Innova 3160 Diagnostic Scan Tool with ABS/SRS and Live Data for OBD2 Vehicles

This is a very easy to use scanner and well worth the price. Amazon was within $20 of anyone else selling the product new. I own 7 cars (6 kids, 5 with cars). The software works great and futher explains any codes that have been recorded. There are two things that are a little difficult to understand. The top left part of the screen contains a bunch of small icons with abbreviations that you have to go through the manual to figure out which I didn't find worth the effort, but I'm new at using it so there may be good reason for them being displayed. The other is the 3 LED's that show the status of the emission system on the upper right of the keypad. If everything is fine it lights the green LED. If not you get a yellow or red LED. I had some cars with no codes or issues but the yellow LED was on but you're left with figuring out why it's not green. I had one car that constantly has the ABS light showing on the cars display. Using the ABS function showed the wheel sensor on the passenger front tire was not reporting to the ABS controller. I replaced the sensor and still had the same issue. Checking the power to the sensor at the sensor connector showed that it had 12V. That means either the sensor signal line going to controller or the controller itself has the issue. I didn't debug futher but it was nice to be able to check this quickly using the scanner. The "LIVE DATA" is nice to have, but I had to buy an OBDII manual (Haynes) to know what the values mean and determine what values are appropriate. I'm very happy with this scanner and found it very intuitive, nicely packaged and very handy. Hope you make the same choice.

The Innova 3160 scan tool does far more than is advertised. I specifically purchased this item because it would save 5 minutes of data for all of the data points...Fuel Trims: Short & Long for Banks 1 & 2, RPM, SPeed, TPS, O2 sensors before & after the catalytic converters , Mass Air Flow #/min, and many other Sensors. That is very helpfull. BUT what is not advertised and is NOT explained nor alluded to in the instructions is that you can view real time graphical data for each and every data value. For example, say you want to view the real time feed of the MAS. Hit the Real Time Data button, LD, scroll down to the MAS and hit the return arrow, the middle button between the up & down scroll buttons. BINGO, you see real time data values GRAPHED . In my case I had codes P0171 & P0174 which together indicate vacuum leak. So I scrolled to the STFT B1 % and viewed it's real-time results. The graph made it IMMEDIATELY CLEAR that I only had LEAN CONDITIONS while the engine idled. The real-time graph of the STFT B1 & B2 % at idle, 770 to 900 rpm, showed values of 22 to 41%. They should have been between -3 to +3. While the engine ran above 1100 rpm, the STFT and LTFT values were exactly to specified ranged fluctuations to properly heat/cool fuel for proper burn in the cat. BRAVO. By the way, I am not a mechanic. I am a retired Dentist that got tired of being over-charged or charged for the wrong work on my vehicles. I now keep them running to spec thanks to this great product. Also, go to thr web site of SCANNERDANNER on youtube: [...] His tutorials / presentations about the proper diagnosis and application of OBD Codes is top rate. Also, I purchased this book on Amazon for my Kindle account: OBD-II: Functions, Monitors and Diagnostic Techniques by Santini. It is also OUTSTANDING. What amazing times we live in ....

I was sick and tired of getting told by the auto parts stores that they could read my car codes with their scan tools but they could not clear the check engine codes anymore. Then being told that only the dealer or a certified mechanic could clear the check engine codes. Which costs $65.00 - $95.00 just for them connecting their diagnostics computer to your car. Then the outrageous parts and labor charges to repair simple fixes like replacing sensor or filters. Innova's scan tool makes an accurate, fast, easy, and simple tool for troubleshooting your check engine light for anyone, from backyard mechanic, weekend car repair amateur, to the professional auto mechanic. Just plug into OBD port on you car and this tool reads which type of computer OBD/OBD II is installed and type make model of car then displays codes stored in the cars memory which are causing the check engine light to illuminate. Diagnosing trouble codes is make especially easy by the Diagnostic Trouble Code - DTC Library contained on this hand held device. After diagnosing and fixing the problems found, I was able to clear the cars computer memory of all fail codes simply by using the erase function. This tool Saved me Hundreds of Dollars in mechanics fees and dealership labor charges by allowing me to read the codes, diagnose my cars problems, repair and clear codes from my cars computer memory which reset the check engine light. Includes Innova's easy to install and use computer software for in depth troubleshooting and diagnostics tools. Best money I have ever spent on any of my automotive repair tools. - I Love It!

