Launch Creader 5001 User manual

V1.00.000
2019-03-19

LAUNCH Creader 5001 English User’s Manual
I
Trademark Information
LAUNCH is a registered trademark of LAUNCH TECH CO., LTD. (LAUNCH) 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 and 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 at www.cnlaunch.com, or write to LAUNCH TECH CO.,
LTD., Launch Industrial Park, North of Wuhe Rd., Banxuegang, 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.
Copyright Information
Copyright © 2019 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.
General Notice
 Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective owners. LAUNCH disclaims any and all rights in those
marks.
 There is a possibility that this unit is inapplicable to some of the vehicle models or
systems listed in the diagnosis section due to different countries, areas, and/or years. Do
not hesitate to contact LAUNCH if you come across such questions. We are to help you
solve the problem as soon as possible.
Disclaimer
To take full advantage of the unit, you should be familiar with the engine.
 All information, illustrations, and specifications contained in this manual are based on the
latest information available at the time of publication. The right is reserved to make
change at any time without 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

LAUNCH Creader 5001 English User’s Manual
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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.
Safety Precautions and Warnings
To prevent personal injury or damage to vehicles and/or the tool, please read this user’s
manual first carefully and observe the following safety precautions at a minimum whenever
working on a vehicle:
 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 nearby.
 Don’t connect or disconnect any test equipment while the ignition is on or the engine is
running.
 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 tool, when necessary.
Warning
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.

LAUNCH Creader 5001 English User’s Manual
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1
2. General Information ......................................................................................................... 1
2.1 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II ............................................................................. 1
2.2 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) ........................................................................ 1
2.3 Location of the Data Link Connector (DLC) .......................................................... 2
2.4 OBD II Readiness Monitors .................................................................................. 2
2.5 OBD II Monitor Readiness Status ......................................................................... 3
2.6 OBD II Definitions ................................................................................................. 4
3. Product Descriptions ....................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Outline of Creader 5001........................................................................................ 6
3.2 Specifications ........................................................................................................ 7
3.3 Accessories .......................................................................................................... 7
4. Connection & Settings ..................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Connection ........................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Settings................................................................................................................. 8
5. Diagnose ....................................................................................................................... 10
5.1 How to Diagnose? .............................................................................................. 10
6. Help ............................................................................................................................... 13
6.1 About OBD .......................................................................................................... 13
6.2 About Data Stream .............................................................................................. 13
6.3 Tool Information .................................................................................................. 13
6.4 DTC Lookup ....................................................................................................... 13
7. Update ........................................................................................................................... 14
8. FAQ ............................................................................................................................... 17

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1. Introduction
Featuring the 2.8” color LCD, Creader 5001 delivers leading OBDII/EOBD diagnostic
functions and meets protocols such as ISO9141-2, ISO14230-4, SAEJ1850 and
ISO15765-4 etc.
It can be connected to PC through the USB cable for upgrade to keep synchronized with the
latest software version.
Note: Creader 5001 may automatically reset while being disturbed by strong static electricity. THIS
IS A NORMAL REACTION.
2. General Information
2.1 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II
The first generation of On-Board Diagnostics (OBD I) was developed by the California Air
Resources Board (ARB) and implemented in 1988 to monitor some of the emission control
components on vehicles. 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”.
The OBD II system is designed to monitor emission control systems and key engine
components by performing either continuous or periodic tests of specific components and
vehicle conditions. When a problem is detected, the OBD II system turns on a warning lamp
(MIL) on the vehicle instrument panel to alert the driver typically by the phrase of “Check
Engine” or “Service Engine Soon”. The system will also store important information about
the detected malfunction so that a technician can accurately find and fix the problem. Here
below follow three pieces of such valuable information:
1) Whether the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is commanded ‘on’ or ‘off’;
2) Which, if any, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored;
3) Readiness Monitor status.
2.2 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. OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes consist of a five-digit
alphanumeric code. The first character, a letter, identifies which control system sets the
code. The second character, a number, 0-3; other three characters, a hex character, 0-9 or
A-F provide additional information on where the DTC originated and the operating
conditions that caused it to set. Here below is an example to illustrate the structure of the
digits:

