innova obd2 help

[bgblue1978]

I have searched and read several threads about code readers but they seem to be older. I'm looking for a code reader for home use. I'd like to spend less than $150 but I'd spend a little more if there are features I'd need and of course I'd prefer to spend less. I've been looking at the innova models but I'm having a hard time finding all of the differences so I'm just looking for another opinion (girlfriend is tired of hearing about code readers)

3120d-$129-has OBDI, OBDII, and ABS
3130c-$173-has OBDII, ABS, FixAssist
3150d-$149-has OBDII, ABS, SRS

I don't have anything that falls into the OBDI right now but I'm leaning towards the 3120d for flexibility. Am I missing something? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Own an Android phone, or Tablet? Torque Pro $5, BlueTooth DLC $15.

 

[bgblue1978]

I do have an android phone, will that give me dealer codes and abs? I'd prefer a stand alone code reader but I must admit that price seems hard to beat.

 

[bgblue1978]

ok i apologize, i've tried searching but i don't seem to have much luck. I'm looking into the bluetooth and i'm trying to find a bluetooth that will work with torque pro and car gauge pro. they both list elm 327 but when i search that on amazon it comes back with a lot of different options. am i not understanding this?

 

[Ncognito]

I have the Innova 31603. It will read OBDII, some ABS and SRS DTC'S. I think it will even read some manufacturers specific codes. It will let you view live data and let you customize your PIDs. I haven't tried that function yet, so I don't know how well it works. It is not bi-directional. I do know that it won't read some ABS codes. Specifically my 1996 Honda Accord. Can't remember right off hand what I paid for it, but it was more than $150.

What functions do you want in your code reader?

 

[bgblue1978]

I want to read and clear codes, live data like fuel trim etc, dealer codes, abs would be a plus

 

[No Free Time]

ok i apologize, i've tried searching but i don't seem to have much luck. I'm looking into the bluetooth and i'm trying to find a bluetooth that will work with torque pro and car gauge pro. they both list elm 327 but when i search that on amazon it comes back with a lot of different options. am i not understanding this?

I bought this adapter on a recommendation I read on another thread here on GJ. It works with Torque on my Droid Bionic. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ELM327-v1-5-Bluetooth-Mini-Small-Interface-OBD2-Scanner-Adapter-TORQUE-ANDROID-/171254854958?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item27df95b52e

I bought an Innova 3160 when they first came out in early 2009. At that time the models supported by the ABS portion were limited. It looks like the newer offerings support more models. I would suggest looking at the ABS coverage charts to verify the Innova scanners support your vehicles. Here is the chart for the 3150d. http://innova.com/Content/Support/Downloads/20130613_3150d_ABS_App_Chart.pdf

I’ve been happy with the code reading and live data on the 3160. It has helped me when repairing my own vehicles. I have only used Torque and the ELM327 adapter a couple of times but so far it appears to do everything the 3160 does and more.

I find the 3160 is easier to use if I just want to pull a code or clear a code after a repair. If I want to watch real time data then I use Torque. It displays the data better and I can view only the data points I want.

I know the 3160 was not on your list but it has a similar interface to the units you did list.

 

[bgblue1978]

Does anyone have experience with the 3120? Am I reading the features coreectly thatbit does obd1 obd2 and abs? Seems like a lot for the money

 

[Fedwrench]

You may want to consider offerings from Autel.

Also OBD1 is basically 1983-1995, do you work on those vintage vehicles? if not skip it.

Also, low end scanners don't offer much in ABS/SRS capability due to the immense amount of proprietary information in those areas.

Many low end devices only give you generic OBD2 data.

Depending on your skill level, you'll quickly want more capability in a scan tool. Consider laptop offerings from autoenginuity and others.
http://www.tooltopia.com/equus-31603.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/autel-al519.aspx

 

[bgblue1978]

I work on a range of vehicles but none of my personal vehicles fall into the obd1 so im not overly concerned with it. I feel like im asking questions and I dont really know what im talking about as far as these scan tools. Can anyone recommend a link that explains the modes and features so I can try to judge what features I will actually use. It seems im not very good at searching because I cant find a good explanation. Thanks again for the help.

 

[dudutzu905]

I have the 31603, and I'm satisfied with the amount of things that it can do for the money I paid and for the fact that is stand alone hand held and fairly small, the only bi-directional function available is evap testing, and even that not on everything
innova is offering right now free abs and srs upgrade for asian cars, so that will fill out some gaps in that area, making it more versatile

read here
http://pro.innova.com/Product/PickRightTool

and then go here, you can there see the comparison chart between the models
http://pro.innova.com/Product/FullDetail/f968c286-07ab-46b7-bfd5-bae40673742e

it can be had for low $200 new, pretty good in my opinion

 

[bgblue1978]

I think the 3130, 3140, 3160 all do the minum things I want plus the
3130 has the fix assistant
3140 also does obd1
3160 also does srs

The 3130 is about $25 cheaper on amazon. Can someone chime in about which of these three you think will be most useful. How often do you need to use srs codes?