LAUNCH X-431 Throttle III Quick Start Guide
Important Safety Instructions
Copyright Information
Copyright © 2021 by LAUNCH TECH CO., LTD. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of LAUNCH.
Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liabilities
All information, specifications and illustrations in this publication are based on the latest information available at the time of printing. Launch reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice.
Safety Instructions
- Always perform automotive testing in a safe environment.
- Wear an ANSI-approved eye shield when testing or repairing vehicles.
- The vehicle shall be tested in a well-ventilated work area, as engines produce various poisonous compounds (hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, etc.).
- Do not connect or disconnect any test equipment while the ignition is on or the engine is running.
- Put blocks in front of the drive wheels and never leave the vehicle unattended while testing.
- Do not drive the vehicle and operate the test equipment at the same time. Any distraction may cause an accident.
- Keep clothing, hair, hands, tools, test equipment, etc. away from all moving or hot engine parts.
- Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for chemical, gasoline and electrical fires nearby.
- Before starting the engine, put the gear lever in NEUTRAL (for manual transmission) or PARK (for automatic transmission) to avoid injury.
- To avoid damaging the test equipment or generating false data, please make sure the vehicle battery is fully charged and the connection to the vehicle DLC (Data Link Connector) is clear and secure.
- Automotive batteries contain sulfuric acid that is harmful to skin. In operation, direct contact with the automotive batteries should be avoided. Keep the ignition sources away from the battery at all times.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LAUNCH!
If you have any questions or comments please forward them to:
LAUNCH Tech USA Product Support
Phone: 877-528-6249 xt: 4
Fax: 562-463-1590
1820 S. Milliken Ave. Ontario, CA 91761
Monday - Friday 5 am - 5 pm PST
Service & Repair
Phone: 877-528-6249 xt: 5
Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm PST
Please visit our public form @ http://launch.activeboard.com
Accessory Checklist
For different product configurations, the accessories may vary. For detailed accessory items, please consult from the local agency or check the packing list supplied with this tool together.
- X-431 Throttle III Tablet: A tablet for showing test results.
- SmartLink C Device: A VCI device for accessing vehicle data.
- Power Adapter: To supply power to the tablet through connection to AC outlet.
- Type A to Type B Data Cable: Connects the tablet to the VCI device or add-on module (such as Scope Box).
- Type A to Type C USB Cable: Connects the tablet to the PC for data exchange.
- HDMI Cable: To mirror the tablet screen onto an external projector or monitor with HD interface.
- OBD I Adapter Cable: An adapter cable for connecting non-16 pin connector.
- Cigarette Lighter Cable: To supply power to the non-16 pin connector via vehicle's cigarette lighter receptacle.
- Battery Clamps Cable: To supply power to the non-16 pin connector via vehicle's battery.
- Private & Confidential Paper: A piece of paper bearing Product S/N and Verification Code, which is required for your VCI activation.
- O2-1 Scope Box Kit: (For detailed accessories, please check the package box)
- Non-16pin Connector Kit: (Optional, For detailed non-16pin connectors, please check the package box)
X-431 Throttle III Tablet Overview
The tablet acts as the central processing system, which is used to receive and analyze the live vehicle data from the SmartLink C device and then output the test result.
Tablet Components:
- Microphone
- Ambient Light Sensor
- Charging LED: (Red means Charging, and Green means Fully Charged.)
- HDMI-Out Port
- Memory Card Slot
- Type-A USB Port
- Type-C USB Port
- DC-IN Port
- Handgrip
- Front Camera
- Microphone
- POWER Button: The button to turn the device on/off.
- Volume Buttons
- Rear Camera
- Camera Flash
- Audio Speaker
- Foldable Stand: (Flip out to any angle for comfortable use at your desk, or hang it on a steering wheel.)
Diagram showing the LAUNCH X-431 Throttle III Tablet with its various ports, buttons, cameras, and sensors labeled.
VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface) Overview
The SmartLink C device works as a VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface) device, which is used to obtain vehicle data, and then send it to the tablet for analysis via WiFi / BT / USB communication.
VCI Components:
- OBD-16 Diagnostic Connector: Connects to the vehicle's DLC port.
- 3.97 Inch Touch Screen: For VCI interface interaction.
- LAN/WAN Port: (Currently disabled and for manufacturer use only.)
- DC-IN Port: (Currently disabled and for manufacturer use only.)
- Data I/O Port: (Connects the data cable.)
- Audio Speaker
Diagram showing the LAUNCH SmartLink C VCI device with its diagnostic connector, touch screen, and various ports labeled.
Warning: The SmartLink C device obtains power through the vehicle's DLC port, and it is prohibited to connect to an external DC power supply. No responsibility can be assumed for any damage or loss caused as a result of not strictly following the above method.
Quick Start Guide Steps
1. Charging & Turning On
- Plug one end of the included power adapter into the charging port of the handset, and the other end into the AC outlet.
- Once the battery is fully charged, disconnect the power adapter from the AC outlet.
- Press the [POWER] button on the handset; the system starts initializing and then enters the home screen.
Note: If the battery remains unused for a long period of time or is completely discharged, it is normal that the tool will not power on while being charged. Please charge it for a period of 5 minutes and then turn it on. Please use the included power adapter to charge your tool. No responsibility can be assumed for any damage or loss caused as a result of using power adapters other than the one supplied.