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Figure 2-1
2.3 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. The DLC is
usually located 12 inches from the center of the instrument panel (dash), under or around
the driver’s side for most vehicles. If Data Link Connector is not located under dashboard, a
label should be there telling location. For some Asian and European vehicles, the DLC is
located behind the ashtray and the ashtray must be removed to access the connector. If the
DLC cannot be found, refer to the vehicle’s service manual for the location.
Figure 2-2
2.4 OBD II Readiness Monitors
An important part of a vehicle’s OBD II system is the Readiness Monitors, which are

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indicators used to find out if all of the emissions components have been evaluated by the
OBD II system. They are running periodic tests on specific systems and components to
ensure that they are performing within allowable limits.
Currently, there are eleven OBD II Readiness Monitors (or I/M Monitors) defined by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not all monitors are supported in every vehicles
and the exact number of monitors in any vehicle depends on the motor vehicle
manufacturer’s emissions control strategy.
Continuous Monitors -- Some of the vehicle components or systems are continuously tested
by the vehicle’s OBD II system, while others are tested only under specific vehicle operating
conditions. The continuously monitored components listed below are always ready:
1. Misfire
2. Fuel System
3. Comprehensive Components (CCM)
Once the vehicle is running, the OBD II system is continuously checking the above
components, monitoring key engine sensors, watching for engine misfire, and monitoring
fuel demands.
Non-Continuous Monitors -- Unlike the continuous monitors, many emissions and engine
system components require the vehicle to be operated under specific conditions before the
monitor is ready. These monitors are termed non-continuous monitors and are listed below:
1) EGR System
2) O2 Sensors
3) Catalyst
4) Evaporative System
5) O2 Sensor Heater
6) Secondary air Injection
7) Heated Catalyst
8) A/C system
2.5 OBD II Monitor Readiness Status
OBD II systems must indicate whether or not the vehicle’s PCM’s monitor system has
completed testing on each component. Components that have been tested will be reported
as “Ready”, or “Complete”, meaning they have been tested by the OBD II system. The
purpose of recording readiness status is to allow inspectors to determine if the vehicle’s
OBD II system has tested all the components and/or systems.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) sets a monitor to “Ready” or “Complete” after an
appropriate drive cycle has been performed. The drive cycle that enables a monitor and
sets readiness codes to “Ready” varies for each individual monitor. Once a monitor is set as
“Ready” or “Complete”, it will remain in this state. A number of factors, including erasing of
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) with a code reader or a disconnected battery, can result
in Readiness Monitors being set to “Not Ready”. Since the three continuous monitors are

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constantly evaluating, they will be reported as “Ready” all of the time. If testing of a
particular supported non-continuous monitor has not been completed, the monitor status
will be reported as “Not Complete” or “Not Ready.”
In order for the OBD monitor system to become ready, the vehicle should be driven under a
variety of normal operating conditions. These operating conditions may include a mix of
highway driving and stop and go, city type driving, and at least one overnight-off period. For
specific information on getting your vehicle’s OBD monitor system ready, please consult
your vehicle owner’s manual.
2.6 OBD II Definitions
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) – It is the OBD II terminology for the on-board computer
that controls engine and drive train.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) -- Malfunction Indicator Light (Service Engine Soon, Check
Engine) is a term used for the light on the instrument panel. It is to alert the driver and/or the
repair technician that there is a problem with one or more of vehicle’s systems and may
cause emissions to exceed federal standards. If the MIL illuminates with a steady light, it
indicates that a problem has been detected and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as
possible. Under certain conditions, the dashboard light will blink or flash. This indicates a
severe problem and flashing is intended to discourage vehicle operation. The vehicle
onboard diagnostic system cannot turn the MIL off until the necessary repairs are
completed or the condition no longer exists.
DTC -- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that identifies which section of the emission control
system has malfunctioned.
Enabling Criteria -- Also termed Enabling Conditions. They are the vehicle-specific events
or conditions that must occur within the engine before the various monitors will set, or run.
Some monitors require the vehicle to follow a prescribed “drive cycle” routine as part of the
enabling criteria. Drive cycles vary among vehicles and for each monitor in any particular
vehicle. Please refer to the vehicle’s factory service manual for specific enabling
procedures.
OBD II Drive Cycle -- A specific mode of vehicle operation that provides conditions required
to set all the readiness monitors applicable to the vehicle to the “ready” condition. The
purpose of completing an OBD II drive cycle is to force the vehicle to run its onboard
diagnostics. Some form of a drive cycle needs to be performed after DTCs have been
erased from the PCM’s memory or after the battery has been disconnected. Running
through a vehicle’s complete drive cycle will “set” the readiness monitors so that future
faults can be detected. Drive cycles vary depending on the vehicle and the monitor that
needs to be reset. For vehicle specific drive cycle, consult the service manual.
Freeze Frame Data -- When an emissions related fault occurs, the OBD II system not only
sets a code but also records a snapshot of the vehicle operating parameters to help in
identifying the problem. This set of values is referred to as Freeze Frame Data and may
include important engine parameters such as engine RPM, vehicle speed, air flow, engine

