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

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 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:

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:

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

  1. Plug one end of the included power adapter into the charging port of the handset, and the other end into the AC outlet.
  2. Once the battery is fully charged, disconnect the power adapter from the AC outlet.
  3. 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:

  1. On the home screen, tap on Settings -> Language & Input -> Languages.
  2. Tap on "Add a language", and then choose the desired language from the list.
  3. 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.

  1. On the home screen, select Settings -> Network & Internet -> Wi-Fi.
  2. Select the desired wireless network from the list (Password may be required for secured networks).
  3. When "Connected" appears, it indicates that it is properly connected to the network.

4. Register & Update

  1. 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".

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

PDF preview unavailable. Download the PDF instead.

X-431 Throttle III Quick Start Guide, RoHS 0311 Corel PDF Engine Version 14.0.0.701

Related Documents

Preview LAUNCH X-431 Turbo III Quick Start Guide
A comprehensive quick start guide for the LAUNCH X-431 Turbo III automotive diagnostic tool, detailing safety precautions, device setup, Wi-Fi configuration, registration, connection procedures, and diagnostic initiation.
Preview LAUNCH X-431 Turbo III User Manual: Comprehensive Vehicle Diagnostic Guide
This document provides a comprehensive guide to the LAUNCH X-431 Turbo III, an advanced Android-based diagnostic tool designed for automotive professionals. It enables efficient and accurate vehicle diagnostics across a wide range of models, covering setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
Preview LAUNCH X-431 PRO3 LINK User Manual
Comprehensive user manual for the LAUNCH X-431 PRO3 LINK diagnostic tool, covering setup, operation, features, and safety precautions for vehicle diagnostics.
Preview LAUNCH X-431 PRO MINI User Manual: Comprehensive Automotive Diagnostic Guide
This user manual provides detailed information on the LAUNCH X-431 PRO MINI, an advanced Android-based vehicle diagnostic tool. Learn about its features, setup, safety precautions, diagnostic functions, special resets, and software updates for efficient automotive troubleshooting.
Preview LAUNCH X-431 PRO (DBSCar V) User Manual
Comprehensive user manual for the LAUNCH X-431 PRO (DBSCar V) vehicle diagnostic tool, detailing its features, operations, and safety guidelines for automotive diagnostics.
Preview LAUNCH X-431 PRO3 V4.0 User Manual: Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics Guide
Explore the capabilities of the LAUNCH X-431 PRO3 V4.0 with this user manual. Learn about its advanced diagnostic features, special functions, software updates, and professional automotive repair applications. Visit www.cnlaunch.com for more.
Preview LAUNCH X431 Quick Start Guide
This Quick Start Guide provides essential instructions for setting up and using the LAUNCH X431 vehicle diagnostic tool, covering initial charging, language settings, WLAN setup, registration, vehicle connection, and basic diagnostics.
Preview LAUNCH X-431 V+ User's Manual: Vehicle Diagnostic Tool Guide
Comprehensive user manual for the LAUNCH X-431 V+ vehicle diagnostic tool. Covers features, operations, safety precautions, and troubleshooting for professional and consumer use. Visit www.x431.com for more.