I tested this OBD-II scanner and it's a steal for $38

If you’re looking for an OBD scanner that does all the basics and checks a few high-end boxes, Launch’s CR529 deserves a place in your toolbox. It may not be able to use the manufacturer’s specialty codes, but its lifetime of included updates and low price might make the CR529 a keeper. Read on for our full Launch CR529 review to see what it can and can’t do.

Launch CR529 Review: Pricing and availability

At $38, Launch’s CR529 is one of the auto industry’s best deals. It’s priced on a par with budget scanners but has a color screen and several high-end abilities that can help get you back on the road.

Launch CR529 Review: Design

Clothed in black plastic, the CR529 measures 6.5 x 3.8 x 1.2 inches, making it about 10 percent larger than the Innova’s more advanced 6100P scanner. At 11 ounces, the vertical handheld device weighs nearly twice as much as the 6100P’s 6.5 ounces as well. 

In fact, I found that holding it while fiddling around under the hood became tedious after a few minutes. Its 44-inch cord means the CR529 can easily rest on the dashboard or passenger seat while it’s examining the car’s inner workings but isn’t long enough to reach the engine bay. Fortunately it did work with my 6-foot long OBD extension cord.

The center of attention is the CR529’s 2.8-inch color display. It’s horizontally oriented and more than bright and vibrant enough to show the choices and data well. On the other hand, the screen is not touch sensitive or able to show high resolution imagery. 

Its eight key interface has black buttons with white printing that are easy to read. There are keys for navigating the menu, going back and tapping into the scanner’s internal help screens. While other OBD-II scanners make you dig through the menu to get to the I/M Readiness pre-inspection tests, the CR529’s dedicated key can show potential problems before getting the vehicle inspected, potentially saving money and embarrassment.

Launch CR529 Review: Setup

Getting the CR529 connected and scanning couldn’t have been easier. After plugging it into my Subaru Outback’s OBD port, the scanner’s icon-based interface popped up, immediately ready to diagnose automotive problems.

The 46-page manual is augmented by a three page quick start guide, although it covers six languages (including English), diluting its depth and range. In other words, Launch doesn’t provide the range of DIY help that others have. There is a chat window on the company’s website in case you run into any other problems.

Launch CR529 Review: Performance

Once online, the CR529 was able to show me live data, like the engine’s speed, throttle position, timing advance, oxygen sensor’s status and other parameters. These can be displayed as numbers or as thin line graphs with the the interface allowing several streams to be graphed at once.

The Review section allows looking over saved data, which can help isolate intermittent problems, while the Lookup link took me to a description of the DTC fault codes with explanations of what each means. The CR529 can show the full range of generic fault codes as well as erase any and turn off the check engine light.

I checked out its diagnostic abilities by unplugging the harness connector under the driver’s seat. The CR529 immediately showed the change and the fault code disappeared after I reconnected the harness. It passed the I/M readiness test as well.

As good as it is, the CR529 does still show its economy by cutting corners. It can’t run a cylinder balance test or reset the Change Oil light.

Meanwhile, the scanner’s Info area was surprisingly powerful. It not only shows scanner calibration data, but also the vehicle’s VIN code. Capable of printing any report via the included mini USB cable and a Windows computer (sorry, Mac fans), this system also allows you to update the CR529’s firmware. It includes lifetime upgrades but you’ll need to download and install a Launch app to do these things.

Launch CR529 Review: Verdict

Halfway between a hobbyist tool and professional instrument, Launch’s CR529 can help get inside your car’s inner workings and see what its problems might be. Its instant inspection test key and lifetime updates mean that it has a place in your toolbox. Still, it’s most appealing attribute is its bargain basement $38 price tag, making it cheaper than a tank of gas.