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load, fuel pressure, fuel trim value, engine coolant temperature, ignition timing advance, or
closed loop status.
Fuel Trim (FT) -- Feedback adjustments to the base fuel schedule. Short-term fuel trim
refers to dynamic or instantaneous adjustments. Long-term fuel trim refers to much more
gradual adjustments to the fuel calibration schedule than short-term trim adjustments.
These long-term adjustments compensate for vehicle differences and gradual changes that
occur over time.

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3. Product Descriptions
3.1 Outline of Creader 5001
Figure 3-1 Front View
No.
Name
Descriptions
1 LCD Indicates test results.
2 I/M(F3)
Quick access to I/M readiness function.
Note: I/M refers to Inspection and Maintenance that is
legislated by the Government to meet federal clean-air
standards.
3 (F4) Help key
4 OK Confirms a selection (or action) from a menu list.
5

/

Move cursor up and down for selection.

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/ Move cursor left or right for selection; Or turn page up
and down when more than one page is displayed.
6
Mini
USB port
To connect on PC to upload data or print test results.
7
DTC(F1)
To read the DTCs.
8
OBD
-
16
connector
To connect the vehicle's DLC (Data Link Connector)
with the tool via the diagnostic cable.
9 (ESC) Exit the current program or return to the previous
screen.
10
ER(F2)
To erase the DTCs.
3.2 Specifications
 Screen: 2.8” color LCD
 Input voltage range: 9~18V
 Working temperature: -10 to 50°C (14 to 122 F°)
 Storage temperature: -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158 F°)
 Weight: 310g
3.3 Accessories
1. Creader 5001 handset
2. USB cable
3. User’s manual

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4. Connection & Settings
4.1 Connection
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Locate vehicle’s DLC socket: Refer to figure 2-2 for the location.
3. Plug the other end of the diagnostic cable into the vehicle’s DLC.
4. Turn the ignition on. Engine can be off or running.
5. After finishing, the system will start initializing. After initialization, the system will enter
the main menu interface.
Figure 4-1
CAUTION: Don’t connect or disconnect any test equipment with ignition on or engine running.
4.2 Settings
Select [Settings] in the main menu and press [OK], the system will enter the following
screen:
Figure 4-2
Note: The “Record Mode” does not appear on Creader 5001.

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1) Language
This option enables you to set the user interface language.
Note: Due to continuous software upgrade, language interface may differ from different software
versions.
2) Unit of Measure
This option allows you to set measurement unit.

