.- at ali atm. With sale+discount codes

[@ecotec4]

I can say from experience why I don't like graphing more than 4 pids at a time and it's mainly because it lowers the refresh rate having too many pids at once. Example I do is I always try to graph 2 o2 sensors at a time to catch any glitches with the fastest refresh rate possible.

[@84DavidM777]

There are some guys out there that have a tool adiction. Is not me, but a friend of a friend has that issue that's why I am saying tool reviews might be a good idea.

[@johnmitchell8925]

ive got a friend that is a tool and parts hoarder

[@mcplutt]

@@johnmitchell8925 I could be that friend 😆

[@dannyd.8753]

This was a very good review. Much information and well described. Was able to learn from you. Thanks for that! Best regards from germany

[@AnthonyJ350]

Great video! I'm going to research this one more and might be my next purchase.

[@Jacqueline-z8v]

Thank you for your patience

[@paulgilliland2992]

We’d like to see you guys do a real diag with a budget scan tool. Not an commercial for Launch even though they do make a good tool costing $1299.00.

[@verohandymike]

It also charges while it is plugged in to the car. Not the way you want to charge it, but this does mean that if the battery is just about dead it will still allow you to work and not have to wait while it charges.

[@harleyguy932]

There’s a recent review someone else did. On the screen where it has the “combine” button for a graph over lay, next to it there’s a button that says “graph” and it shows individual small graphs of what you have selected all at once. Maybe there’s an update to do what you want?

[@kevinmurphy3464]

Pretty good price point, but like my Autel bi-directional scanner, it’s a $150/ year subscription and I would be interested to know if theirs a subscription fee with this unit. I thought this was a very honest review and I really enjoy honest tool/equipment reviews. It’s very helpful for the DIY person.

[@bobtomes4977]

Launch has several models available Each does different scanning. 😮

[@alanjackson4397]

I would love to see more tool reviews

[@fubartotale3389]

"Mr. Subaru1387" does a ton of them, including which name brand tools are made by other manufacturers and can be bought much cheaper without having "Matco" or "Snap On" stamped on them.

[@mthedude4395]

More tool reviews and capabilities of those tools. I hear Top Don is blowing Autel out of the water now. Im in the market for a good scan tool and doing research.

[@robertkosovich1232]

nice information! thanks for the knowledge!

[@isalmankhan1]

Thanks for sharing Professor👍

[@pebjr6621]

I enjoy tool reviews....

[@sanjivpatel4016]

I would like to see more tool reviews like this one.

[@billseay6399]

Hey thanks Another great video. And great scanning tool review

[@johnnigro4536]

Love tool reviews! Would also like to see any shop tips you guys may have as well. For shop efficiency or neat equipment. I saw in one of your videos a funnel attached to the hoist and thought 🤔 saves a few minutes of hunting

[@honestnewsnet]

The subscription makes all these scanners a dealbreaker. That’s the new business model though. They get you on the subscription.

[@daviddepace3746]

Appreciate ur automotive skills & jump starting brain.👍

[@MrEdtheraiderfan]

I love that Z Fold

[@limeallens6160]

Maybe wise to contact the manufacturer and let them know what kind of vehicle you have and have them tell you if you are able to access full functionality.

[@ronwilson6186]

Yes I like scanner reviews, great videos.

[@awdvkd9292]

The model number would be very helpful when you do reviews, thanks. If i missed it sorry.

[@TheWillingCoyote]

listed in the description as the Launch CRP919E scanner

[@ronschwab216]

Would be nice to see a second review after you read all the comments. Also for tecs. interested should always read all the comments. Good review.

[@jontnoneya3404]

Have you checked out the TopDon TopScan tool? It's a bidirectional, wireless scanner with blue tooth and the "lite" version is only $80 with 1 year sub free. After that it's $50/yr or so. Pretty awesome price and has a lot of features that this one has. Would be great to hear your comparison.

[@johnmakbuilds]

You be gained a new Dan and subscriber! Hopefully something will come up soon on misfire. My 2015 Silverado 1500 5.3 has been misfiring cylinder 5 for a year. I swapped coil pack . Changed all plugs and cylinder 5 is still the issue. Only 25,000 miles. I owned since new.

[@johnmakbuilds]

I meant FAN not Dan.