After reading every review on the 3160 and the Actron 9580, I came to the conclusion that the only way to make a smart purchase was to buy both, and keep the superior one. I wear a suit for a day job, but cand rebuild both Gas and Diesel. I wanted a scanner that did ABS because I had an ABS LIGHT on in my 2000 GMC Yukon XL with 154k. I talked to both companies several times and depending on who you got made a big difference each time. Example: Equus Question: Why are you still using a RS232 connector to download to the computer? Answer 1: we used the existing chassy, looking to switch to USB in the fall. Answer 2: We prefer 232 over USB because most of the shop computers still have serial connectors. Actron Question: When selecting my vehicle it gives me the 4 choices of AP with traction control. What does AP stand for? Answer 1: doesn't matter which one you pick, I'd it's pulling your ABS CODES you picked the right one. Answer 2: I don't know. Good question. Take away is that both companies have some techs better than others. Now the Tests: Plugged 9580 first. Had to answer questions about the vehicle. There is a method tom the madness. When I had it pull the codes, it grabbed them with one key Stroke. C0265 and C0281 with the description of the code. No code connect feature with ABS. Used my $29 subscription all data to pull the renowned. You could scroll down into state level menus and see if you would pass emissions. Equus 3160. When I plugged in, it did not ask me for the vehicle, but pulled the codes,which there were none. Had to enter the ABS section where it also pulled the same ABS codes, except no description which explains why you put the vehicle info in the Actron. But the 3160 had another menu for enhanced DTC. When I pulled that, it found a security shut down code. I have an auto start and every once in a while, they don't play well together and i have to 10 minutes before the alarm resets. Interestingly the 3160 did give me description of that code. The 3160 does give u the green light for emissions, but it's kindmof a fluffy think, 9580 was two key strokes. Both companis wan you to buy subscription services for repair. Actron gives youma coupon to try one for free, Equus does not. Equus Pros: grabbed all of the codes, fairly intuitive, nice case and nice software. Equus Cons: abs data limited, software is 2008', with no USB, how ling before the 3170 comes out? Tech support, some people were a little spirited about the competition, trash talk and some were very logical. Could not get software to connect, but in fairness, had a plane to catch. Actron 9580: if I get a code connect code, it would be great, definitely a new plat form. Have posted directions on how to load drivers, saw lots of complaints, also could not connect as well, but had limited time Actron 9580 Pros: one button got engine and ABS codes. It's at the beginning of the technology curve and it was simple. Cons: missed a code, no code connect in ABS, can't evaluate that part yet. Conclusion: I hate it when people right views and they leave you hanging. I actually see needing both as they both have short comings. ABS was more robust on cars and the 9580 wasn't thrilled with my Mercedes in general. Equus can pull them but you will be looking them up. I don't think either is a mistake but the 9580 has a great advantage ofmbeing a new platform which means although they haven't done an upgrade, there is one coming soon. I think when your buying the 9580, your buyingna product with a longer life cycle. Make no mistakes, 3160 performed well, reads more, but imdont know if because of memory in the old chasis they can store anymore dats. I had no problems getting either units, don't knownwhere the Jolly Rogers came from. Sounds like they bought used. I welcome your questions and comments, i have not made up my mind yet. He'll, maybe I will keep both. Equus 3160