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5. Diagnose
5.1 How to Diagnose?
Select [Diagnose] in Main Menu and press [OK], the screen will display Entering System
interface as following figure 5-1:
Figure 5-1
In figure 5-1, after entering the system, the screen will automatically jump to figure 5-2:
Figure 5-2
Press [OK], a screen similar to figure 5-3 will appear:

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Figure 5-3
It mainly includes the following functions:
1. Read Codes
This option is used to identify which section of the emission control system has
malfunctioned.
2. Erase Codes
After reading the retrieved codes from the vehicle and certain repairs have been carried out,
you can use this function to erase the codes from the vehicle. Before performing this
function, please be sure the vehicle’s ignition key is in the ON position with the engine off.
Notes:
 Before performing this function, make sure to retrieve and record the trouble codes.
 After clearing, you should retrieve trouble codes once more or turn ignition on and retrieve codes
again. If there are still some trouble codes in the system, please troubleshoot the code using a
factory diagnosis guide, then clear the code and recheck.
3. I/M Readiness
I/M refers to Inspection and Maintenance that is legislated by the Government to meet
federal clean-air standards. I/M Readiness indicates whether or not the various
emissions-related systems on the vehicle are operating properly and are ready for
Inspection and Maintenance testing.
The purpose of the I/M Readiness Monitor Status is to indicate which of the vehicle’s
Monitors have run and completed their diagnosis and testing (as described in Chapter 2.5),
and which ones have not yet run and completed testing and diagnosis of their designated
sections of the vehicle’s emissions system.
The I/M Readiness Monitor Status function also can be used (after repair of a fault has been
performed) to confirm that the repair has been performed correctly, and/or to check for
Monitor Run Status.
4. Data Stream

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This option retrieves and displays live data and parameters from the vehicle’s ECU.
5. View Freeze Frame
When an emission-related fault occurs, certain vehicle conditions are recorded by the
on-board computer. This information is referred to as freeze frame data. Freeze Data is a
snapshot of the operating conditions at the time of an emission-related fault.
Note: if DTCs were erased, Freeze Data may not be stored in vehicle memory depending on vehicle.
6. O2 Sensor Test
This option allows retrieval and viewing of O2 sensor test results for most recently
performed tests from the vehicle’s on-board computer.
7. On-board Monitoring
This function can be utilized to read the results of on-board diagnostic monitoring tests for
specific components/systems.
8. EVAP System
The EVAP test function lets you initiate a leak test for the vehicle’s EVAP system. Before
using the system test function, refer to the vehicle’s service repair manual to determine the
procedures necessary to stop the test.
9. Vehicle Information
The option displays the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the Calibration Verification
Number (CVN), and other information of the test vehicle.

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6. Help
This menu enables you to view the tool information and retrieve the vehicle’s DLC.
In the main menu, select [Help] and press [OK] to enter figure 6-1.
Figure 6-1
6.1 About OBD
This option allows you to have a general knowledge of OBD.
6.2 About Data Stream
This option displays the related introductions about Data Stream.
6.3 Tool Information
This option displays the related information of your tool.
6.4 DTC Lookup
In Figure 6-1, select [DTC Lookup] and press [OK] to enter the following screen.
Figure 6-2
Press []/[] button to move the highlight bar to different position. Press []/[] button to
alter the value, then press [OK] button, the screen will display the definition of the DTC.

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7. Update
Creader 5001 can be upgraded via connecting to PC via USB cable.
Follow the steps described as below to perform the update:
1. Go to http://mycar.x431.com, click “Products” -> “Creader Online” -> “Creader 5001” to
enter the following page.
Figure 7-1
2. Click “Update Tools” in figure 7-1 to download it.
3. Decompress and install it on your PC (compatible with Windows XP, Windows 7,
Windows 8 & Windows 10).
a) Double click the setup icon to run it.
Figure 7-2
b) Click [Next] in figure 7-2 to go to the next step.

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Figure 7-3
c) Choose the destination folder path that the update tool will be installed and then click
[Next] to proceed to the next step.
Figure 7-4
d) Click [Install] to begin the installation.

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Figure 7-5
e) Once the installation is complete, click [Finish]. A new application icon will appear on
the desktop of the PC.
4. Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB port of PC, and the other end to the tool.
5. Once the tool is powered up, launch the update tool on your PC, the system
automatically identifies the device information and directly navigates to the update
center (See Figure 7-6).
Note: If the PC failed to identify the tool, please refer to Item 5 in Chapter 8 FAQ to update the tool.
Figure 7-6
6. Click [Upgrade] to start updating.
7. Once update is complete, the “Upgrade success” message box will pop up.