This is the Launch Creader Elite 2.0 FGC OBD2 diagnostic scanner. It is specifically designed for GM Ford and Chrysler. This particular unit covers the majority of American models.
Launch has produced several versions of this to cover different makes and models. If you are looking for a solution for BMW or Mercedes, there is a Creader BBA version that compatible with those brands.
One of the big selling points when it comes to this scanner is definitely going to be the price. This scanner comes in at only $169 and this is easily available.
It can be purchased on obdii365.com. This scanner is delivered in a carton case within which you will find a black soft case inside. All we have is the OBD2 cable along with the scanner itself and a user manual.
When it comes to the actual scanner itself overall the quality is very good. There is the connector for the VCI at the top. We got a USB port for power. charging and power.
This is quite a small screen on this unit. This is just 3.97 in with a resolution of 800×480 pixels but it is a full color screen and although the resolution is quite small because the screen size is very small also it actually looks fairly clear. This unit is running Android 8.1 and has a 4-core CPU and with regards to memory this is 2 gig plus 16 GB and for the battery not the biggest battery in the world but still probably big enough at 3,000 milliamps per hour now.
The build quality is really good. It is definitely rugged and could handle a drop without an issue. It is claimed to be waterproof although it does have some cut outs for the beeper and ventilation. I am assuming they have accounted for that. The charging is USB-C which is great to see. This tool also charges over the OBD connector and that should help keep it charged anytime you’re ready to use it. I did not realize this is a touchscreen. The buttons led me to believe it was not but it is capable and works very well even with touchscreen gloves on. I was impressed at the speed of this tool for the price. Most cheap tools are very slow to respond, but this one is not.
There is another major plus points when it comes to this scanner. This unit comes with free update for life so when you consider the low retail price for this unit that’s definitely a big boost when it comes to value.
Next let’s set up the scan tool. When you first switch the unit on you are presented with the launch logo.
During loading and then we’re straight into the setup process so now click Start if using the side controls or the touchcreen and select your desired language and then next you’ll need to select your desired time zone then you’ll need to set up your network connection by entering your Wi-Fi password. It should be noted that this canner works with 2.4GHz WiFi connections and does not appear to recognize 5 GHz connections. You’ll then be asked to enter your Workshop information and you should enter at least your email address because it will be used for emailing yourself reports directly from the scanner. Before using you should first check for updates. Click on the upgrade button and this shows a list of available updates. You simply select which ones you want or better still select them all and click the update button at the bottom.
Then come to the functions. Let’s get right to the things that impressed me by starting with the VIN auto scan. When I plug the tool in, it automatically scans and recognizes the vehicle without any user input. You just confirm the finding and start using the tool.
The next thing that impressed me is the bi-directional control. I used this on my 2023 Chevy Duramax. It gives diagnostics on everything from ecm and tcm, all the way to tailgate latch module, door modules, hvac module, all of it. The best part is you can access and control those modules from the code reader to specifically find out which part isn’t working. I was able to perform a forced DPF regeneration, see injector balance rates, TPMS relearn, as well as perform many other actuation tests. I was also able to confirm a bad headlight bulb in my 2021 Jeep Wrangler and rule out a faulty, relay or wiring. This tool does have FCA AutoAuth capability. I tried using it with a 12+8 bypass cable and I figured out, with the help of support, that all the tests are available under normal mode, even though the tool warns that it’s not available.
Also tested on Fords. Upon plugging into the DLC, the scantool automatically detects the VIN- no button pushing necessary. You can do a full scan, then select any module you want to go deeper into. This scantool will display codes and give you access to ANY module in the truck that’s communicating, I got a c1001 and a b115e from APIM and BCM, respectively. I went into pcm to check some basic stuff. Data logger can display 4 pids at once, but you have access to 98% of the pids that IDS/FDRS has. Pulling up fuel tail desired and actual pressure, low side pressure and voltage revealed the graphs respond quickly to actual vehicle readings. The setup is VERY similar to my much more expensive 4.0+, which I love. I decided to look around… and this thing has power balance. A $169 scantool had freakin power banalce. And relative compression. And scr leak test, dosing test, manual regen, IQA programming, WOW! I wasn’t expecting this thing to be as in depth as it is for this price range. Even if I just use this for regens, it’s going to pay for itself in no time.
This cheap scanner will also program Ford PATS keys. For example, if a Explorer lost key codes after battery wend dead. This allows us to reprogram the key chips. It is quite easy.
Another example:
Program 2014 Ford F150 PATS Key with Launch Creader Elite 2.0 FGC
There is a “Mall” of purchases on this tool but many are included, you just need to go through all the menus for your vehicle to find the test or reset you need. This tool has everything I have needed for US domestic vehicles.
There is also the ability to export diagnostics and reports via email. That’s really nice for sending to yourself to research on the computer later or send to a friend for their vehicle.
Pros:
Cheap
SUPER easy to use, easy to set up
Lifetime free update. That is hundreds of dollars in savings per year.
Does full system scans (not just engine codes)
has bidirectional controls
Has many special functions
Cons:
This does obviously need an Internet connection to work. wish the tool would auto connect to known networks instead of needing to select the manually.
No Bluetooth here
screen is small
In sum:
Although Launch Creader Elite FGC scanner can’t do everything it can do a surprising amount so for an average of DIy mechanic. This is probably easily going to cover 90% of stuff that you could ever need and at this kind of price point. It blows the Innova and Actron scantools in the same range out of the water.
We would definitely recommend this tool to a professional homeowner or even a new mechanic that is just starting out.
