Launch CRT 501 Series User manual

V1.00.000
09-08-2022

LAUNCH CRT 501 Series User Manual
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Copyright Information
Copyright © 2022 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 and
recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of LAUNCH. The
information contained herein is designed only for the use of this unit. LAUNCH
is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other units.
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.
Trademark Information
LAUNCH is a registered trademark of LAUNCH TECH CO., LTD. (also
called LAUNCH for short) in China and other countries. All other LAUNCH
trademarks, service marks, domain names, logos, and company names
referred to in this manual are either trademarks, registered trademarks,
service marks, domain names, logos, company names of or are otherwise
the property of LAUNCH or its affiliates. In countries where any of the
LAUNCH trademarks, service marks, domain names, logos and company
names are 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 trademark,
service mark, domain name, logo, or company name of LAUNCH or any third
party without permission from the owner of the applicable trademark, service
mark, domain name, logo, or company name. You may contact LAUNCH by
visiting the website at www.cnlaunch.com, or writing to 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.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
To prevent personal injury or damage to vehicles and/or the test equipment,
please read this user’s manual rst carefully and observe the following safety
precautions at a minimum whenever working on a vehicle:
• There are no user serviceable parts. Have the device serviced by a qualied
repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that
the safety of the device is maintained. Disassembling the device will void

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the warranty right.
• Caution: This tool contains an internal Lithium Polymer battery. The battery
can burst or explode, releasing hazardous chemicals. To reduce the risk of
re or burns, do not disassemble, crush, pierce or dispose of the battery in
re or water.
• This product is not a toy. Do not allow children to play with or near this item.
• Do not expose the device to rain or wet conditions.
• Do not place the device on any unstable surface.
• Never leave the device unattended during charging process. The device
must be placed on a non-ammable surface during charging.
• Handle the device with care. If the device is dropped, check for breakage
and any other conditions that my a󰀨ect its operation.
• Do not operate the tool in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence
of ammable liquids, gases, or heavy dust.
• Keep the tool dry, clean, free from oil, water or grease. Use a mild detergent
on a clean cloth to clean the outside of the device when necessary.
• People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before use.
Electromagnetic elds in close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.
• Always perform automotive testing in a safe environment.
• Do not attempt to operate or observe the tool while driving a vehicle.
Operating or observing the tool will cause driver distraction and could cause
a fatal accident.
• Wear safety eye protection that meets ANSI standards.
• Keep clothing, hair, hands, tools, test equipment, etc. away from all moving
or hot engine parts.
• Operate the vehicle in a well-ventilated work area: Exhaust gases are
poisonous.
• Put blocks in front of the drive wheels and never leave the vehicle
unattended while running tests.
• Use extreme caution when working around the ignition coil, distributor
cap, ignition wires and spark plugs. These components create hazardous
voltages when the engine is running.
• Put the transmission in P (for A/T) or N (for M/T) and make sure the parking
brake is engaged.
• Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline/chemical/ electrical fires

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nearby.
• Don’t connect or disconnect any test equipment while the ignition is on or
the engine is running.
FCC Statement
Any changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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Table of Contents
1 Introduction..................................................................................................1
2 General Information ....................................................................................3
2.1 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) I ...................................................................3
2.2 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II ..................................................................3
2.3 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)..............................................................5
2.4 Location of the Data Link Connector (DLC)................................................6
3 Product Descriptions ..................................................................................8
3.1 General Controls ........................................................................................8
3.2 Specications .............................................................................................9
3.3 Accessory Included.....................................................................................9
4 Initial Use....................................................................................................10
4.1 Charging & Turning On/O󰀨.......................................................................10
4.1.1 Charging................................................................................................10
4.1.2 Turning On/O󰀨.......................................................................................10
4.2 Getting Started .........................................................................................10
4.2 Job Menu..................................................................................................11
4.3 Settings ....................................................................................................12
4.3.1 Units of measurement.......................................................................12
4.3.2 Automatic detection on connect........................................................12
4.3.3 Firmware Fix.....................................................................................12
4.3.4 Report...............................................................................................13
4.3.5 Display/Brightness............................................................................13
4.3.6 Sound ...............................................................................................13
4.3.7 Network.............................................................................................13
4.3.8 Time Zone.........................................................................................13
4.3.9 Language..........................................................................................13
4.3.10 Region (TPMS)...............................................................................13
4.3.11 Workshop information .....................................................................13
4.3.12 Recovery.........................................................................................14
4.3.13 Clean Up.........................................................................................14

