LAUNCH TECH X-431 GDS User Manual
V1.00.001
2011-12-07
LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
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 of electronic,
mechanical, photocopying and recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of LAUNCH.
This manual is designed only for the use of this unit. LAUNCH is not
respons
ible for any
use of this manual on the other units.
The manual and all the samples herein can be changed without prior notice.
Neither LAUNCH nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this unit or
third parties for damages, losses, costs or expenses incurred by purchaser or
third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this unit, or
unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this unit, or failure to
strictly comply with LAUNCH operating and maintenance instructions.
LAUNCH shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising from the use
of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as
Original LAUNCH Products or LAUNCH Approved Products by LAUNCH.
Notice: other product names used herein are for identification purposes only
and may be trademarks of th
eir respective owners. LAUNCH disclaims any
and all rights in those marks.
This device is only for professional technicians and maintenance personnel.
Registered Trademark
LAUNCH is a registered trademark of LAUNCH TECH. CO., LTD. (LAUNCH)
in China and o
ther countries.
In other countries where any of the LAUNCH
trademarks, service marks, domain names, logos and company names is not
registered, LAUNCH claims other rights associated with unregistered
trademarks, service marks, domain names, logos and company names. Other
products or company names referred to in this manual may be trademarks of
their respective owners. You may not use any trademarks, service marks,
domain names, logos or company name of LAUNCH or any third party without
permission from the owner of the applicable trademarks, service marks,
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
domain names, logos or company name. You may visit LAUNCH at
http://www.cnlaunch.com
for the information of Launch's NCP and the other
specialized diagnostic tools, or contact Launch by visiting
http://www.X431.com
or writing to Customer Center, LAUNCH TECH. CO.,
LTD., Launch Industrial Park, North of Wuhe Avenue, Banxuegang, Bantian,
Longgang, Shenzhen, Guangdong. P.R. China, to request written permission
to use materials on this manual for purposes or for all other questions relating
to this manual.
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
Precautions on Operating Vehicle’s ECU
z Do not disconnect the v
ehicle inner consumer when the ignition switch is
on. High voltage transients may encounter at the moment of
disconnecting, which may damage the sensors and the ECU.
z Protect the computer from magnetic object (such as wireless speaker).
z Do cut off the power supply of ECU system before welding on the
vehicle.
z Pay
more attention to the ECU and the sensors when the operation is
next to them.
z Ground yourse
sensors will be
lf when you disassemble PROM, otherwise ECU and
damaged by static electricity.
z Do not use the pointer ohmmeter instead of DMM to test the ECU and
the sensor without spec
z Do no
t test electric devices in relation with ECU with a test lamp unless
otherwi
se ex
pre
ssly provided.
z Do wear a metal ground strip that one end around your wri
ial requirement.
st and the
other to the vehicle body when you get in and out the vehicle.
z Do connect ECU harness connector fir
mly, otherwise electro elements,
such as IC inside ECU, will be damaged.
Precaution on Operation
z The appl
iance is a sophi
sticated electronic device, never have it clashed
when in use.
z Make sure the appliance is properl
y connected to the DLC to avoid
communication interruptions. During operation, keep the screen upward
and leveled.
z Don’t disconnect the wire ne
twork or Wi-Fi network while software
updating or sending E-mail, otherwise, it will be interrupted.
z After the operation, the stylus shall be inserted into the hole on the back
of the main unit,
and put away the cable and connector, etc accessories
to the box to avoid the lost.
z Handle with care. Avoid collision. Unplug the power after operation.
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
Safety Precautions
z Automotive batteries contain sulfuric acid
that is harmful to skin. In operation, direct
contact with the automotive batteries should
be avoided. Pay attention not to splash the
sulfuric acid into eyes. Keep the ignition
sources away from the battery at all times.
z Engines produce various poisonous
compounds (hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxides, etc,) which should be
avoided. The vehicles shall be tested in a
well-ventilated area.
z Avoid contacting high temperature assembly
such as water tank and vent-pipe as the
temperature of the running engine is very
high.
z Before starting engine, put the speed lever
in the neutral position or in the P position to
avoid injury.
z Wear an ANSI-approved eye shield when
testing or repairing vehicles.
z If you use the battery as a power source,
connect the RED (+) battery clip to the
positive of the vehicle battery and the
BLACK (-) battery clip to the negative.