Very good product. This is my second Innova scanner--these products work well and are reliable. One Caution: BE SURE to understand precisely what models this unit covers. I have a Lexus hybrid: the ABS/braking system on Toyota hybrid vehicles is totally different than regular models, so this tool cannot view ABS or Hybrid drivetrain DTCs, or read ABS sensor data on Toyota hybrids (the rep from Innova told me that may or may not be addressed in a future firmware update). This WILL show all the standard and Toyota/Lexus-specific OBD engine/SRS codes as well as let you view live engine sensor data. The live-data feature is very handy, as I had a cooling fan issue and being able to see coolant temperature as measured by the vehicle computer which saved much time and guesswork. I also plan to look at the O2 sensor response using the live data feature. I would be tempted to rig up some sort of dashboard mount for it although the unit's a bit big for that, and the interface cable comes from the top. I also own a Nissan, and, as advertised, it does not show ABS on this vehicle either (not to digress but WHY did the automakers make TPMS separate from OBD? I WISH it would do TPMS reset/relearn/registration). I knew all this BEFORE I bought it, and thus know it's not a $10,000 Nissan Consult II or a whatever fancy computer the Lexus dealer uses. It's useful, but it will not do all things for all cars, you have been warned. The product comes with a software app that lets you upgrade the firmware as well as download data via a standard mini-USB cable to a PC. I installed and played with the app (on XP) and it seemed to work fine. My unit's firmware was current as-shipped, so I uninstalled the app. The app does not do anything really amazing so I will re-load it if a new firmware update is announced. The app would probably be useful if you managed a fleet of vehicles and wanted to keep track of OBD codes (it loads a lite version of the MS-SQL database app).

This is one of the top models of innova's scan tool product line its does evap testing 02 sensor testing, as well and cummincatiniig with ABS/SRS system. It has live data capability that has a list of 26 different items to view live. Though this tool doesnt have as much functionality of its higher en brothers it still does 90% of the functions you would need it to do in order to do any repairs on a vehicle. You can use it to view 02 sensor voltage as well as a live fuel trim. If you choose to install the data link software onto your computer everytime you pull the codes on a car and plug it in it automatically uploads basic car information as well as the VIN onto your computer where it then allows you to add customer information archive codes that were pulled and add comments on work done. a great tool for any DIY mechanics as well as a someone works for themselves and wants to keep track of customer information. I work at a shop and i like to use it to keep track of what work i have done to customers cars it makes it very easy when a car comes in to look up archived repairs and codes and see what has already been done to the vehicle to help rule out repairs when new issues arise. So far my experience with this scan tool has been great the only other scan tools that i have used that seemed decent were the autel one which i believe is android based so its pretty user friendly and the newest model snap on one which was very nice but also 5 thousand dollars so a definite no for me

I purchased the 3160 assuming it would read and display all ODB2 data, including all available live data (PID) from ODB2 compliant vehicles. It will not read "ALL" live data, only some of the available live data. The Amazon listing states the 3160 "Provides SAE (Society Of Automotive Engineers) enhanced Live Data". For clarification, OBD-II is an expanded set of standards and practices developed by SAE and adopted by the EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) for implementation by January 1, 1996. After receiving the 3160 I connected to several different vehicles; Honda, Toyota, Ford & GM. It read all of the digital trouble codes (DTC) that were present. I can't say if it will read all DTCs. I can say it was unable to read all available live data from any of the tested vehicles. The following is an excerpt from the 3160 user manual. "The real time (Live Data) vehicle operating information (values/status) that the computer supplies to the Scan Tool for each sensor, actuator, switch, etc. is called Parameter Identification (PID) Data. Each PID (sensor, actuator switch, status, etc.) has a set of operating characteristics and features (parameters) that serve to identify it. The Scan Tool displays this information for each sensor, actuator, switch or status that is supported by the vehicle under test." The last sentence is an untrue statement based upon my personal experience. In general it read CARB mandated signals, but was unable to read vehicle specific "Enhanced Signals". A specific example is the enhanced signals from the ECU of a 1999 Toyota 4Runner with the 3.4L 5VZ-FE engine. It read all CARB mandated (PID) signals. It was unable to decode any of the Toyota Enhanced Signals. I was specifically interested in the idle air controller (IAC) Duty Ratio (%) and Injector time (ms) for cylinder No. 1. I did not give the 3160 a one star rating because it is an inferior product. I gave the low rating because I feel the Innova product description is misleading. The 3160 may work well for most individuals needs given the cost of the unit. I require the enhanced signals. I should have done more research into the unit before making my purchase. I am returning the unit and continuing my search for another scanner. I expect to meet my requirements I will pay significantly more than the cost of the 3160.