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4.3.14 Screen Capture...............................................................................14
4.3.15 Data ................................................................................................14
5 TPMS Operations ......................................................................................16
5.1 Activate Sensor.........................................................................................18
5.2 Program Sensor .......................................................................................22
5.2.1 Auto create........................................................................................22
5.2.2 Manual input .....................................................................................23
5.2.3 Copy by Activation ............................................................................24
5.2.4 Copy by OBD....................................................................................25
5.3 Learning Service.......................................................................................27
5.4 Diagnose ..................................................................................................27
5.5 OE Inquiry.................................................................................................28
6 OBD II Diagnosis .......................................................................................31
6.1 Connection ...............................................................................................31
6.2 Start Diagnostics ......................................................................................32
6.2.1 Read I/M Readiness .........................................................................33
6.2.2 Read Live Data.................................................................................34
6.2.3 Read Freeze Frame..........................................................................34
6.2.4 Read Fault Code...............................................................................34
6.2.5 Clear Fault Code...............................................................................34
6.2.6 Test Results: On-Board Monitoring Test ...........................................34
6.2.7 Control Operation of On-Board Component/System ........................35
6.2.8 Read Vehicle Information..................................................................35
7 Reset...........................................................................................................36
7.1 Maintenance Light Reset (Oil Reset)........................................................36
7.2 Electronic Parking Brake Reset (BRAKE RESET) ...................................37
7.3 Steering Angle Calibration (SAS RESET) ................................................37
7.4 Battery Matching (BAT. RESET)...............................................................37
7.5 Throttle Matching (ELEC. THROTTLE RLRN) .........................................38
8 Upgrade......................................................................................................39
9 FAQ .............................................................................................................40
Warranty ........................................................................................................41

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1 Introduction
This tool provides the following functions:
TPMS:
• Trigger the TPMS sensor
• Program the TPMS sensor
• Provide TPMS relearning procedures and sensor OE number lookup
OBD II Diagnosis:
Check for DTCs, isolate the cause of the illuminated Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL), check monitor status before emissions certication testing, verify
repairs, and perform other services that are emission-related.
Reset:
O󰀨ers coding, reset, relearn and more service functions, to help vehicles get
back to functional status after repair or replacement.
One-click Update:
Keep the tool updated with the latest available software version online.
Note: This tool may automatically reset while being disturbed by strong static
electricity. THIS IS A NORMAL REACTION.
This tool is specially designed to work with all OBD II compliant vehicles,
including Controller Area Network (CAN). It is required by EPA that all 1996
and newer vehicles (cars and light trucks) sold in the United States must be
OBD II compliant and this includes all American, Asian and European vehicles.
A small number of 1994 and 1995 model year gasoline vehicles are OBD II
compliant. To verify if a 1994 or 1995 vehicle is OBD II compliant, check the
following:
1. Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) Label. It is located
under the hood or by the radiator of most vehicles. If the vehicle is OBD II
compliant, the label will designate OBD II Certied.

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2. Government regulations mandate that all OBD II compliant vehicles must
have a “common” 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC).
Note: Some 1994 and 1995 vehicles have 16-pin connectors but are not OBD
II compliant. Only those vehicles with a Vehicle Emissions Control Label stating
OBD II Certied are OBD II compliant.

