Launch CR3008 Plus: Owner’s REVIEW
Launch CR3008 Plus was as expected considering I already worked with a few of the Launch scan tools and all of them met my expectations. If you are looking to get a cheap scanner to check your vehicle’s condition or even attempt to try engine repairs as a DIY mechanic, the Launch code reader will be a great addition to your toolbox.
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Launch cR3008 plus overview
Launch CR3008 Plus
One of the best code readers I tried and the only downside was a slow reaction to pressing buttons when navigating in the scanner’s menu.
Current list of best engine code readers
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Who tested product & wrote this review?
Tester & Editor for this review: Juraj Lukacko
Hello, I am Juraj (Yuri) and I tested this product to help you decide if it is something you would want to buy, and if yes, show you how to use it.
I make honest reviews based on personal testing in my own garage and If I see the product is bad, I will make it very clear in review.
Read more about how I do reviews on Iamcarhacker.com in my review policy.
VIDEO: Launch CR3008+ video review
Testing Launch CR3008
I used this one for a bunch of cars and definitely seems more professional. That’s why I included it in my list of best engine code readers page.
Launch CR works for older cars as well
After testing a lot of different code readers I noticed that a lot of them have issues working with older cars.
The launch could connect to my ultimate test vehicle: a 1998 Passat
It reads engine live data. Some of the worse code readers will not give you all the available data to read which Launch can do.
And even displays these data as graphs.
Overall for code reader, the Launch 3008+ seems to be the most professional version of this simple version of the OBD-II scanner.
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Code Reader vs. Other OBD2 Scanners (Why You May Want More Than This Tool)
Basic handheld code readers are reliable and easy to use, but they are also very limited. They can read & clear only engine fault codes and show basic live data.
For older vehicles, that’s often enough — but for modern cars, it becomes a problem.
Where simple code readers fall short
Modern cars have 20–100 control modules, not just the engine. With a basic reader, you cannot access:
- ABS / Airbag / Transmission fault codes
- Battery, brake, injector, DPF, throttle and other service resets
- Live data from other modules (ABS sensors, transmission temperature, etc.)
- Bi-directional tests (fan tests, actuator tests, EVAP tests, fuel pump tests…)
- ECU coding / adaptations for unlocking hidden features
- Used-car checks like real mileage stored in modules
So while basic code readers “work,” they often don’t give you the information you actually need to diagnose a real issue on a modern car.
Better Alternatives (Same Price, 10× the Features)
Today, you can get a Bluetooth bi-directional scanner for almost the same price as a simple code reader — but with full-system diagnostics and service functions.
If you want something affordable but powerful, look at:
? Best Bluetooth bi-directional OBD2 scanners (full-system scan + service resets + live data + tests)
Or Go Straight to a Diagnostic Tablet
Yes, diagnostic tablets look expensive at first — but they often include:
- Full-system scanning
- Bi-directional tests
- ECU coding
- Service resets for brakes, battery, throttle, DPF, etc.
- Lifetime updates on many models (Thinkcar / Mucar)
If you plan to keep your car long-term or help friends/family, a tablet often pays for itself in 1–2 repairs.
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