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
Contents
1. FOREWORD............................................................................................. 1
1.1 PRODUCT SUMMARY...............................................................................1
1.2 PRODUCT FEATURES...............................................................................1
1.3 PRODUCT FUNCTIONS .............................................................................1
1.4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................2
2. ABOUT X-431GDS....................................................................................3
2.1 X-431 GDS MAIN SET ............................................................................ 3
2.1.1 Composition.................................................................................3
2.1.2 Structure......................................................................................4
2.2 X-431 GDS COMMON ACCESSORIES .........................................................8
2.3 First operation.................................................................................9
2.3.1 Turn on........................................................................................ 9
2.3.2 Icons and function items ................................................................ 9
2.3.3 System Settings.......................................................................... 10
3. HOW TO DIAGNOSE...............................................................................27
3.1 PREPARA TION AND CONNECTIONS...........................................................27
3.1.1 Preparation................................................................................. 27
3.1.2 X-431 GDS connections ..............................................................27
3.2 START DIAGNOSING .............................................................................. 27
3.2.1 How to start diagnostic program ................................................... 27
3.3 HOW TO DIAGNOSE............................................................................... 32
3.3.1 Read trouble code.......................................................................33
3.3.2 Clear trouble code.......................................................................34
3.3.3 Read data stream........................................................................35
3.3.4 Special Function ......................................................................... 38
3.3.5 Driving record management.........................................................40
3.4 FLOW CHART FOR ENTERING DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAM ................................... 43
4. HEAVY-DUTY DIAGNOSIS PLATFORM....................................................44
5. BROWSER.............................................................................................45
6. INFORMATION........................................................................................47
6.1 NEWS ................................................................................................47
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
6.2 SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD INFORMATION....................................................... 49
7. MAILBOX...............................................................................................51
7.1 READ MAIL.......................................................................................... 51
7.2 NEW MAIL...........................................................................................52
8. UPDATE.................................................................................................54
8.1 REGISTER........................................................................................... 54
8.2 UPDATE..............................................................................................56
9. OPTIONAL FUNCTIONS BRIEF FOR X-431 GDS......................................60
9.1 OSCILLOSCOPE....................................................................................60
9.2 IGNITION............................................................................................. 61
9.3 SENSOR............................................................................................. 61
9.4 MULTIMETER....................................................................................... 62
9.5 BATTERYTEST .....................................................................................62
10. FQA......................................................................................................63
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
1. Foreword
1.1 Product summary
X-431 GDS is a sophisticated and integrated diagnostic product with powerful
functions developed by LAUNCH. It features wired network, meanwhile it also
supports Wi-Fi communication, which enables you to access Internet, update
online, search information anytime and anywhere, and makes X-431 GDS
diagnose vehicle trouble more conveniently. It has functions of diagnose,
oscilloscope, ignition, sensor, Multimeter, browser and battery test and service
functions such as wireless LAN. VGA extending display function is available.
As a result, it has strong practicability and high performance-price ratio, which
is a helpful assistant for vehicle diagnosis and maintenance.
X-431 GDS is also applicable to HeavyDuty vehicles, depending on whether
HeavyDuty diagnosis software is supplied for your product or not.
1.2 Product features
z High performance industrial control computer runs rapidly and stably.
z Wi-Fi communication makes software upd
convenient.
z Inheriting advanced diagnostic functions from X-431 super scanner, it
almost can diagnose all
makes, and testing speed is greatly improved.
z Perfect service informa
etc.
vehicles from China, Asia, Europe and America
tion, including service documents, service cases
ate and compliant much
1.3 Product functions
Diagnosing: covers a wide range of electrical control systems for any
model from Asia, Europe and America makes; Diagnosing and software
upgrading keep pace with other products.
Wi-Fi connection: easy to
documents and cases online.
Browser: users can visit the service websites saved in Favorites.
(Inputting websi
VGA interface available for external display;
te address manually is disabled temporarily)
make online update, feedback, search service
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
Ethernet interface for connecting wired network;
Extending functions by connecting it to Scopebox, Sensorbox and
Batterybox.
1.4 Technical specifications
Operation system: Windows Embedded Standard
CPU: 32bits CPU
Display: 7" TFT Hi-brightness color touch screen
Main unit power supply: DC14V
Working temperature:
Vehicle Type: 12V/24V
Built-in hard disk: 8G
-10℃~55℃
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
2. About X-431GDS
2.1 X-431 GDS Main set
Figure 2-1 X-431 GDS Diagram
2.1.1 Composition
z Main Unit
Including display, diagnosing, printing and all standard functions of
handheld computer; ba
capacity hard disk to memorize data; supports Wi-Fi communication.
z Scopebox (Optional)
Special Scope
supplied.
z Senso
z Batte
rbox (O
V
ehicle senso
rybox (Optional)
Detects the ve
outside-the-vehicle testi
box and ignition analysis functions for vehicles are
ptional)
r analog
hicle battery status and provides inside-the-vehicle and
sed on Windows operating system; built-in large
test and multimeter test are supported.
ng modes.
