Reviewing a Budget Friendly Scanner Made For DIY or Pro

[@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?

[@akaredcrossbow]

How much are the updates after the two years free updates are over?

[@bretlagasse3560]

@ I haven’t updated it, so I’m not 100% sure

[@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.

[@meganw6007]

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

[@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?

[@marks2254]

To answer your question,I like the scanner review videos. One thing I’d like to have addressed is whether the unit you’re reviewing will program a key. The graphing weakness you pointed out was especially good to know about.

[@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!

[@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 ❤

[@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

[@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

[@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.🙃

[@DownloaderVideo]

@@stever1053Well man, cars nowadays are full of technology and computers, it is almost impossible to do a lot of repairs without at least basic access to understand and diagnose the different systems and computers in the car. Better get familiar with the scan tools or you will be seriously limited and will be doing more damage than repairs on most modern stuff.

[@ace1usmc]

I really appreciated this video! It helped me pull the trigger on the updated version of this same scanner - Launch X431 CRP919XBT. It's basically the same thing, but with a wireless Bluetooth OBD II dongle. Thank you!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@DaveHylton-r9n]

I enjoy the scanner reviews! Please do more of them! Let's face reality you can't fix em if you don't have data!

[@briancarlisi2224]

I enjoy your honest tool reviews, from scanners to screwdrivers! Thanks from N. Ga.

[@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.

[@isalmankhan1]

Thanks for sharing Professor👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@daviddepace3746]

Appreciate ur automotive skills & jump starting brain.👍

[@Jacqueline-z8v]

Thank you for your patience

[@sanjivpatel4016]

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

[@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 😆

[@robertkosovich1232]

nice information! thanks for the knowledge!

[@rainerrieck6596]

thanks was looking at buying this but could not find any info on the PIDS GRAPHING on the web, was looking for individual graphs like you had on yours, this answered my questions after many fruitless results. very clear on concise.

[@JohnPooley-te9ei]

Nice1..Royal & thank u

[@bobtomes4977]

Launch has several models available Each does different scanning. 😮

[@billseay6399]

Hey thanks Another great video. And great scanning tool review

[@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

[@AnthonyJ350]

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

[@MrEdtheraiderfan]

I love that Z Fold

[@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?

[@ronwilson6186]

Yes I like scanner reviews, great videos.

[@pebjr6621]

I enjoy tool reviews....

[@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

[@bradhall5035]

Honest review. Thank you.

[@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.

[@timothythompson4036]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@cecilveley5722]

That was great really really great

[@honestnewsnet]

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

[@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

[@JoshuaTrenge]

This was super helpful… Thanks !

[@G3516dude]

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

[@DependableAutoTruck]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@rickmaberry8761]

Great owner. God bless.

[@thomastammaro693]

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

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Helpful presentation ! Thanks !!

[@Puddle352]

Good video!

[@Hope4NewDay1]

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

[@dredman1628]

Pretty comprehensive review. Thanks for this!

[@miapapa1955]

Great review, Thanks for sharing.

[@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...

[@DownloaderVideo]

To a lot viewers asking about Subscriptions on Scan Tools….all and I mean ALL of them need some type of subscription, you buy your scan tool today but in 1-2 years there will be a bunch of new cars with new modules and parameters that need to be understood by your scan tool…..the way you accomplish this is by software updates which need development and people that do not work for free so hence the cost in the majority of them. If you don’t want to renew your subscription most of them will stay working but will have issues with models produced after your last update or no compatibility at all.

[@rickmaberry8761]

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

[@markloney427]

Yes more tool reviews would be good as well

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@lawrencejneuser8801]

goodSummary I enjoyed it

[@vboccanf]

Great review, thanks!

[@reggaeriderr]

Luv tool reviews

[@josephkellam6710]

just bought it now it does multi graphs

[@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

[@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.

[@harveypaxton1232]

Thanks for another great video! Is there an annual update charge?

[@djosbun]

This would be a good tool for the serious DIYer.

[@pasdaymon680]

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

[@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??

[@bradfordgrant6614]

Love the video keep tool review

[@mjk9674]

Excellent review. Love the channel. I was looking at getting a Launch X431 PRO Elite. would you say it is a much better scanner than the 919E? I need to swap out a 2007 mazda 6 BCM and may have to program, will this work?

[@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.

[@RonMurakami]

Very well done video, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@Nelsonperez-bn4zm]

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

[@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.

[@kevinm6250]

Great review, thanks. If I want to record more than 4 pids, can it export the data so I can graph it on a computer?

[@jimseviltwin1]

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

[@lagunillense76]

Great video man, thank you !!! question. Can this scanner, read air suspension and or a /c problems ? Can you tell me, please?

[@BoomBoom2Seven7]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@mikec8123]

The price doesn't seem budget friendly to me. Your budget is a lot higher than mine.

[@NunYa953]

Stop being poor.

[@impulse3150]

I mean you can go buy a scanner for 15 bucks but what good is that if you're doing some serious DIY work? Think about it this way......something like this is the price of 1 decent mod. Pretty worth it if you ask me.

[@DiecastShowCustoms]

Can it do zero point calibration on Toyotas?

[@wild8757]

Will it open and close EVAP purge and vent solenoids?

[@billboomhower9242]

nice...hpw about a review on the XTOOL D7

[@wentzelnel7723]

Thank you

[@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 ?

[@raymundomiranda7853]

Tools review 👍

[@correylane6038]

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

[@FintaruS]

But can it do a forced particle filter regeneration on a diesel car?

[@kingbolen_official]

Yes, For 12V pick up trucks

[@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

[@moneymakingboyz9461]

can you relearn Throttle Body with this tool?

[@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