[@stevemarquart13]

Have you checked the injector for that cylinder? Easy quick check is with mechanics stethoscope to place on number 5 and listen for the injector “click”. This scan tool reviewed probably can show the pulse of the injector.

[@DependableAutoTruck]

great video thanks for sharing like tool reviews sometimes i find tools i didn't know were out there thanks

[@timothythompson4036]

Great honest video. I have two cheap scan tools but neither can read ABS codes.

[@jimseviltwin1]

14:45 is where you wanted to see; you’re welcome.

[@MrRightNow]

I have a Launch scanner. My biggest issue with it is not having a Search function when browsing through many many live data points, which, like in this video, can often be more than 300 data points. It can take too much of my time to scroll through all of them trying to find what I need

[@GabrielZota]

it has after last update,just check it..

[@MrRightNow]

@@GabrielZota unfortunately my scanner is past the update period, which was only 1 year after purchase and they want too much money to extend the update period. I'd rather use that money towards a different, newer scanner. Other scanners come with 3 years of updates, which is much more reasonable

[@GabrielZota]

just sell it with a good price,and you might get a new one with 2 years free update,and it cheaper then to buy a new subscription..@@MrRightNow

[@educationaltvshows9950]

Now launch 919 has 2 years free

[@G3516dude]

Very good review, thanks, I think I’ll be picking one of these up soon.

[@JoshuaTrenge]

This was super helpful… Thanks !

[@jeffmiller6100]

Thanks.. I am looking for a replacement for my out dated solus... So many different scanners to choose from .

[@johnmitchell8925]

Thats for sure very mind-boggling trying to sift through all the junk

[@cecilveley5722]

That was great really really great

[@rickmaberry8761]

Great owner. God bless.

[@dredman1628]

Pretty comprehensive review. Thanks for this!

[@Huffy_Turns_a_Wrench]

Thanks for showing this video. Im looking to buy a scan tool so any and all info i can get helps me in my decision!

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Helpful presentation ! Thanks !!

[@alfredocuomo1546]

Just bought it but for almost $100 less then the price you quoted, you didn't mention the automatic update feature which mine did 84 right out of the box. Great tool I bought it for my wife's Mitsubishi Outlander GT which had an issue with the EPB which the tool took care of and I have a report for my records. Also the tool comes with two years of free updates and it will auto update whenever you turn it on & are within WiFi reception. I do agree the cord is a little short but that might be for it to meet the DoIP support for this unit.

[@DuaneDonaldson]

While waiting for the health repair to finish, you could have mentioned some info starring us in the face, it seems as though the onboard battery will charge while plugged into the car, I also see a wifi symbol. I do not see a TOPOLOGY map. It did not count the modules for us on the tool but it did when shared, and we may not know if a module is dead or not reporting for some reason right on the tool quickly, and the report did not give any direct engine info, size or engine model specifically. When manually scrolling down the Scan Data, I did not see a scroll bar on the right side of the screen. I don't expect TOPOLOGY on a cheap tool, I have heard that these Chinese tools are all LAUNCH Software and they list capabilities that they do not actually do, but Snap-On does what is listed?? I must have a scroll bar and I must have an on-screen module count and missing/dead module reported. I am ok with your channel doing tool reviews but please come back with an update after using it for a few months to let us know more PROS and CONS based on our feedback and your personal usage, cheers I only found your channel a few months ago, now you are on my list of about 200 non-DIY technician channels and I will be watching 100% of your videos, the first one I saw was interesting enough to include on my list which must include at least 2 of my 4 S's, scope, scanner, service info, schematics. Most comments are positive but I like to keep it real and give my honest opinion so pls don't take my constructive criticism too harshly, that is not my intent. I have 35 years of experience and I am semi-retired now looking to get back into the Mobile business again in 2024 as a diagnostician only.

[@bradhall5035]

Honest review. Thank you.

[@robertfrancisco1193]

good review! i would like to see TPMS SERVICE TOOL are there any that give a level of battery strength other than just good or bad. maybe in % of battery level per sensor. thanks

[@donaldross1077]

As a retired mechanic I pay close attention to reviews. I checked my records and found that I had purchased Launch CRP129 Code Reader OBDII Scanner Scan Diagnostic Tool with Eng/Transmission/ABS/Airbag System Test and EPB/SAS/Oil Reset Functions. When I got this scanner the first thing I attempted to do was update software. After several attempts I called Launch and they explained they would not allow software updates because I had a Chinese knock off. Because I was a mechanic and needed updates I quickly sent it back for a full refund. In many situations this scanner might be good enough, but as a standalone tool it may let you down. The Launch CRP129 Code Reader is no longer sold!

