Reader review: Launch X431 Pro 4 diagnostic tool

Oldfields Garage concludes long term review with 4/5-star rating

Reader review: Launch X431 Pro 4 diagnostic tool

Tim Benson of Leominster-based Oldfields Garage reports back to GW Views following his long-term review of the Launch X431 Pro 4.

Based on the latest Android OS and technology, the Launch X431 Pro 4 supports American, Asian and European passenger car and light commercial vehicles.

The diagnostic tool comes with a selection of adapters and leads, all neatly protected inside a heavy-duty carry case.

Noting his initial impressions, Tim said: “It’s a lightweight machine that’s easy to handle and a fairly robust protective cover.

“The build quality is good and it’s pleasing to know that the Bluetooth connection works well.”

Tim describes the menu layout as “fairly intuitive” with an impressive range of vehicles and options to select but adds that due to its high spec, all garages will benefit from a demonstration or training before use.

Launch X431 Pro 4 features

  • WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • OBD II functionality
  • Live date graphing
  • One click internet updates
  • Manufacturer specific reset and service functions
  • Smart design with docking station

Launch X431 Pro 4 functions

  • Automatic VIN recognition
  • New battery registration
  • ABS brake bleeding
  • Tyre pressure monitoring
  • Module programming and recoding
  • Service light/ oil reset
  • Key coding/ matching
  • Tyre pressure monitoring reset

Highlighting the tool’s strong Asian vehicle coverage, Tim recalls how the X431 Pro 4 reset a Kia service light where other tools were unable to.

He said: “We use several pieces of diagnostic equipment, including Bosch KTS, Snap-on Verus Edge, PicoScope and VagCom, which gives us a good broad coverage because it’s just not possible to do everything with one device in a busy workshop like ours.

“Recently, we could have quite easily been caught out with a Kia which would have been embarrassing.

“None of our other tools were able to reset the service light but the X431 Pro 4 did.”

Borescope camera

One of the tool’s stand out features for Tim is the optional borescope camera.

He said: “The camera proved to be very good with really clear images on the large screen.

“We were able to clearly see piston damage on a vehicle without needing to strip anything down.

“We weren’t-able to spot the damage using another camera we had.

“If you have or are buying the X431 Pro 4, I’d strongly recommend you take a look at adding the videoscope camera.”

The Launch X431 Pro 4 is available from Launch UK for just £1,795.00 + VAT – a particularly competitive price according to Tim – and is supplied with a two year warranty and two years of free software updates.

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Tim said: “As a garage owner, good coverage is important and so is being intuitive to use.

“The types of tools our team choose to use really depends on the type of job.

“It’s no secret that there’s not a one tool that does everything but with the Launch X431 Pro 4 by your side you’ll be equipped with strong coverage for American, Asian and European passenger cars.

“The X-431 PRO4 offers independent garages a high-end diagnostic solution, which is suited to experienced specialists looking to support their repair and maintenance knowledge.

“This latest addition to the X-431 series is comprehensive and includes tools with a wide variety of functions that includes advanced options.”

For further information about the Launch X431 Pro 4, select ‘more details’ below.

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