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
2.1.2 Structure
1. Structure view
Figure 2-2 X-431 GDS Main set structure view
Table 2-1: X-431 GDS terminals and indicators description
No. Name Descriptions
1 Handle Holding or carrying the main unit.
2 SIM slot Not applied for X-431 GDS.
3 Exhaust vent For expelling heating to ensure normal
temperature of internal parts.
4 VGA terminal Connect to projector or display.
5 LAN terminal Connect to wire network with LAN cable.
6 Diagnose terminal Connect to test cable.
7 USB ports Connect to USB devices. While
connecting function boxes, Scopebox
must be connected to the blue USB port.
8 Hard Disk indicator
Indicates diagnosis communication state.
(green)
9 Power indicator (red) Indicates power status.
10 Power connector Connect to outer power to supply power or
charge for main unit.
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
11 Diagnostic box Communication module between main unit
and vehicle.
12 Printer Print the displayed results.
13 Power switch Press to turn on the device and hold
pressing to turn off the device.
14 Main display Color touch screen to display the function
interface, touch input or manual input is
supported.
15 Air intake vent Intake air to ensure internal parts
temperature normal.
2. Scopebox structure
Figure 2-3 Scopebox structure view
Table 2-2: Scopebox terminals and indicators description
No. Name Descriptions
1 B type USB port Connect to main unit with USB cable when
it is applied as separated USB device.
2 Power connector Connect to power supply via the power
adaptor.
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
3 Communication
Blinks green during data communication
indicator
4 Operation indicator
Keeps lighting after oscilloscope operated.
(green)
5 Power indicator
Keeps lighting after scopebox powered on.
(red)
6 1K calibration signal
terminals (2 pcs)
One terminal: 1K square wave signal
output, 2VP-PVP-P.
The other terminal: connect to the ground.
7 CH1 Channel 1
8 CH2 Channel 2
9 CH3 Channel 3
10 CH4 Channel 4
11 External trigger External trigger signal
3. Sensorbox structure
Figure 2-4 Sensorbox structure view
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
Table 2-3: Sensorbox terminals and indicators description
No. Name Description
1 Data receiving
indicator
2 Data sending
Indicator (green) for receiving data from main
unit.
Indicator (green) for sending data to main unit.
indicator
3 Power indicator It keeps steady on (red) after Sensorbox is
powered on.
4 B type USB port Connect to main unit with USB cable when it is
applied as separated USB device.
5 Power connector Connect to power supply through the power
adaptor.
6 COM Common terminal of multimeter
7 VΩHz Testing terminal of multimeter
4. Batterybox structure
Figure 2-5 Batterybox structure view
Table 2-4: Batterybox terminals and indicators description
No. Name Description
1 Battery
Connect to battery via cable for testing battery
connector
2 Power connector Connect to power supply via the power
adaptor. (unused)
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
3 B type USB port Connect to main unit with USB cable when it is
applied as separated USB device.
2.2 X-431 GDS Common accessories
Common accessories for each X-431 GDS are same, but for different
destinations, the accessories of X-431 GDS (such as diagnostic software,
testing connectors) may vary. Please consult from the local agency or check
the package list supplied with X-431 GDS together.
Table 2-5: X-431 GDS common accessories and descriptions
No. Name Descriptions View
1 Main test cable Connect X-431 GDS
to vehicle’s DLC.
2 Diagnostic connector Connect to vehicle’s
DLC. Several
different testing
connectors are
included for each
X-431 GDS.
3 Cigarette lighter
power cable
4 Power adaptor
Obtain power supply
from vehicle’s
e lighter.
cigarett
Convert 100~240V AC
power supply to 14V
DC po
wer supply.
5 Stylus For clicking or writing
on the screen.
6 Accessories Including User’s
Manual, Service
Manual etc.
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
2.3 First operation
2.3.1 Turn on
Press the [Power Switch] butt
on the main u
nit, the system will
on
begin to initialize, as shown in
Figure 2-6.
Figure 2-6
Note: Hold and press the [Power Switch] button for 6~8 seconds to turn off
the main unit, but this i
s not recommended, please click [Exit system]
icon on the main menu to turn off the device.
After the system completes
initializing, the main menu
shown
as Figure 2-7 will appear on the
screen. Here you can select a
certain function and operate it.
Figure 2-7
2.3.2 Icons and function items
There are three icons on the top
right corner of main menu, as
shown in Figure 2-8.
Figure 2-8
Signal indicator: Indicate① s
current signal
and its strength.
