LAUNCH TECH X-431 GDS User Manual
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LAUNCH TECH X-431 GDS User Manual

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V1.00.001
2011-12-07

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Summary of Contents for LAUNCH TECH X-431 GDS

  • Page 1 V1.00.001 2011-12-07...
  • Page 2 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 other 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.
  • Page 3 Launch 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...
  • Page 4 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Precautions on Operating Vehicle’s ECU Do not disconnect the vehicle 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.
  • Page 5 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Safety Precautions 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.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    3. HOW TO DIAGNOSE................27 3.1 P REPARATION AND ONNECTIONS ............27 3.1.1 Preparation................. 27 3.1.2 X-431 GDS connections .............. 27 3.2 S TART DIAGNOSING ................27 3.2.1 How to start diagnostic program ........... 27 3.3 H OW TO DIAGNOSE ................
  • Page 7 EW MAIL ................... 52 8. UPDATE ....................54 8.1 R EGISTER ................... 54 8.2 U PDATE ....................56 9. OPTIONAL FUNCTIONS BRIEF FOR X-431 GDS........60 9.1 O SCILLOSCOPE ..................60 9.2 I GNITION ..................... 61 9.3 S ENSOR ..................... 61 9.4 M...

  • Page 8: Foreword

    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.

  • Page 9: Technical Specifications

    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:...

  • Page 10: About X-431Gds

    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 Main Unit Including display, diagnosing, printing and all standard functions of handheld computer; based on Windows operating system; built-in large capacity hard disk to memorize data;...

  • Page 11: Structure

    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 Name Descriptions Handle Holding or carrying the main unit. SIM slot Not applied for X-431 GDS.
  • Page 12 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Diagnostic box Communication module between main unit and vehicle. Printer Print the displayed results. Power switch Press to turn on the device and hold pressing to turn off the device. Main display Color touch screen to display the function interface, touch input or manual input is supported.
  • Page 13 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Communication Blinks green during data communication indicator Operation indicator Keeps lighting after oscilloscope operated. (green) Power indicator Keeps lighting after scopebox powered on. (red) 1K calibration signal One terminal: 1K square wave signal terminals (2 pcs) output, 2VP-PVP-P.
  • Page 14 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Table 2-3: Sensorbox terminals and indicators description Name Description Data receiving Indicator (green) for receiving data from main indicator unit. Data sending Indicator (green) for sending data to main unit. indicator Power indicator It keeps steady on (red) after Sensorbox is powered on.

  • Page 15: X-431 Gds Common Accessories

    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.

  • Page 16: First Operation

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual 2.3 First operation 2.3.1 Turn on Press the [Power Switch] button on the main unit, the system will 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 is not recommended, please click [Exit system] icon on the main menu to turn off the device.