[@fab-factor.space.]

Seen it for sale on Amazon still.

[@lindatamplin1245]

Still for sale @ $189 on eBay.

[@miapapa1955]

Great review, Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnPooley-te9ei]

Nice1..Royal & thank u

[@Hope4NewDay1]

This was very informative. This is definitely on the top of my list now.

[@ghettohey2388]

The issue with this unit and the units from launch that are not sold thru LaunchTech USA is that they dont offer any support on this product or any product not sold thru Launch Tech USA. These products are basically overseas products so good luck with the product if something goes wrong with them. This is why they are so cheap

[@markloney427]

Yes more tool reviews would be good as well

[@dirtyfingersgarage]

I looked up the Launch CRP919E and there was an option for a pro 5 and a Launch CRP919EBT that was wireless other then the wireless option is there any differences with each, the price was about the same... BTW good write up and I do agree with a prevous comment about the subscription price info... R...

[@reggaeriderr]

Luv tool reviews

[@lawrencejneuser8801]

goodSummary I enjoyed it

[@djosbun]

This would be a good tool for the serious DIYer.

[@BoomBoom2Seven7]

Is this a subscription based tool? Lifetime updates or limited? Just curious. Good video btw

[@Nelsonperez-bn4zm]

You should start by saying is got a nice size screen😊

[@vboccanf]

Great review, thanks!

[@driverslqqk7940]

That's pretty expensive for your average Joe but here's another idea make every car manufacturer put an OBD scanner in their car so that we can look immediately what's wrong with their junk when it quits working that would be something that will never see because auto manufacturers don't want you to know what's wrong with their junk because they want you to take it to the dealer and have enormous price that's to fix this crap let's build like a space shuttle on wheels so complicated it doesn't have to be that way consumers you're getting ripped off big time by The Cars you're buying and I looked at a scanner guy that showed me about 20 scanners didn't tell me what one and they were all made in China wow made in China in the American economy that is so freaked up well let's hope something changes come election day in terms of that because America's economy is the most expensive it's killing the middle class I priced thermostat from Auto dealer parts I won't say hello but $32 you can buy it on RockAuto for 12 why would you pay $32 when you can wait 3 days and get it online and I bought lots of their parts and they're good parts probably better than the manufacturer anyway good luck on getting an OBD scanner put in your car when you buy it that would just be great shade tree mechanics would love it😊

[@ericrobinson9340]

I’ll have whatever this guy had dang

[@additudeobx]

According to the LAUNCH website, for the CR919E, it's a $165 a year update.... Apparently, the tool will still function if not updated after initial 2 years free updates. It comes with 2 free years updates. Question is, say you skip year 3 and elect to update for year 4, do you have to pay for year 3 and year 4? $165 + $165 ... What happens if you skip 3 years and update the 6th year? Required to pay for all previous years? That's way over the price of the original tool.... It would be cheaper to buy a new tool with 2 years updates.

[@Puddle352]

Good video!

[@MinionAtTheGate]

Hi, I like your videos and thanks for this review. I am a home mechanic and have only used low end scan tools around $30. Can you recommend any tools priced similar to this LAUNCH tool that do show individual graphs? I have a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 that I would like to get the best tool I can afford for it ($500 to $1k) because its proven it will be much needed for the rest of this vehicle's life. Maybe you are familiar with some of its more noted issues. So if you could make a good recommendation for best diagnostic tools in the $500 to $750 range for 2014 and newer GMC vehicles, would be appreciated by many I'm sure. Also wondering what exactly the annual subscriptions for these tools provide and if they are required to keep using the tool.

[@wentzelnel7723]

Thank you

[@rickmaberry8761]

You're a good owner. Would love to work for you. Keep it up

[@josephkellam6710]

just bought it now it does multi graphs

[@briankleinschmidt3664]

I wonder if you could program an SBC and plug it into the cars computer port. It would be a project, but those little computers have powerful processors. You could watch a how-to video with your scanner.