② Power indicator: Indicates the power capacity / power charging status /
connection to o
uter power supply.
③ Time: Display current local time.
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
Various function items are listed in the main menu of X-431 GDS: Diagnose,
Browser, Oscilloscope, Ignition, Sensor, Multimeter, BatteryTest, Information,
Mailbox, Update, Settings, Help and Exit system, as shown in Figure 2-8.
Function items and descriptions:
[Diagnose]: Ju
dge vehicle tec
hnical state, find out trouble location and cause.
[Browser]: Visit the service documents websites saved in Favorites. (Manually
inputting a website add
ress is temporarily unavailable.)
[Oscilloscope]: Rapidly determine vehicle electrical equipment and circuit
trouble, making the measurement and setting of vehicle electrical equipment
much easier and
[Ignition]: Display and analyze ignitio
intuitive.
n waveforms, assist to detect current
status and relevant performance of the engine.
[Sensor]: Diagnose/simulate v
[Multimeter]: Measure the physical
ehicle ECU sensor trouble.
parameters such as voltage, resistance,
frequency etc.
[BatteryTest]: The most advanced conduct
ance testing technology in the
world is applied to make vehicle battery and charging system testing safe,
rapid and easy.
[Information]: Obtain the relevant i
nformation of news and software updating
via X-431 website.
[Mailbox]: Feed back the trouble of the device or vehicle to us by E-mail and
we will give you a profe
ssional reply in time.
[Update]: Visit X-431 website by Internet, one-key to update vehicle software,
it is necessary to complete registering before the first operation.
[Settings]: Set the relevant fun
ction operations.
[Help]: Display the relevant help information for users.
[Exit system]: Shut down or restart the mai
n unit.
2.3.3 System Settings
X-431 GDS provides the following setting items: Change Language, Wi-Fi
Settings, User Data Import/Export, Date/T
ime Settings, Power Option, Adjust
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
Screen Brightness, Screen Calibration, System Clean, System Information,
U-Disk Update, Network Test, Multimonitor, Network Configuration, Rotate
Screen, and X431 Website Domain Settings and About, as shown in Figure
2-9 and Figure 2-10.
Figure 2-9 (Page 1)
Figure 2-10 (Page 2)
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
1. Change Language
This option is used to define the system language. Total seven languages are
available: Traditional
Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese,
Spanish and Portuguese, as shown in Figure 2-11.
Figure 2-11
2. Wi-Fi Settings
This option allows you to configure Wi-Fi network.
Select [Wi-Fi Settings] in [Syst
em Settings] and click [OK], the system starts
searching network, as shown in Figure 2-12.
Figure 2-12
It will take some time to search network, after searching, the searched
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
networks will be listed on the screen, as shown in Figure 2-13.
Figure 2-13
Select one of the network list and click [Link] in Figure 2-13, “Connected” will
appear on the screen as shown in Figure 2-14, indicating the device is
connected to the network successfully.
Figure 2-14
Note: When selecting Wi-Fi to access Internet, please set Wi-Fi properly and
make sure it is connect
ed successfully, otherwise, the following functions
may be abnormal: Browser, Register, U-Disk Update, Network Test,
Information, Mailbox and Update.
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
3. User Data Import/Export
This option enables you to import the saved trouble and diagnostic information
from or export it to anoth
Select [
User Data Import/Export] in [Syste
er X-431 GDS for analysis and comparison.
m Settings], a screen shown as
Figure 2-15 will appear.
Figure 2-15
Click [OK] in Figure 2-15, modules will appear on screen for your selection, as
shown in Figure 2-16.
Figure 2-16
In Figure 2-16, select "Diagnosis" and click [Enter], history files similar to
Figure 2-17 will be listed on
the screen.
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
Figure 2-17
Click the checkbox to select the desired files in Figure 2-17 and click [OK] to
export the data.
screen after data is exported successfully. Click
A dialog box shown as in Figure 2-18 will pop up on the
[OK], the [Enter] icon will
become active, and click it to import the history data.
Figure 2-18
Note: If "Export history data fail
ed" appears on screen, please click [Export] to
export the data again.
Method for "Import" is same as "Export". Select the history data and click
rt] to import data.
[Impo
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LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual
4. Date/Time Settings
This option is used to set the current date and time.
Select [Data/Time Settings] in the [System Settings] and click [OK], the
system will enter the following screen, as shown in Figure 2-19.
Figure 2-19
Click the on-screen buttons to set the date and time, and click [OK] to confirm.
5. Power Option
Through it, you can have a general knowledge of current power information.
Select [Power Option] in [System Settings] and click [OK], a screen similar
to Figure 2-20 will appear:
Figure 2-20
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