  • Page 17: System Settings

    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]: Judge vehicle technical state, find out trouble location and cause.
  • Page 18 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)
  • Page 19 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.
  • Page 20 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.
  • Page 21 3. User Data Import/Export This option enables you to import the saved trouble and diagnostic information from or export it to another X-431 GDS for analysis and comparison. Select [User Data Import/Export] in [System Settings], a screen shown as Figure 2-15 will appear.
  • Page 22 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. A dialog box shown as in Figure 2-18 will pop up on the screen after data is exported successfully. Click [OK], the [Enter] icon will become active, and click it to import the history data.
  • Page 23 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.
  • Page 24 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual 6. Adjust Screen Brightness It is used to adjust the brightness of the screen to your preference. Select [Adjust Screen Brightness] in [System Settings] and click [OK], a screen shown as Figure 2-21 will appear.
  • Page 25 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual In Figure 2-22, properly click the cross symbol on the screen, the cross symbol changes to blue with a hint sound, then one calibration has been finished. After calibrating all crosses, the system will automatically return to [System Settings] interface.
  • Page 26 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 2-24 1. In Figure 2-24, select [Clear history data] and click [Enter] to enter Figure 2-25. Select one item that you want to clear and click [Clear]. Figure 2-25 Click [OK] in the dialog box shown as Figure 2-25, and the item will be...
  • Page 27 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 2-26 On figure 2-24, select [Clear diagnosis software-Car] and click [Enter]. Select one car model that you want to clear, as shown in Figure 2-27 and click [Fast Clean]. Figure 2-27 Note: For "Clear diagnosis software-Car (Diesel Engine)" and "Clear diagnosis software-HeavyDuty (Truck/Bus/Engineering Vehicle)", the operations are...
  • Page 28 Steps to download software with U disk: Connect the U disk to a USB port of PC. Access www.x431.com. Log in the website. (Please register your X-431 GDS before operating it to obtain the User Name and Password) Enter the Download Center.
  • Page 29 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 2-29 Click [Find], the system starts searching the software in the U disk, as shown in Figure 2-30. Figure 2-30 Mark a "Check" in the box before the software you want to update in Figure 2-30 and click [Upgrade], the system begins to update.
  • Page 30 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 2-31 11. Network Test This option helps you detect the network configuration and whether it can browse web page normally. Select [Network Test] in [System Settings] and click [OK], a test result page will appear on the screen. Figure 2-32 indicates that network is detected successfully.
  • Page 31 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual 12. Network Configuration This option is used to configure wired network options. Wired Network Configuration interface is shown in Figure 2-33. Figure 2-33 Operations: Automatically or manually obtain IP includes: A. You can select "Automatic DNS server address" or "Use the following DNS server address"...
  • Page 32 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual 13. Multimonitor Select [Multimonitor] in [System Settings] and click [OK] to enter. Figure 2-34 Note: Please confirm that VGA cable is connected to VGA connector of X-431 GDS, select [Projector Mode] and click [Enter], projecting effect will appear in a while.
  • Page 33 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 2-35 Note: Please calibrate the screen every time you rotate the screen (refer to "2.3.3 > 7. Screen Calibration" for details) 15. X431 Website Domain Settings The system provides two Domain names for users’ option.

  • Page 34: How To Diagnose

    Connect the other terminal of main test cable to vehicle’s DLC. 3.2 Start diagnosing X-431 GDS can test a lot of series, models and systems which may continuously increase day by day. Please refer to the "Update" on the main menu interface for more details of X-431 GDS and download the latest diagnostic programs to fully enjoy its powerful diagnostic functions.
  • Page 35 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual 1. If only for Mini-car, the interface will display as following figure 3-1. Figure 3-1 Buttons description: [System]: To display the desktop, view current version No. and exit the program. [Help]: To view help information for current operation.
  • Page 36 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 3-1b Figure 3-1c Figure 3-1d...
  • Page 37 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 3-1e Figure 3-1f Click corresponding option and the interface will enter Figure 3-1. In Figure 3-1, select "DEMO" and the screen will display the selection menu for DEMO diagnosis program version, as shown in Figure 3-2.
  • Page 38 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 3-2 Buttons descriptions: [System]: To display the desktop functions, view current version No. and exit the program. [Help]: To view help information for current operations. [File]: To view "Recently used models" and "Historical driving records".

  • Page 39: How To Diagnose

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual 3.3 How to diagnose In Figure 3-2, click [OK] to proceed to Figure 3-3. Figure 3-3 Note: Diagnosing different vehicles has the same operation steps (including the test model, system, model year and the DLC selection options), please refer to the page prompts during operation.

  • Page 40: Read Trouble Code

    Figure 3-5: Figure 3-5 In Figure 3-5, there are four functions of [Engine]: "Read trouble code", "Clear trouble code", "Read data stream" and "Special function". 3.3.1 Read trouble code Click [Read trouble code] in Figure 3-5, X-431 GDS starts executing this...

  • Page 41: Clear Trouble Code

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual function. After testing, results will appear on screen, as shown in Figure 3-6. Figure 3-6 Buttons description: [System]: To display the desktop, view current version and exit the program. [File]: To view "Historical driving records" and “Print" current DTCs.