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2 General Information
2.1 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) I
Note: With the exception of some 1994 and 1995 vehicles, most vehicles
from 1982 to 1995 are equipped with some type of first generation On-Board
Diagnostics.
Beginning in 1988, California’s Air Resources Board (CARB), and later the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required vehicle manufacturers to
include a self-diagnostic program in their on-board computers. The program
would be capable of identifying emissions-related faults in a system. The rst
generation of Onboard Diagnostics came to be known as OBD I.
OBD I is a set of self-testing and diagnostic instructions programmed into
the vehicle’s onboard computer. The programs are specifically designed to
detect failures in the sensors, actuators, switches and wiring of the various
vehicle emissions-related systems. If the computer detects a failure in any of
these components or systems, it lights an indicator on the dashboard to alert
the driver. The indicator lights only when an emissions-related problem is
detected.
The computer also assigns a numeric code for each specic problem that it
detects, and stores these codes in its memory for later retrieval. These codes
can be retrieved from the computer’s memory with the use of a Code Reader
or a Diagnostic Tool.
2.2 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II
As technology evolved and the desire to improve the On-Board Diagnostic
system increased, a new generation of On-Board Diagnostic system was
developed. This second generation of On-Board Diagnostic regulations is
called OBD II.
In addition to performing all the functions of the OBD I System, the OBD II
System has been enhanced with new Diagnostic Programs. These programs
closely monitor the functions of various emissions-related components and
systems (as well as other systems) and make this information readily available
(with the proper equipment) to the technician for evaluation.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) conducted studies on OBD I
equipped vehicles. The information that was gathered from these studies

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showed the following:
• A large number of vehicles had deteriorating or degraded emissions-related
components. These components were causing an increase in emissions.
• Because OBD I systems only detect failed components, the degraded
components were not setting codes.
• Some emissions problems related to degraded components only occur
when the vehicle is being driven under a load. The emission checks
being conducted at the time were not performed under simulated driving
conditions. As a result, a significant number of vehicles with degraded
components were passing Emissions Tests.
• Codes, code denitions, diagnostic connectors, communication protocols
and emissions terminology were different for each manufacturer. This
caused confusion for the technicians working on di󰀨erent make and model
vehicles.
To address the problems made evident by this study, CARB and the EPA
passed new laws and standardization requirements. These laws required
that vehicle manufacturers to equip their new vehicles with devices capable
of meeting all of the new emissions standards and regulations. It was also
decided that an enhanced on-board diagnostic system, capable of addressing
all of these problems, was needed. This new system is known as On-Board
Diagnostics Generation Two (OBD II/OBD 2). The primary objective of
the OBD II system is to comply with the latest regulations and emissions
standards established by CARB and the EPA.
The Main Objectives of the OBD II System are:
• To detect degraded and/or failed emissions-related components or systems
that could cause tailpipe emissions to exceed by 1.5 times the Federal Test
Procedure (FTP) standard.
• To expand emissions-related system monitoring. This includes a set of
computer run diagnostics called Monitors. Monitors perform diagnostics
and testing to verify that all emissions-related components and/or systems
are operating correctly and within the manufacturer’s specications.
• To use a standardized Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) in all vehicles.
(Before OBD II, DLCs were of di󰀨erent shapes and sizes.)
• To standardize the code numbers, code denitions and language used to
describe faults. (Before OBD II, each vehicle manufacturer used their own
code numbers, code denitions and language to describe the same faults.)
• To expand the operation of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

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• To standardize communication procedures and protocols between the
diagnostic equipment (Diagnostic Tools, Code Readers, etc.) and the
vehicle’s on-board computer.
2.3 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes are codes that are stored by the on-board
computer diagnostic system in response to a problem found in the vehicle.
These codes identify a particular problem area and are intended to provide
you with a guide as to where a fault might be occurring within a vehicle. DO
NOT replace parts based only on DTCs without rst consulting the vehicle’s
service manual for proper testing procedures for that particular system, circuit
or component.
OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes consist of a ve-digit alphanumeric code.
• The 1st character is a letter (B, C, P or U). It identies the main system
where the fault occurred (Body, Chassis, Powertrain, or Network).
• The 2nd character is a numeric digit (0 thru 3). It identifies the type of
code (Generic or Manufacturer-Specic).
Generic DTCs are codes that are used by all vehicle manufacturers. The
standards for generic DTCs, as well as their definitions, are set by the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Manufacturer-Specific DTCs are codes that are controlled by the vehicle
manufacturers. The Federal Government does not require vehicle
manufacturers to go beyond the standardized generic DTCs in order to comply
with the new OBD II emissions standards. However, manufacturers are free
to expand beyond the standardized codes to make their systems easier to
diagnose.
• The 3rd character is a letter or a numeric digit (0 thru 9, A thru F). It
identies the specic system or sub-system where the problem is located.
• The 4th and 5th characters are letters or numeric digits (0 thru 9, A thru
F). They identify the section of the system that is malfunctioning.

