In this review, I will help all of you guys to get an ideal Innova Scan tool for yourself by reviewing and comparing the 5 best Innova Scan Tools for OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles in 2019.
Table of Contents
- 1 Innova Scan Tool: Editor’s Top 3 Picks Comparison Chart
- 2 5 Best Innova Scan Tools Review
- 2.1 1Innova 3100j Diagnostic Code Reader / Scan Tool with ABS and SRS
- 2.2 2Innova 3040e ABS, Oil Reset, Live Data Code Reader OBD2
- 2.3 3Innova 3160g ABS, SRS, Bluetooth, and Live Data for OBD2 Vehicles
- 2.4 4INNOVA 3120 Diagnostic Scan Tool/Code Reader for OBD1 and OBD2 Vehicles
- 2.5 5Innova 3150f Code Reader / Scan Tool with ABS/SRS and Bluetooth for OBD2 Vehicles
- 3 Recommendation
Innova Scan Tool: Editor’s Top 3 Picks Comparison Chart
First, here is a handy comparison chart of the Top 3 Innova OBD2 Scan Tools available today.
| For DIYers (Editor's Pick) | For Any Car Owners | For Mechanics | |
 Innova 3100j |  Innova 3040e |  Innova 3160g | |
| Customer Rating |  4.3 / 5 |  4.1 / 5 |  4.2 / 5 |
| Price |  |  | |
| Pros | Fast and Effective; Supports ABS, SRS, EVAP, and Freeze Frame of most OBD2 cars, light trucks, SUVs, or Hybrids | Can read and erase check engine light codes on virtually any OBD2 vehicles; Support ABS, Oil Reset, and Live Data on most OBD2 vehicles. | Excellent Scanner for Engine, ABS, SRS for OBD2 Vehicles from US, Asian and EU. |
| Cons | For US-original vehicles ONLY; Possibility of Failed Firmware Update. | Possible Compatibility Issues with some OBD2 vehicles such as 1998 Volvo, 2010 Smart, 2003 Chev Colorado, 1997 Ford Ranger, etc. | May not support all ABS European Codes; Poor customer service. |
| Bottom Line | The average car owners and DIYers will love Innova 3100j scan tool because the price can’t be beat for the features it offers. | Innova 3040e suits those who want to turn off the CEL or do ABS diagnosis on an OBD2 car, light truck, SUV, or Hybrid. | Innova 3160g is the best Innova Scan Tools for experienced enthusiasts and beginner mechanics. |
5 Best Innova Scan Tools Review
With the dozens of Innova OBD2 scanners on the market, it may seem impossible to narrow down your options. Luckily for you, I have spent countless hours testing to narrow down to the five best options.
The Scan Tools in this review are listed in order of increasing price for your convenience.
Just scroll down to see the 5 Best Innova Scan Tools Detailed Reviews!!
1Innova 3100j Diagnostic Code Reader / Scan Tool with ABS and SRS
4.3 / 5Why Taking Innova 3100j?
For an ABS scan tool, the Innova 3100j is one of the most effective. It can read codes for just about any vehicle models made after 1996 and can display the data in English, Spanish and French.
Like some other scan tools, this one also reads and erases codes for anti-lock brake systems, which many customers have given positive reviews about.
All you have to do is plug it in and let it go to work. Unless you’re a professional who needs more technical information, this is a great device for the average vehicle owner.
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INNOVA 3100j’s shortcomings
Most negative reviews on this product are about the fact that it doesn’t display a lot of information. In addition, it doesn’t do an airbag check and the data isn’t live.
Who is it for?
It is definitely a DIY scan tool. The average people will love this scan tool because the price can’t be beaten for the features it offers.
2Innova 3040e ABS, Oil Reset, Live Data Code Reader OBD2
4.3 / 5Why Taking Innova 3040E?
In a nutshell, people like the Innova 3040e because it can read and erase check engine light codes on virtually any vehicle that was manufactured after 1996, both foreign and domestic.
The all-in-one display screen provides you with 25 different bits of information, so you know exactly what the device is doing and finding.
The live data is a great feature that allows people to see the machine work in real time. And if your ABS light is on in your vehicle, then you will love this unit.
Most people bought this Innova scan tool specifically to clear the ABS light. So, you can imagine how well it works!!
The battery/alternator test is convenient to have, but it isn’t anything special.
You can find other cheap tests that will plug into your cigarette lighter, but why do that when you can combine it with the Innova 3040e?
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Innova 3040e’s Shortcomings
The main thing customers don’t like about the 3040e is the short cable. It’s so short that you have to be sitting in the driver’s seat in order to use it. If you want to walk around your vehicle, you’ll have to use an extension cord.
Other than that, I think you’ll quickly see this is one of the best values on the market when it comes to scan tools.
Who is it for?
If you’re a beginner or an average car owner, Innova 3040E never fails you.