  • Page 42: Read Data Stream

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 3-7 If trouble codes are cleared successfully, a prompt message will appear on the screen, as shown in Figure 3-8. If all trouble codes have been cleared, or there are no trouble codes, "No DTCs" will appear on the screen.
  • Page 43 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 3-9 As Figure 3-10 shows, the selected datastream are displayed in blue. Figure 3-10 Click [OK] in Figure 3-10, dynamic data of the selected datastream will appear on screen, as shown in Figure 3-11.
  • Page 44 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 3-11 To view the dynamic waveform of the selected data stream, click [Advanced] -> [Plot] in Figure 3-11, as shown in Figure 3-12. Figure 3-12 Buttons description: [Plot]: To display single data stream waveform.

  • Page 45: Special Function

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 3-13 In Figure 3-13, click [Plot-2], [Plot-3], [Plot-4]…etc., four waveforms of selected data stream displayed in different colors will appear on the screen, which helps you view easily, as shown in Figure 3-14. Figure 3-14 3.3.4 Special Function...
  • Page 46 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 3-15 Note: We just take [1# injector] as an example to show how to set the special function. To detect whether [1# injector] works normally or not, click [1# injector]. Figure 3-16 After detecting, the result will appear on the screen, as shown in Figure 3-17.

  • Page 47: Driving Record Management

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 3-17 Note: If [1# injector] works abnormally, the system will fail to indicate that the part has some trouble. 3.3.5 Driving record management View the recorded and saved data streams and waveforms (To "Record", click [Advanced] - >...
  • Page 48 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 3-19 Select the one you want to view and click [Open] in Figure 3-19, recorded datastream will be shown on the screen, similar to Figure 3-20. Figure 3-20 Select the desired datastream and click [OK], then the recorded dynamic...
  • Page 49 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 3-21...

  • Page 50: Flow Chart For Entering Diagnostic Program

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual 3.4 Flow chart for entering diagnostic program Press Power Switch to turn on Single click [Diagnose] in the main menu. " " Select maker interface of X-431 GDS Select the model per the icon. Here...

  • Page 51: Heavy-Duty Diagnosis Platform

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual 4. Heavy-Duty diagnosis platform Heavy-Duty platform included in X-431 GDS is designed for Heavy-Duty vehicles including diesel and gasoline automotive diagnosis. Users can select Heavy-Duty function depending on product configuration. It has the following features: No need to switch voltage level when testing 24V trucks.

  • Page 52: Browser

    X-431 GDS User’s Manual 5. Browser Browser is available on X-431 GDS, which helps you view and obtain relevant service documents from the third-party website saved in Favorites. Click [Browser] on the main menu to enter browser, as shown in Figure 4-1.
  • Page 53 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 4-3 Select a desired website shown as Figure 4-4, and click [Open link] to browse the contents of the website quickly. Figure 4-4 Notes: 1. Before operating Browser, please make sure that Network Configuration or Wi-Fi has been connected successfully.

  • Page 54: Information

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual 6. Information This option enables you to obtain the latest news and software download information about the device. 6.1 News Click [Information] on the main menu, the system starts checking network, as shown in Figure 6-1.
  • Page 55 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Buttons description: [System]: To display the desktop, view current version or exit the program. [Help]: To view the help information of current operation. [Info]: To switch to "Software downloads Information" interface. [PgUp]: To view the previous page.

  • Page 56: Software Download Information

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 6-4 6.2 Software download information Click [Info] in Figure 6-2, the system will switch to software download info interface, as shown in Figure 6-5. Figure 6-5 Button description: [System]: To display the desktop, view the version or exit the program.
  • Page 57 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual [View]: To view the details. [Retry]: To retry the same operation. In Figure 6-5, select one of the software programs and click [View], the system will enter the content page, as shown in Figure 6-6.

  • Page 58: Mailbox

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual 7. Mailbox X-431 GDS has a Mailbox function, by which you can send E-mail to us once you come across any question or problem unresolved, and we will give you professional answer in time. 7.1 Read mail Click [Mailbox] on the main menu, system starts checking network, as shown in Figure 7-1.

  • Page 59: New Mail

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual In Mailbox interface, there are four items: Unread mail, Read mail, Sent mail and Draft box. Select one (e.g. Read mail), and click [View] to read the details. Figure 7-3 7.2 New mail Click [NewMail] in Figure 7-3, mail writing interface appears on the screen, as shown in Figure 7-4.
  • Page 60 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 7-5 Buttons description: [Save]: To save a mail that is not finished or will be sent later. [Send]: To send the mail. [Return]: To return to the previous interface. When a new mail is finished, click [Send]. If the mail is sent out successfully, a dialog box will appear as shown in Figure 7-6.