[@andrewthecoolerguy9052]

I am a subscriber and appreciate your reviews and your professional data driven diagnostics. I also appreciate your general shop advice. Great channel with awesome content. Would it be possible for you to review the newer version of this scan tool. It has better graphing capabilities and is wireless Launch 431 CPR 919 Elite Bluetooth under $550. I ordered mine with the BTS360 battery tester. Thank you in advance. You and your team are the best.

[@thomastammaro693]

Great video and explanation. Will it help me with re calibrating my rear blind spot sensors on Mazda CX-5 ?

[@wild8757]

Will it open and close EVAP purge and vent solenoids?

[@williammitchell3271]

Interesting and I learned a few things, but can someone tell me where to find more info on the model specific DTCs that are identified? They are short and cryptic and I don't know how to interpret them. I assumed I could look them up online like P codes from an ODB II scanner, but that is not the case. Thoughts??

[@RonMurakami]

Very well done video, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@2eagle86]

Does this reset throttle bodies like for GM vehicles especially when you install new TB?

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

I don't know. Would have to get one in a try.

[@bradleykennell9949]

I just noticed that this scanner is on sale Dec 19. 20% off when I saw it. No idea how long it will last.

[@educationaltvshows9950]

BT version 300.- at ali atm.

[@drew0991utube]

Does this scanner record screen or take screenshots?

[@amtpdb1]

will this scanner tell you what is wrong that the air bag light is on? Will it tell you which door is an issue when it says a door is ajar when the doors are closed? Thanks . Will it let you see what is wrong with your transmission or solenoids? Does it allow you to activate car items?

[@pasdaymon680]

I loved the video yes id love to see more review on tools and diagnosis

[@correylane6038]

Does this launch require a subscription? How much does it cost? How often is it required?

[@jamesmichael8549]

Do you have to pay every year in order for this OBD reader to work ? If you dont pay does that still work ? Do you need to have internet to used it ? If you don't updates does that still work without updates ? Out from the box can you used it without wifi or internet ? Can this scan for Fuel Pressure ? And can this do compression test ?

[@razvanturcu9871]

The downsize of this tool is that you loose all bidirectional control and the special functions, when the subscribtion expires. Don't get fooled, otherwise you will end up with a 450$ scantool that can do as much as a 350$ scantool will do.

[@mcplutt]

How do you know that?

[@darknature79]

Ive not heard anyone say that and everything still works fine,you just don't get updates and what's on it is what you got till you update again.

[@educationaltvshows9950]

False info

[@somaday2595]

30-Sep-23 -- Launch CRP919E current retail price approx $375 + tax

[@plasboot9636]

hi can you do a vidio of bleeding the brakes with the scan tool , does it tell you to do each wheel at a time , and to open the bleeder valve at each wheel

[@metalbill]

How come car mechanics use these instead of laptops like we do with trucks. We just install software, Detroit, Wabco abs, Eaton transmission, Cat, Cummins, etc. And the laptop can be used for many other purposes. Would these connect to J-1939 or J-1587 datalinks with the 9 pin plug?

[@mcplutt]

They are quick, easy and reliable.

[@hectorcardenas6616]

Please provide info in regard of the update. Do you have to pay for every update

[@educationaltvshows9950]

2 years free. After you choose if you pay or not update

[@raymundomiranda7853]

Tools review 👍

[@dannyd.8753]

Bought the unit...what is sad is that you can't send PDF reports with it directly. You have to "print" the report from the browser into a PDF file manually. It is the same with the Launch X431 Creader Elite. How do you add it to your reports? Also manually copy and paste from the browser?

[@georgenation7665]

I’m looking into a MaxiCOM MK900-BT/MK900BT to use on a E90. Around same price range. What would be a better option. Main reason for use to do valvetronic eccentric shaft

[@Z7691-g1c]

How long has the company been in business? Tech support US based?

[@krmaauto3442]

I would like to know the differences between the 919E BT and the 919X BT

[@moneymakingboyz9461]

can you relearn Throttle Body with this tool?

[@josephrichards3667]

I am looking to update my older Innova (OBD1 & OBD2) scan tool. I like the Launch but have a question. My 2020 Silverado 3.0 diesel has an issue with the integrated trailer brake control system. My trailer/camper brake wiring chafed and shorted to the trailer frame which caused my trucks trailer brake system to malfunction (30amp fuse good). I think either the dash mounted switch or the trailer brake power control module are bad. Will this Launch allow my to diagnose this issue "modules)? Thank you.