Launch Smart Link J2534 Interface Test: Subaru Flash-Write & Shop Foreman Pro

In this video, we dive into the world of automotive diagnostics and programming as we put the new J2534 programming interface, the Launch Smart Link, to the test. Join us as we explore its compatibility with two powerful software tools - Subaru Flash-Write and Shop Foreman Pro.
If you're curious about whether the Launch Smart Link can handle the intricacies of programming, flashing, and diagnostics for Subaru vehicles, as well as its performance with the versatile Shop Foreman Pro software, this video has all the answers you need. Our thorough testing and analysis reveal how this interface performs across both platforms, giving you insights into its capabilities and potential applications.
Whether you're an automotive enthusiast, a professional mechanic, or simply interested in cutting-edge automotive technology, this video provides valuable information and firsthand experience with the Launch Smart Link J2534 programming interface. Watch as we uncover its compatibility, reliability, and efficiency in working with Subaru Flash-Write and Shop Foreman Pro, and see for yourself how this tool could revolutionize your diagnostic and programming tasks.

[@djosbun]

Thank you, Chad. I really enjoy every video that you release as they’re always full of excellent information.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Thanks for watching Dave.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Great video! I’m new to programming Subaru. Where can I get the Flashwrite software?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

It’s kind of a pain. You have to call a number on Subarus website and pay over the phone. They will mail out a cd with current flash software and all flashes. CDs get release quarterly. As long you aren’t working on brand new Subarus you can get by with one disc a year. It’s around $100 a disc.
I heard they might change it to a direct download system but my guess is they are going to move to a cloud based software with built in flash support like everyone else has.

[@automan1223]

Thank you for this primer on programming Subaru ! . Some issues I had.. 1 CD rom would not autoload, had to install and uninstall a few times before program would work. (Following the instructions, there was NO autoload.bat file" on the CD directory. There were other autoload files. (Also took a long long time to load the Smart link program & related etc) .....Once opened 2. CID was grayed out seem like I needed an internet connection. Would not read the vehicle during a search but reading vehicle data thru my j box (Snap on Pass thru pro 3) tool box program gave me the calibrations ID I needed to manually enter required lookups. 4. When the search was not properly scanning the vehicle I tried to "build" a vehicle using the drop down menus. the "YEAR/MODEL" box had a boat load of options which resulted in "no results found" OR returned MANY calibrations, some appeared to overlap in the notes section. So I was uncomfortable just throwing any old update on the ECM. Patience wore thinEnded up running the reinstall/ repair menu on the Smart link program... but was able to get updated file on the vehicle/ecm. Def ran better had faster starts.. Lastly had no green D-Check connectors to connect on a 2015 model Thanks again !

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Often time the issue with flag write is the database selection and region. You need to select those and then restart the PC.
I had some issues with my smartlink early on until I plugged into an Ethernet cable and allowed the tool to update with a direct connection.

[@automan1223]

@@ThePracticalMechanic I did make sure to double check all the selections in each menu, and rebooting several times. I am not a big tech guy but my feeling was that it connected thru the wi fi and then started to work. The database was not initially put on the hard drive & it was trying to read from the cd. running the repair tool it finally put the North American database on C drive...

[@hnd2893]

Do the AM scanners when used on Subaru have an OBD menu selection with vehicle info?
That's where the CID is using the SSM3 & 4.
When searching Flashwrite, check for applicable updates by CID and Vehicle Spec. Sometimes there will be more than one and or with different descriptions.
On some WRX models, you may not find a flash file, search Impreza with turbo aspiration.
The software will determine if the control unit is suitable for programming.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Yes. You can use the launch tablet to view the information as well. It will be listed under mode $09 in the generic menu and sometimes can be viewed in the enhanced Subaru menu.

[@raviautoscanning]

Thank you.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Your very welcome.

[@launchthinkdiag4265]

Hi, is it free software foreman pro? Can i use with my launch j2534?

[@thinktoolmax6284]

Is this subaru j2534 programmer software free? Or how much to pay? What is its name please? Flashsearch? Thx

[@philh9238]

Not sure. Think I’ll stick with the cardaq line up.

[@Bill-wz6tw]

You could reprogram it but you have to erase the thing first or virginify it as some techs like to call it LOL

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I have used the launch smart link to update programming on many Subaru modules. Erasing the module back to a virgin state is only needed when installing used module or correcting issues with VVT.