  • Page 61: Update

    Mailbox function. 8. Update X-431 GDS provides quick and easy software update service, by which you can enjoy all update services including download and update the software. Note: Enter the update center, vehicle software which can be updated are default to check, you can click [Update] to perform one-key update.
  • Page 62 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual the screen, as shown in Figure 8-1. Figure 8-1 Read the "Terms of Service of X431 Website" and click [Agree] to proceed to the next step, as shown in Figure 8-2. Some registration information are required to fill (by stylus or manually input).

  • Page 63: Update

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual then fill the detailed user information (items with "*" must be filled, confirm password must be same as login password, Email must be effective and same as confirm Email, we will send you the secret information to this Email after registering successfully.).
  • Page 64 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 8-4 In Figure 8-4, Current Ver.: current version No. Update Ver.: the lowest version that can be installed currently. Top version: the current top version. Click [History] to select one or several desired software, as shown in Figure 8-5.
  • Page 65 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual [History]: To select version that can be downloaded or corresponding vehicle. In Figure 8-5, you can select several pieces of software and update them together for corresponding vehicles, then click [Update]. Here, we take "BENZ" as an example to explain one-key update.
  • Page 66 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Figure 8-7 shows the installation state. If "Installation succeed" appears, it indicates that installation has completed. If the network configuration is not correct, software download will fail and [Retry] turns active. In this case, please check the network and download it again, as shown in Figure 8-8.

  • Page 67: Optional Functions Brief For X-431 Gds

    9. Optional functions brief for X-431 GDS 9.1 Oscilloscope X-431 GDS has an optional function of oscilloscope, which can make the auto repair technician quickly judged the faults on automotive electronic equipment and wiring. If using an ordinary oscilloscope to test the electronic equipment,...

  • Page 68: Ignition

    X-431 GDS can test and analyze the primary/secondary signal coming from various engine ignition systems. For detailed operations and specifications, refer to X431 GDS Scopebox user’s manual.

  • Page 69: Multimeter

    For detailed operations and specifications, refer to X431 GDS Sensorbox user’s manual. 9.4 Multimeter X-431 GDS provides an optional function of “Multimeter”, by which, you can perform voltage, resistance or frequency test. For detailed operations and specifications, refer to X431 GDS Sensorbox user’s manual.

  • Page 70: Fqa

    LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual 10. FQA X431 GDS is a hi-tech product. With the development of modern automotive industry, more and more new technologies will be adopted and there may be questions during operation, including the software, hardware, operation and something related to the vehicles.
  • Page 71 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Q: Fail in Mail operation while feedback problems. A: Product is not registered, please register and operate again. Q: Software download failed. A: Check network configuration. Q: Blank screen after operating for a period. A: When there is no external power supply connected, power of battery exhausts, Please connect external power supply.
  • Page 72 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Warranty THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE LAUNCH PRODUCTS FOR PURPOSES OF RESALE OR USE IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF THE BUYER’S BUSINESS. LAUNCH electronic product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for one year (12 months) from date of delivery to the user.
  • Page 73 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual be in warranty, it will be repaired or replaced at no charge. If the unit is determined to be out of warranty, it will be repaired for a nominal service charge plus return freight. Send the unit prepaid to: Attn: Customer Service Department LAUNCH TECH.
  • Page 74 X-431 GDS User’s Manual X-431 GDS SMARTBOX Serial No. Dealer code Notes: 1. The Launch Tech Co., Ltd. shall label the "SMARTBOX SN" before delivering; 2. The dealer shall fill in the "Dealer Code" on the box and stamp on it before selling.
  • Page 75 LAUNCH X-431 GDS User’s Manual Statement: LAUNCH reserves the rights to make any change to product designs and specifications without notice. The actual object may differ a little from the descriptions in the manual in physical appearance, color and configuration. We have tried our best to make the descriptions and...

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