INNOVA 3160B ABS/SRS+ Professional CanOBDII Diagnostic Code Scanner with Enhanced Live Data

The 3160 is a very useful tool if you have the right vehicle. It provides generic codes and more from many makes but on European, Korean or Swedish vehicles dont expect much more than the generic codes.

I did not research tool enough to realize nearly all of the "adavanced DTC" functions are for Chrysler/Jeep, Ford/Mazda,GM/Isuzu, Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus vehicles only. The sales verbiage DOES explain the limitations of the ABS testing to certain makes/models but DOES NOT provide the information that the tools enchanced DTC functions share the same vehicle limitations.

The enchanced functions are described in the owners manual as:
"The "enhanced" mode provides the ability to retrieve enhanced DTCs from most Chrysler/Jeep, Ford/Mazda,GM/Isuzu, Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus vehicles. The types of enhanced data available depends on the vehicle make."
"You can also retrieve Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) DTCs. ABS DTCs are available for Chrysler/Jeep, Ford and GM vehicles only."

The included software tool OBD PC Link functions but is clunky at best. I could not locate any documentation on this software's features or operation. The 3160 tool still uses a serial port for communications but most PCs being sold no longer include a serial port only USB. It will require an USB to Serial converter if you do not have a serial port on your PC. The live data capture will display in the OBD PC Link software screen and is useful. The report writing function is generic at best.

I tried to update the 3160 internal software from the OBD PC Link main screen and received a message box telling me to download the latest 3130 software. No instructions on where to get software or how just..... download the latest 3130 software.

Since I own vehicles from Audi, Mercedes, Saab, GM, Chrysler, Lincoln, Suzuki and Hyundai it is still useful and has provided reliable data on the vehicles I have tested it on but it would be a more useful tool if enchanced dtc information was available on all makes.

The 3160 does a good job as a code reader and diagnostic tool for the home mechanic. The DTC codes are specific to vehicle make and so far have been accurate pointing to the problem I introduced to check out the tools operation. BUT I want point out possible issues for other buyers like the lack of enhanced coverage mentioned. If you own a European, Korean or Swedish vehicle this tool does not provide everything listed in the sales verbiage.

Update: 08-17-10

I went to test a Yukon with the 3160 today and the display is garbled and unreadable. Technical support confirms unit is broken. less than 9 months old. Sending in for warranty repair and will update when received back.

Update 09-07-10

I paid to ship unit back to Innova and they paid return shipping. I received it today so it took a some days to get back and it appears it is my unit repaired but since units do not have a serial # sticker I can not be sure. I tested it a bit, it seems ok. Hope it continues to work.

I was tired of the cheap OBD readers and wanted something much better. I also wanted something I could read the ABS system with. The Innova 3160 does the trick. It is easy to use and understand. I like the way it prompts you in order to get what you are looking for. It has an excellent screen with the exact information you need to make repairs. It is obvious that they consulted with a repair tech when they designed it. I haven't tried to up-date it from the computer as yet, but it has all the necessary items and information with it to do so. On the down side, it doesn't have an explanation for all the manufacturer codes, especially the ABS codes. I found that I am going to their web site quite often to get the expanation. The web-site is very good and helpful though. I really like it. The worst thing is the CHEAP carrying case. The unit won't even fit into it with the cable attached. That means that you are always removing and replacing the cable. I'm sure that isn't good on the connection. Throw the case away and buy something better that you can keep the scanner, instruction book, and other materials in. It's hard to believe a company like this would offer such a fine instrument and provide it in this case. Never-the-less, it's a great scanner and well worth the money-just figure a little extra for another case!

What do cats have to do with code scanners?

In my case, cats crawled under the hood of my 2007 Silverado Classic pickup and kept the engine filthy. They also pulled at various wires under the hood. Those two things mean problems for any vehicle, but acutely for my Silverado - as I had to repeatedly wash the filth away the cats left under the hood. The Silverado 4.8 engine for 2007 has knock sensors in the intake valley, and engine washing causes water to damage them by puddling under the intake. With only 6,000 miles in four years, my engine light came on. Turns out the knock sensor problem with water is common. I just wouldn't have had it sans the cats.

I went to my local Auto Zone and they kindly used a scan tool to diagnose a problem with the #2 bank knock sensor (rear - low output) code P0332. I asked about the various scanners they had, but none were all that comprehensive and I had no intention of paying thousands for an OBD2 code scanner that would be more intensive. I did know I needed one as all new vehicles use this Federally Mandated Standard - and I knew cats or something would be setting off more codes, sooner or later, to turn my engine warning lights on again. What I found was the Equus 3160 was capable of handling more than any other scanner on the market in the $400 price range - only for just $200.

