Customer Reviews

INNOVA 3130 Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability for OBDII Vehicles

5 star:		(104)
4 star:		(50)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

hey guys, im a gm technician and i got this scanner to keep in my tool box for when other makes of cars come in and i've now used it on 3 different vehicles and ive gotta tell you, this is probably the best scan tool i've used with the exception of professional grade tools from snap-on or mac that can cost 10 thousand or more. this is definately the right choice for anyone who needs a good tool for pulling codes.

im not sure how well it can read into the CAN systems to pull codes from various modules (such as transfer case control modules and things of that nature), but thats only because i havnt had a chance to try it on one with a known issue yet. as for the PCM, it's got a great library of codes, and the live data is something you typically dont see on tools like this. the live data info available for viewing varies but for most vehicles it includes the basics like throttle position, engine load, short term and long term fuel trim, mass air flow readings, and even oxygen sensor readings. this does not show extremely detailed pcm data, but for the weekend mechanic or anyone who needs a code puller or secondary scan tool, this is it. if youre looking for a hand held, you found the perfect match right here.

Length:: 3:25 Mins

I originally ordered the Equus 3110, which is a great tool. I realized that the 3110 wasn't what I needed because it doesn't have the live data display or back lighting (I should have read further).
I ordered the 3130 yesterday and recieved it today. Let me tell you, this is a fantastic tool, especially considering the price. The back light feature is great for my old eyes. The "live data" display and record is wonderful for trouble shooting.
The included software is more than adequate. Remember, you are buying hardware. This is not meant to run your garage on. I say you can't go wrong with this gear.
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I haven't used it much since I got it, but I did manage to try all the features of this 3130 scanner and the few things I didn't like were: (1) The limited flash memory probably doesn't have much capacity because when I tried to obtain an upgrade file, there were two choices. You either get one version that gives some firmware update, or you choose the other version that gives you a firmware update plus extra database trouble code info for maybe 25-30 more vehicles, but at the expense of losing the mulilingual functionality. The upgrade site also didn't mention if you can downgrade back if you didn't like whichever version you picked, so I didn't take that risk and chose the version that just gives an update to the firmware. (2) The scanner can save your retrieved codes to memory and then you can print or export a report via the OBD PC-Link software. You can also print some graphs with the software version that I have (version 1.32). I have heard others say graphs were not possible, so maybe they had older versions. Anyway, my complaint is you cannot save the raw data so you can open with the software again for later analysis. You can only export the main data to text file report or print the graphs. (3) Tech support never got back to me about my question regarding capturing live data. I'm still not clear on the three trigger points of capturing the data (such as what exactly do they mean by setting a manual trigger in the beginning versus middle or the end depending on when the ENTER/LD button was pressed?).

However, I really liked the ability to capture live data. Though I didn't have any issues with my car, I can see how a lot of the live data info can help with diagnosing a potential problem with the car. You can see the numbers updating (such as engine rpm or short term fuel trim, etc.) which seems like once every second.

Overall, I can see this being a useful tool and gets the main job done. However, due to the minor annoyances with the updateability and the reporting features, I would have to deduct one star.

Update 2011-02-02:

It's been quite a long time since I bought this tool so now I have much more experience with it. So far, it has not failed to retrieve a DTC code from various cars I've tried: BMW 325, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Sienna, Mercedes E320, Honda Civic, Honda CRV.

What I found valuable was the freeze frame data. This helped determine the state of the car when the DTC was triggered. I take it for granted that I get this data, because this is the only scan tool I have ever used. I'm sure cheaper simple code readers cannot get this data and will definitely make the troubleshooting process harder.

Live data capture has worked well and I used it to analyze what's going on with the car in the comfort of my office using the included OBD-PCLink software. The software still sucks in that you cannot save the raw data to use in, say, excel, where I can create much better graphs. The graphing tool on this software does not have enough granularity on the y-axis, so it's hard to see any fluctuations in the numbers unless there is some drastic fluctuation. It would be nice to be able to export the raw data, but it's not that bad because most of the time once you see the data, you sort of have an idea what's going on, and then don't really need the data afterwards.

