Launch HDCR review

Hey everyone, I posted earlier about buying the Launch code reader. I paid 130.00 for it off New Egg. You can buy this code reader through NAPA or off the tool trucks MAC or Matco branded, but will run you about 400.00 . Without further ado, here is what this little tool will do.

First the test vehicle, I used our 2003 Volvo with a 10 speed Eaton autoshift. This truck has an active airbag warning that needs to be reset. Volvo's are always a big headache when trying to pull codes, so figured it would be a good guinea pig.

I hooked the unit up and pulled engine codes. There were no codes, nor were there any stored codes. I next went into the data stream, and used the graphing feature on the TPS. Pictures below.



As you can see you can get a lot of engine information from this little unit. It did every sensor except for the cam and crank sensors on the data stream side. I wish they had a data stream for those, and will email them to see if they can add that option.

Next We will go to the transmission. I had to switch protocols, which was easy, and pulled the transmission codes. I had stored codes, and no active codes from an XY replacement. These codes cannot be cleared from disconnecting the power. The unit cleared the stored codes as requested.

For those that remember when we replaced the XY, one of my mechanics reversed the input and output speed sensor wires, and the transmission would not throw a code as the sensors were working, just not connected properly. We found it and fixed the problem within 5 minutes with another scanner. Can this unit do the same as the expensive unit ?

As you can see yes, it also has a full data stream available for the Transmission.
Next I did the same for the anti-lock brake system. Again these stored codes cannot be removed by disconnecting the power. The unit read that there were no codes, cleared the stored codes, and allowed you to view the data stream, such as wheel speed sensors etc.

It had an option for the dash cluster, body etc. and the DPF system. The truck does not have any emissions, as the motor was built the end of 02 and installed on an 03. Being the code reader does Cummins I think it would work fine. It did not like the Volvo codes at all, and would not read data streams for chassis, climate control etc. I did not really expect it to do to well with the Volvo codes, but It did say I had no active codes for any of the modules, and I tried the clear code option, and said it was successful. So not sure if it works on reading codes or not. I did not expect it to do as well on the Volvo as it did. I tried it on our 1999 Peterbilt with a C12 Cat and it did everything just fine. Same with an 1998 International with a 525 hp N14 Cummins.

My opinion would be if I was on the road, for 130.00, I would store one of these on the truck. Cost that much to pull into a dealership and have them pull codes for you. For a small fleet, this little tool is great, and all that most small shops need. I do wish It had a couple more data streams, but I guess we can't have it all for the price. It will not do any injector cut out test, so those have to be done the old fashioned way, unplug one at a time, but overall the tool performed way better than I thought. I will warn those who use the big touch screen scanners, this unit is a little slower. Takes about 30 to 45 seconds for it to get all of the data for codes and streams. This is the first portable unit I have found at an affordable price. I will give give it a strong 8 out of 10. If it did more data streams I would of gave it a 9, and a 10 if it would of read the Volvo chassis codes.

The unit comes with the reader, a 6 and 9 pin connector, and a usb cable for updating on line.