3Innova 3160g ABS, SRS, Bluetooth, and Live Data for OBD2 Vehicles
4.2 / 5Why Taking Innova 3160g?
The Innova 3160g has just about everything you could want, including live data, the ability to read ABS/SRS codes and display other engine conditions that many tools don’t show.
You would have a lot of positive things to say about its ability to read and erase the ABS/SRS codes.
The really cool thing about this device is it can graph, display and record the data in real time. If you’re someone who likes to know exactly what is going on in the diagnostic tool and your vehicle, then this is the perfect pick for you to use.
If you have an older OBD1 vehicle, you have the option for an upgrade to use it on those as well!
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Shortcomings of Innova 3160g
There aren’t a lot of bad things to say about the Innova 3160g, but it’s definitely not a perfect device. With so many features, you can imagine the price is going to be a little higher.
In fact, it is nearly twice as expensive as the average of the other scan tools in this review.
Many of the other complaints have to do with the software and the data displayed. You have to have some specific equipment to be able to use the Innova 3160g to its full potential.
It may be worth contacting the manufacturer before purchasing it to determine whether you have the correct requirements then.
Who is it for?
Innova 3160g is the best Innova Scan Tool for experienced enthusiasts and beginner mechanics.
4INNOVA 3120 Diagnostic Scan Tool/Code Reader for OBD1 and OBD2 Vehicles
4.1 / 5Why Taking Innova 3120?
What makes the Innova 3120 device handy is its ability to read codes for the newer OBD2 vehicles made after 1996 and many older OBD1 vehicles. Most scan tools make you pay for this additional feature, but it’s included in this one.
Since one of the main reasons why people buy the Innova 3120 is because of its ability to read OBD1 codes. It’s very frustrating when it doesn’t work. This is definitely something to keep in mind and check carefully before you make an investment in the scan tool.
The color display shows you 20 pieces of information, which includes the codes and the definitions associated with them. You can also perform a battery/alternator test and anti-lock brake system test, which all have received positive reviews.
Shortcomings of Innova 3120
One of the downfalls of the Innova 3120 is you can’t search for safety restraint system (airbag) codes with this device unless you pay for an upgrade. Also, the data you view on the screen won’t be live, but it refreshes every 30 seconds so you can see the progress.
Who is it for?
If you want to work on either OBD1 or OBD2 vehicles, take Innova 3120 now.
5Innova 3150f Code Reader / Scan Tool with ABS/SRS and Bluetooth for OBD2 Vehicles
4.3 / 5Why Taking Innova 3150f?
The Innova 3150f model will work on any vehicle manufactured after 1996. But what sets this one apart is its ability to also cover older OBD1 vehicles with an optional upgrade.
This scan tool also searches for anti-lock brake system codes and safety restraint system codes, to ensure you are driving safely.
Customers also like that it lets you know whether your vehicle will pass an emissions test and gives you brief information about what the different codes mean.
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Shortcomings of Innova 3150f Scan Tool
This scanner doesn’t necessarily support all vehicles like advertised.
So, you may need to take an extra step and contact the customer support department before you purchase it.
Who is it for?
Take Innova 3150f Scan Tool if you are an enthusiast or a DIY user who want retrieve Check Engine Light codes as well as read & clear ABS/SRS code, Reset Oil/Battery Light, etc. It can work as a hand-held or Bluetooth scanner.
Recommendation
I would recommend Innova 3040e to any car owners. While Innova 3100j suits DIYers, you should take Innova 3160g if you’re an experienced enthusiast or a beginner mechanic.
I’m looking to read chassis codes for my 4×4 system on a 2010 yukon. Do any of these readers do that or what kind would you recommend? Thanks
I am looking for a scanner that will work on my 2013 Ford 6.7 diesel, can you make a recommendation. Amazon says the above do not fit my vehicle.
Hi John,
For your 2013 Ford 6.7 diesel, please have a look at my review of the best Ford Scan Tools https://www.obdadvisor.com/ford-scan-tool/
I would recommend taking the “AUTOPHIX Code Reader 7710 Professional OBDII OBD2 Scanner for Ford, Vehicle Diagnostic Scan Tool for Full System Diagnoses with ABS, SRS, Engine, Transmission, EPB, Oil Reset and Other”
Hello Tim,
I’m currently searching to buy a used Toyota Rav4, we own and plan to keep our
2004 Volvo XC
Which OBD2 scanner would you recommend to take with me on my used car search that would also work on the Volvo
We are not mechanics but have some 45 years of car ownership, mostly owning Asian or European models.
We’d appreciate your feedback
I would recommend Foxwell NT301 https://www.obdadvisor.com/foxwell-nt301/
Or Autel Al619 https://www.obdadvisor.com/autel-al619/
Can anyone explain—what does sub modes ( C, D, E, F ) stands for in Innova scanners ? looks each Innova modes have these submodels…
You should refer to the manual of the scan tool.