My first trial of the unit was on my new Lincoln - I had to have the air conditioning repaired on it this past summer. The scanner found the code left behind, after the repair, for air conditioning "fast cycling". Long since repaired under warranty, this was no problem, and no other problems were found (like pending codes that don't turn on the engine light in the dash). So, I erased the temporary memory in my Lincoln. The 3160 also allowed me to do full diagnostics on every sensor in my Lincoln with the engine running. I found that quite impressive as I could hear the testing - as the unit took over control of the systems. Of course, the erase had reset the computer, so some modules had to reset after a drive - and the computer had to re-learn all the optimal fuel and shift settings while in operation. During the drive, I noticed the car's improvement as it re-learned optimal settings. I also like the complete listing of systems displayed in the "real time screens" as accessed by the DTC and LD buttons. Once the drive was over, the 3160 also showed the vehicle estimated emissions status as green again at the three LEDs for this - a nice added feature that gives more peace of mind. ABS functions were also fully covered and checked using the 3160 on my Lincoln. Again, no problems with my Lincoln.

My second trial was back to my original problem vehicle - the Silverado. I put the 3160 through all of its capabilities again. This time, I saw ABS tests were un-available - no problem as the ABS dash light wasn't glowing to indicate any problem there. The P0332 code had come up immediately, and I also noticed the 3160 displayed a full screen of information at the current time the code had set - from the Silverado's flash memory. It showed the vehicle speed had been 64 mph at just over 1600 RPMs and a wealth of other data. I erased the data and proceeded to watch the lists at the "live data" and "custom data" screens with the engine running. Before long, I again saw the P0332 code set again.

Okay, that code doesn't necessarily mean a tear down is imminent for repair, as the knock sensor and wiring to the PCM (powertrain control module) need to be checked first. An ohms check showed my sensor out of range - so the intake has to come off, and the wiring and/or knock sensor needs replacement. If badly corroded from water, I'll replace both sensors and the wiring - no need to take chances. But this time, my knock sensors will be sealed like GM should have done from the start. This estimated repair is around $500, so I can repair the engine myself for $180 in parts. I can also check my repair using the 3160 when finished - to be sure everything is correct. Total savings: $320 - not counting my labor, and I now own a very reliable scanner I can use anytime to quickly diagnose problems on any of the 1996 up OBD2 vehicle models.

Then there is the 3160 software disk. I loaded it to two computers using Vista X64 Ultimate. It loaded easily and properly. You can get detailed information using it Online, such as TSBs and vehicle recalls - and detailed repair operations along with estimated repair costs by area code. On one of my computers, I could not use the PC connect cable provided with the 3160. This was no problem with the other - which had the needed male D-sub connector for the 3160 provided nine-pin female D-sub connector. Purchasing an additional D-sub to USB adapter cable will soon eliminate that problem.

The 3160 comes with a decent manual for learning the use of the tool, but operation is really simple. Just plug it into the vehicle connector with the engine and key off, and it turns on. The manual will also explain any problems you could encounter. It then prompts what to do next from its screen. The screen is well lit and there are adjustments for screen brightness, language, DTC library, and the desired unit of measurements. I managed to freeze one screen in "advanced diagnostics" with the GM vehicle running, but I just turned the engine and switch off, disconnected the cable, and removed one of the three provided AA alkaline batteries. When I reconnected everything, the test performed properly - and I tried it several times more, to be sure all was fine, and couldn't re-create the problem. As the frozen screen didn't occur again, I think the problem was really just a temporary glitch with my Silverado's computer - it did have the malfunction code showing at the time, and was registering its own data from engine components at the same time the screen freeze occured.

The unit basically looks like a huge brick of a cellphone and is about the weight of some cellphones from late 1990 to early 2001 or so. The carry case is nice, but I wouldn't recommend dropping the 3160 while in the case or out. It looks fairly durable, but no more so than most cellphones. So, treat it with care. I also would remove the batteries if the unit will see infrequent use. Cable connectors are standard computer types and are very well made. I'm almost 60 and had no problem using this tool, and the roughly two and a half inch screen was easily ready by my old eyes. I have an extensive background in electronics, and a long past history in racing I haven't pursued in many years. I do, however, have a fully equipped garage - so repairs to my vehicles, by myself, are not out of the question. My 3160 has made a nice addition that will see infrequent use as needed. I have no doubt it will be well appreciated in my usage, or by many of those working in the field.

(chuckle) Too bad the scanner can't run off cats, but it sure ferrets out bugs. One star off for high prices period. The scanner offers good performance, but you may want to purchase an additional good vehicle specific repair manual (such as Chiltons or Haynes) in preference to studying repair procedures Online.