Launch X431 Pros V Elite - Is Terrible In My Opinion

3rd and final video on the Launch X431 Pros V Elite. In this video I walk about the reasons I did not like the tool and ultimately ended up sending it back.

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[beepbeep]

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.

[leslieterrell]

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

[adriannyasia]

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.

[TheRealoldcar]

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.

[PatricksDIY]

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 :)

[j.maxwaddell]

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.

[JNaimoli]

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

[ANDY-wemr]

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

[bigblockcutlass]

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.

[gordonkelly]

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

[joeydelmarsjr.]

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

[chrisdonnelly]

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

[jaxnaturals]

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

[meblake]

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

[peterl]

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!

[darknature]

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.

[tptrsn]

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

[samlopez]

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

[captgraybush]

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.

[kruno]

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.