2. Changing Language
The tablet supports multiple languages. To change the language of the tool:
- On the home screen, tap on Settings -> Language & Input -> Languages.
- Tap on "Add a language", and then choose the desired language from the list.
- Tap and hold the desired language and drag it to the top of the screen and then release it; the system will change into the target language.
3. Network Setup
The tablet has dual built-in Wi-Fi communication modules. One is used to communicate with the tablet, and the other allows the tablet to get online. Once you're online, you can register your tool, update diagnostic software & APK, browse the Internet, and send email on your network.
If the SmartLink C device is successfully activated, it will be automatically bound to the tablet. In this case, it is not necessary for the user to manually configure it again.
- On the home screen, select Settings -> Network & Internet -> Wi-Fi.
- Select the desired wireless network from the list (Password may be required for secured networks).
- When "Connected" appears, it indicates that it is properly connected to the network.
4. Register & Update
- Launch App: On the home screen, tap the application icon to launch it. A dialog box similar to the following will pop up on the screen.
- A. If you are a new user, tap on "New Customer" in Figure A to start your sign-up. Refer to Steps 2-4.
- B. If you have registered to be a member, tap on "Existing Customer" to log in the system directly.
Diagram showing a login screen with options for "New Customer" and "Existing Customer".
- Create an App Account: Tap on "New Registration" in Figure A, input the required information (items with * must be filled), and then tap on "Register". Refer to Figure B.
Diagram showing the account creation form with fields for Username, Password, Confirm Password, Email, Select Country, and CAPTCHA.
- Activate VCI Connector: Input the Product S/N and Activation Code (can be obtained from the password envelope), and then tap on "Activate". Refer to Figure C.
Diagram showing the VCI activation screen with fields for Serial Number and Activation Code.
- Finish Registration: To download the diagnostic software, tap on "Yes" to navigate to the download page. Tap on "No" to download and install it later. On the download page, tap on "Update" to start downloading until it is complete.
Diagram showing a confirmation message asking if the user wants to download vehicle software now, with "Yes" and "No" options.
5. Vehicle Connection
The method used to connect the diagnostic connector to a vehicle's DLC (Data Link Connector) depends on the vehicle's configuration as follows:
- A vehicle equipped with an OBD II management system supplies both communication and 12V power through a standardized DLC.
- A vehicle not equipped with an OBD II management system supplies communication through a DLC connection, and in some cases supplies 12V power through the cigarette lighter receptacle or a connection to the vehicle battery.
For passenger vehicles, the DLC is usually located 12 inches from the center of the instrument panel (dash), under or around the driver's side for most vehicles. Below illustrates the possible DLC location. If the DLC cannot be found, refer to the vehicle's service manual for the location.
Diagram illustrating possible locations of the vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
For OBD II vehicles:
Connect the SmartLink C to the vehicle's DLC port directly via the OBD II extension cable.
Diagram showing the SmartLink C device connected to the vehicle's DLC port using an OBD II extension cable.
For non-OBD II vehicles:
Proceed as follows:
Diagram showing the SmartLink C device connected to the vehicle's DLC port via an OBD I Adapter Box and a Non-16pin Connector.
Note: If the power supply on the vehicle diagnostic socket is insufficient or the power pin is damaged, you can get power via either of the following ways:
- A. Via Battery clamps cable: Connect one end of the battery clamps cable to the power jack of the OBD I adapter box, and the other end to the vehicle's battery.
- B. Via Cigarette lighter cable: Connect one end of the cigarette lighter cable to the power jack of the OBD I adapter box, and the other end to the cigarette lighter receptacle.
6. Start Diagnostics
Preparation
Before diagnosing, please make sure the following conditions are met:
- Switch the ignition on.
- Vehicle battery voltage range should be 9-14 Volts.
- Throttle should be in a closed position.
Diagnosis Approaches
This tool supports three kinds of diagnosis approaches: Smart Diagnosis, Remote Diagnosis, and Manual Diagnosis.
- Smart Diagnosis (AutoDetect): Through simple wireless (BT) communication between the tablet and VCI device, you can easily get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) information of the currently identified vehicle. Once the VIN is successfully identified, the system will retrieve it from the remote server and then guide you to the vehicle information page without the necessity of step-by-step manual menu selection.
- Remote Diagnosis (Tech to Tech): This option aims to help repair shops or professional technicians launch instant messaging and remote diagnosis, making the repair job get fixed faster.
- Manual Diagnosis: In this mode, you have to diagnose a vehicle by performing the menu-driven command manually.
Diagnostic Flowchart (for new users, excluding AutoDetect)
For new users, please follow the operation chart shown below to get familiar with and start using this tool (*If you choose "AutoDetect" to diagnose a vehicle, this flowchart shall not apply).
Process: Launch App -> Tap on "Diagnose" -> Select vehicle -> Select test function -> Select test system -> Select software version.
Diagram illustrating the diagnostic process flowchart: Launch App, Diagnose, Select Vehicle, Select Test Function, Select Test System, Select Software Version.
Note: To enjoy more service and functions, you are suggested to check for updates on a frequent basis and keep synchronized with the latest available software.
Statement: LAUNCH owns the complete intellectual property rights for the software used by this product. For any reverse engineering or cracking actions against the software, LAUNCH will block the use of this product and reserve the right to pursue their legal liabilities.
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