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P0201 - Injector circuit malfunction, Cylinder 1
2.4 Location of the Data Link Connector (DLC)
The DLC (Data Link Connector or Diagnostic Link Connector) is typically a
16-pin connector where diagnostic code readers interface with the vehicle’s
on-board computer. It is usually located 12 inches from the center of the

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instrument panel, under or around the driver’s side for most vehicles. For
some vehicles with special designs, the DLC location may vary.
Refer to the following gure for location.
AOpel, Volkswagen, Audi
B Honda
C Volkswagen
D Opel, Volkswagen, Citroen
E Changan
F
Hyundai, Daewoo, Kia, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi,
Renault, Opel, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Volkswagen,
Audi, GM, Chrysler, Peugeot, Regal, Beijing Jeep, Citroen and
other most popular models
If the DLC cannot be found, refer to the vehicle’s service manual for the
location.

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3 Product Descriptions
3.1 General Controls
1. TPMS Antenna
2. TF Card Slot
3. Charging Port
Connect the power adaptor charge the tool.
4. DB15 Diagnostic Connector
Connects the tool to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC).
5. Power Button
Turns on/o󰀨 the tool.
6. Display Screen
Indicates test results.
7. Setting Button
Quick access to the Settings screen.
8. HOME Button

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Navigate to the Job Menu screen.
9. Button
Returns to previous menu.
3.2 Specications
• Screen: 4” LCD display with a resolution of 400*800 dpi
• Input voltage: 9 ~ 18V via OBD diagnostic port / 5V via USB cable
• Operating temperature: 32°F~122°F / 0°C~50°C
• Storage temperature: -4°F~158°F / -20°C~70°C @ RH60%
• Size: 159*88*37 mm
3.3 Accessory Included
The following accessory items are for reference purpose only. For different
destinations, the accessories (such as power adaptor or RF sensor) may vary.
For details, please consult from the local dealers.
• Smart TPMS Diagnostic Tool X 1
• Diagnostic Cable X 1
• Charging Cable & Power Adaptor X 1
• Quick Start Guide X 1

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4 Initial Use
4.1 Charging & Turning On/O󰀨
4.1.1 Charging
There are three methods available for charging the tool.
1. Via AC outlet
Connect one end of the charging cable to the charging port of the tool, and
other end to the power adaptor. Plug the power adaptor into a AC outlet to
start charging.
When charging is finished the charging complete symbol replaces the
charging symbol. Unplug the power adaptor from the AC outlet and disconnect
the charging cable from the tool.
2. Via OBD Diagnostic Port (Not recommended)
If the tool is properly connected to the vehicle’s DLC(Data Link Connector)
port, it will be charged automatically.
Note: Attempting to charge the tool via OBD diagnostic port will consume
vehicle’s battery power. You are not recommended to charge the tool in this way
except for OBD diagnosis operations.
4.1.2 Turning On/O󰀨
Press for about 3 seconds to turn it on.
Press for about 8 seconds to turn it o󰀨.
4.2 Getting Started
If it is the rst time you have used this tool, you need to make some system
settings.
1. Power on the tool. The screen displays a welcome page. Tap Welcome to
use to go to next step.
2. Choose the desired system language, and tap Next step.
3. Choose the desired time zone, and tap Next step to enter the WLAN setup
screen.
4. Slide the switch to ON, the system starts searching for all available wireless