Overall, I have had no other complaints about this tool now that I've been putting it into real action. My friends are also thanking me because I save them a lot of $ from the dealers!

Item mostly worked as described by web description and manufacturer. Found that the unit intermittently locks up and then has to re-link. Mode-01 Live data is very slow to update. Sometimes when you choose Live data mode by pressing button, unit does not respond immediately to command and often hangs while getting initial PID download from ECU-PCM. Specs says it supports enhanced data for PCM and TCM, however, it does not support ABS, SRS-Airbags, or any body\chassis codes as it comes. Manufacturer offers an $99.00 US firmware update to add US-Chrysler, Ford, and GM ABS, but there is currently no options for any Asian, or European ABS, SRS, chassis, etc. Called manufacturer and they advised that Honda, and Toyota ABS may come next, but no confirmed plans or date. There are no plans as per the manufacturer to add SRS or chassis\body code support. This is unacceptable in today's economy with the current technologies. These advanced functions used to be OEM dealer scan tool functions at a very high price, however, there is no excuse to not support these functions now. I.e. The Autel MaxiScan model JP701 supports Asian, and the US703 supports American, and the EU702 and FR704 for European and French makes all supporting advanced PCM, TCM, ABS, SRS, and possibly some chassis\body DTC's.
I would suggest that the manufacturer of the 31xx series needs to re-evaluate the functional requirements for this entire line of scan tools and rectify some of these issues and lack of functionality or they run the risk of not being competitive in this economy.

I am a DIY person and have done most maintenance and repairs on my vehicles for over 30 years. I had gotten tired of being charged $30-40 per event for reading and clearing Misc codes from my newer vehicles. Sometimes to have the shop tell me it was nothing but a temp misfire, fuel pressure fluxuation, etc... I read product reviews by others on this site and made my purchase. It is exactly what I had in mind and I should have it paid for in 3-4 events. I think the basic code reader could suit most people and give you some peace of mind and opportunities to avoid some shop OH costs. But I paid a little more for the ability to see real time data, to keep an eye on suspect O2 sensors etc...Anyone that knows a little about vehicles can benefit from this tool and there is plenty of educational info on the internet to bring you up to speed. This tool is very easy to use.

This scanner has amazing abilities considering the price. It has communicated with all OBD2 and Can Bus vehicles I have tried it on. I work at a dealership and use this scanner frequently. It is super fast at retrieving and clearing dtc's which is important when you work in the industry. It provides freeze frame for all codes that support freeze frame. It has many pids to display on the live data function, and the live data is relatively fast. I use this for everything from reading and clearing dtc's to making sure the ect pid stays steady when bleeding a cooling system to prevent overheating. My coworkers often ask to borrow it from me because it is so quick and easy to use compared with the factory scan tool we have. I have owned it for almost a year and have not had any issues with it.

Very good product. Small, light weight, easy to use unit. We were having difficulty reading codes on a Dodge SRT supercharged truck and this unit out performed a commercial unit that notably was several years old but had recently been software up dated (to the tune of over $1,000). We're planning to try the data log function next time at the track. I highly recommend this unit to commercial and drive way mechanics.

This Scan Tool includes CAN diagnostics, works on all 1996 and newer cars and gives Diagnostic faults codes, Live Data values, Freeze frame information and also records and logs data. A vehicle diagnostic report is able to be printed with the software that is included. This software also allows each of the recorded files to be uploaded and graphed on your computer. The Red, Yellow and Green lights on the tool quickly indicate whether or not an OBD2 vehicle is ready for an OBD2 Emissions test. This tool will save you time in diagnosing vehicles quickly.

This is a fantastic product. I have used it many times on my personal vehicles as well as friends and family cars, its more than paid for its self. The live data and record feature is very handy only if you know what your looking for. Most people who just want a code reader could bypass this and get the next model down without any loss of function. I found the users manual easy to read and understand. The scanner and included hardware are all of good quality, a case is a must to protect it. Anybody who has a 96 and newer vehicle should invest in a Equus code scanner.

This scanner is very good. Display live data very well with my Dodge Caravan 1997. I could see RPM, Load, MAP, temperatures and more while driving.