I had been looking for a couple of years for a good excuse to purchase a more advanced code scanner than the ones I already had (generic beep code and/or simple LED code readout scanners). I always held out because I know enough about cars that I really didn't need one with such advanced capabilities, and since my vehicles have given little trouble, I really didn't need to do much code reading anyway. However, recently, my friends' Chrysler 2004 Pacifica (or is it a 2006? I can't remember) suddenly had the ABS light stay on continually, and the ABS system ceased functioning altogether. They took it to their trusted mechanic who told them that the vehicle's left, front ABS wheel speed sensor had failed and quoted them a repair estimate of well over $300.00. So, knowing that at that time such an expense would be burdensome to them, I did a little checking and discovered that the speed sensor itself could be had via Advance Auto for around $40.00, and after getting a good view of the front suspension, realized that the installation would be no more than a half hour job (since I already own all the tools needed to do the job right and efficiently). So, I volunteered to install the new sensor personally for no charge (other than the cost of the sensor). I did so and nothing changed. ABS light still on; ABS system still non-functional. So, knowing that my repair abilities were beyond reproach, I had finally found my excuse to upgrade to a new code reader. (That statement is written in humor; actually my pride was bruised at the perceived failure of my efforts!) After some relatively extensive research, I decided to purchase this code reader/scanner based on its advertised feature set vs. cost and its many positive reviews. Although, prior to purchase, I did visit the manufacturer's website to download a list of vehicles compatible with this device, particularly looking at the ABS compatibility chart. I discovered that the Pacifica was not mentioned at all! However, seeing that other Chrysler vehicles were listed that shared the same drive train and model year range as the Pacifica, I decided to take a chance on it working even though it didn't specifically say it should. So, once it arrived, I promptly plugged it into the Pacifica (without reading the manual first; I am a man afterall) and was pleasantly surprised that the device powered-on by itself and began giving instructions on its screen on how to proceed. I followed the on-screen directions, navigated through the menus to the ABS testing section, and initiated the test sequence/code readout. To my relief, it recognized the ABS system correctly (as a Chrysler system) and reported the failed wheel-speed sensor (specifically reported it, not just a generic code)! Only this device reported that the front, right wheel speed sensor had failed, not the left. So, I purchased another one for the right side and replaced it as I had done with the left one (only took 20 minutes this time!), used this Code Scanner to clear the ABS memory, ran the test sequence again, and there was no ABS problem code discovered and the persistent ABS warning light had turned off. A quick (and spirited) test drive confirmed that the ABS system was once again functioning normally! So, if I were asked to summarize my experience with the Equus 3160 scanner, I'd say the following: It did exactly what I needed it to do, more easily and faster that I expected it to do it, on a vehicle for which it wasn't specifically advertised to fully function! My friends were very pleased to have the repair accomplished for only $80.00, a fraction of what they would have had to pay if they had taken it to their mechanic. Further, it would have only cost them $40.00, had that mechanic not have mistakenly listed the wrong side sensor on the repair estimate sheet. Although, if it wasn't an error in typing, but instead an error of his multi-thousand-dollar "professional" scanner/code reader, wouldn't that be ironic! The little scanner that the elistist mechanics turn their noses up to showing up the high-and-mighty scanners and at a fraction of the price! (Now, I suppose its remotely possible that the left one really had failed, and upon my replacing it, the right one, in that exact instant, failed too, making it only seem that the mechanic gave the wrong quote. But if I were that mechanic, I wouldn't be banking on coincidence to stay in business.) What's more, if I had taken my friends' offer to pay for the scanner too, since I bought it, at least initially, just for their repair, they still would have paid less than the original price quoted by the professional mechanic! Conclusion: Thanks, Equus, for putting the power of the elitist professionals into the hands of the regular people at a price that permits those regular people to afford to take matters into their own hands! (...repeating that last sentence to myself to see if it sounds right/makes sense... ...yeah, it does!)