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LANs. Choose the desired WLAN access point / network,
• If the network you chose is open, you can connect directly.
• If the selected network is encrypted, you have to enter the right security
key (network password).
Note: If you choose Ignore in WLAN setup, it will go into the date setting
page. If the tool has been properly connected to the Internet, the system will
automatically obtain the correct network date and time and navigate to step 5.
5. After the network connection is done, tap Next Step to congure workshop
information. Input the required information, and tap Next Step to go to next
step.
Note: After you congured it, the system will append it on the report every
time a report is successfully generated.
6. Carefully read all terms and conditions of the user agreement, check the
box before the Agree to all the above terms, and tap OK to nish the
sign-up process and navigate to Job Menu.
4.2 Job Menu
The main menu screen includes the following function modules:

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Modules Descriptions
TPMS
Perform various TPMS operations. It mainly
includes TPMS sensor activation, programming,
relearning and TPMS diagnostics functions.
OBD II
This function presents a quick way to check
for DTCs, isolate the cause of the illuminated
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), check monitor
status before emissions certication testing,
verify repairs, and perform other services that are
emission-related.
Reset Perform commonly used repair & maintenance
services.
OE Inquiry
Inquires the original OE part number of the sensor
and check which vehicle models the sensor can be
applied on.
Upgrade Update the diagnostic software and APK.
Settings Make some system adjustment and setting of the
tool to your particular needs.
4.3 Settings
4.3.1 Units of measurement
It is designed to set the measurement unit. Metric System and English System
are available.
4.3.2 Automatic detection on connect
This option enables you to determine whether to start an automatic VIN
detection once the tool is properly connected to the vehicle’s DLC.
4.3.3 Firmware Fix
This option enables you to x and repair the tire pressure rmware and the
VCI rmware.

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4.3.4 Report
This option allows you to manage diagnostic report.
4.3.5 Display/Brightness
This item allows you to set the standby time and screen brightness.
Note: Reducing the brightness of the screen is helpful to conserve the power of
the tool.
4.3.6 Sound
This option lets you adjust the volume and other sound settings.
4.3.7 Network
Note: Once WLAN is set as ON, the tool will consume more power. While it
keeps unused, please set it o to save power. While WLAN keeps unused, please
turn it o to conserve battery power.
The tool has built-in WLAN module that can be used to get online. Once you’re
online, you can register your tool and update diagnostic software & APK.
Slide the switch to ON, the system starts searching for all available wireless
LANs. Choose the desired WLAN access point / network to connect.
4.3.8 Time Zone
This option allows you to set the system time zone.
4.3.9 Language
The tool supports multiple languages. You can use this option to change the
system language to the target language.
4.3.10 Region (TPMS)
This option allows you to set the target region where the TPMS sensors are
being applied.
4.3.11 Workshop information
This option can set up the default email address for receiving the diagnostic
reports or screenshots.

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4.3.12 Recovery
Use this item to reset this tool to the default factory setting.
Warning: Resetting may cause data loss. Before doing so, please be careful to
perform this operation.
4.3.13 Clean Up
This option allows user to clear some cache les and free up some storage
space. After clearn up, the tool will reboot automatically.
4.3.14 Screen Capture
This option can set the Screen Capture icon to be shown or not on the screen.
4.3.15 Data
1. DTC Library
This option enables you to retrieve the detailed description of certain DTC
from the local DTC database.
Swipe the screen upwards / downwards to alter the value, then tap OK, the
screen will display denition of the DTC.
2. DLC (Data Link Connector) Location
This option helps you to nd the location of the vehicle’s DLC.
3. Image
This option allows you to view and manage all screenshots.
4. Feedback
This function allows you to send the feedback of your diagnostic problems to
us for further analysis and troubleshooting.
There are 3 options:
1) Diag. Feedback: To send a tested vehicle diagnostic feedback.
2) History Feedback: To view all diagnostic feedback records.
3) O󰀪ine Feedback: To view all diagnostic feedback logs that have failed to be
submitted, which will be uploaded again to the remote server automatically
once the tablet gets the stable network.