Launch Heavy Duty Truck Scanner

Hey Everyone,

Was wasting time on the internet today, wondering why there are a ton of reasonably priced OBD2 scanners on the market, and nothing for big trucks. Low and behold I found something new manufactured by Launch (Autel),
Here is a link to it, http://www.launchtechusa.com/assets/products/CR-HD_Sellsht.pdf .

I ordered one today from Newegg. I think the cost was 139.00, I should have it in a couple of weeks. It will read and clear codes. Not a big deal for reading codes, as many trucks have displays for the codes, but nice to be able to clear. It also reads data streams, and can even graph data streams, which is very useful. It will read Engine, Brake and Transmission codes, and graph those streams also. It comes with a bag, 6 and 9 pin connectors. The unit has a color screen. It can be updated online through launch.

I posted recently about a truck that sat for a week due to the fact the mechanic had reversed two sensor plugs on a autoshift transmission. The input and output speed sensors were reversed after an X-Y replacement. Truck would show neutral, no codes, but would flash the D led on the pad, and not go into gear. Waited a week to have someone show up with a scanner. Soon as we looked at the data, we both knew what was wrong. 0 RPM at input with clutch out, and 1300 rpm at output.

For an Owner Operator or small fleet like us, I am hoping this thing does what it says. Enough people interested, I may post a review on this little item. If I was an O/O and it works as stated, I would carry one on the truck in my tool box. Costs 120.00 just to go anywhere and have someone hook up.

 

I don't have anything newer than '07. I do heavy haul, and we avoid California. Most of our trucks are 97 to 03, so no EGR or DPF issues. If you mean CAN protocol as in it will Tell you what the code is, it says it will. If I get a chance, I will try on a 07 or newer for you. I do know that you can go to their website for upgrades.

 

Heavy, no, I have the KR scan gauge in one of my trucks. The KR will read and clear codes for you. This tool does that, but also does ABS, and Transmission codes. Depending on your make and year, the computer of the truck may send the code to the KR or not. This also will read data streams, and graph them for you. Very handy if you pop a code, or have an intermittent problem. Will know more once I get it, will most likely post to let everyone know if it is a plus or a bust. Also the KR only reads the code in SID format, this will give you a description, such as coolant sensor low etc.

 

Pablo,
Over here in the states everything Myself or my friends have owned is either 6 or 9 pin connectors.This pulls codes for Engines, Brakes, Transmission and Body. You can also read the data streams, and graph them.
I hate electrical, but unfortunately seems to be one of my strong points when others are stumped.

This unit will put out plenty of data for me, and anyone else to find the problem and that is what I am looking for.
The cheap china units just hit the market over here, where we can actually buy one.A lot of times when we go to buy, when we go to check out, we get a message saying can not complete transaction due to legal reasons.

I posted not to long ago about where a tech switched the input and out speed sensor wires when we replaced a harness and a bad X-Y.Was not triggering any codes because the sensors were working. Soon as we plugged and looked at the data stream, was a 5 minute fix. Point being for 90% of the fixes this thing will work perfect. The only solutions we had until then were units that cost upwards of 1300.00 usd. Why I posted this for others. I was about ready to dump a bunch of cash, but if this does what it says, really handy. I really have no use for a scanner without data stream, and graphing for finding intermittent bad sensors. Enjoy your posts by the way.

A little off subject, Been following the Paccar MX 13 as they are close to the DAF engines, and you know your European engines. Here is what I am reading and hearing from friends using them. They are not a bad engine mechanically, few problems here and there but maybe a little better than the Cummins ISX's they have.

The mechanics HATE to work on them. They are so stacked with emission garbage, that to do anything, you end up tearing half the engine apart ( exaggeration I am sure), but was told they would stick with Cummins just for that reason. So think I covered the good and bad, now for the UGLY. The computer systems on them and related components are junk. Wiring harness issues, wiring harnesses of poor quality materials and best of all, computer codes that even the factory doesn't know. I also read this on the forum. They still using SID/PID,FM and CNT for codes without descriptions. Techs have to call the factory to figure out what the fault codes are.
Many times they are told the area it is in from the code numbers, so they guess and throw a part at it. Many techs are also taking notes when they get a good code, and making their own cheat sheets for diagnosis.

The take away for me was good engine as a base engine, poor engineering for future maintenance.decent MPG, but not stellar, and a computer system no one including the people who made it can figure out. No MX for me !