With many years of car repair experience, I can say choosing the right OBD2 scanner isn’t a simple task. When I started this job, I had to try out different brands and types of OBD2 diagnostic scanners. But with time, I have come to know which brands and types of OBD2 scan tools are the best. Not every famous brand or highly-priced tool that you see out there will get the job done and identify the issue with your car. Even some scan wrong error codes, while others fail to detect the car problems when there is actually a grave issue. The main features of this Innova scan tool model are the Check Engine light, ABS, SRS, EVAP, and Freeze Frame. Read this Innova 3100 review to know why I am suggesting buying this scanner tool.
Technical specifications:
After buying the Innova 3100 obd2 scanner, I thought it would turn out to be like the previous average scan tools that I have used before, but I was very wrong. The Innova 3100 code reader has stood the test of time and proven to be a quality diagnostic scan tool from a top brand. First of all, this tool is well built and functions with all cars that were assembled from the year 1996 as well as newer cars. This is inclusive of SUVs, trucks, and minivans. The Innova 3100 diagnostic code readers are sturdily built and have a large display screen for reading the outcome. You can also compare this tool with Innova 3150 & Innova 3160 scanners.
Features |
Innova 3100j (Upgrade Version) |
| Works: | All 1996 and newer vehicles |
| Live data: | Yes |
| Check Engine Lights: | Yes |
| Emissions Readiness: | Yes |
| Oil Light Reset: | Yes |
| ABS/SRS Codes: | Yes |
| EVAP Codes: | Yes |
| Emissions Readiness: | Yes |
| Views freeze frame data: | Yes |
| Batteries: | 3 AA batteries are required. (included) |
| Software Updates: | Free updates |
| Dimensions: | 10 x 8 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight: | 2.5 pounds |
| Warranty: | Limited One Year Warranty |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Scan Tool Innova 3100 Review(Video):
The compact design of the 3100 diagnostic scan tool makes it easy to use and store. It is well reliable and quickly reveals what the problem is when connected to the car and computer. At such a great initial price, this is a great tool for DIY enthusiasts and start-up professional vehicle mechanics. Below are different models of the Innova 3100 scan tool. This price is much lower than the Innova 3120 model. Now let’s check the review of 3 popular Innova scanners from the 3100 series with pros and cons.
Summary of Contents
INNOVA 3100 diagnostic scan tool for OBD2 vehicles(Initial release)
The Innova 3100 diagnostic scanner is an excellent device that can be used to diagnose cars, SUVs, light trucks, and minivans, either foreign or domestic. It is durably made to serve the user for a long period of time and comes with a patented all-in-one screen and LED display for easy use and reading of error codes. With a backup battery and warranty, this is a great tool to have in your car for safe and sound driving.
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Features Review of Innova 3100 Scanner
- Read and erase ABS light trouble codes and repair solutions
- Automatically refresh data every 30 seconds
- Quickly shows the cause of check engine light warnings
- Battery backup & internal memory storage
- Features a patented all-in-one screen and LED display
- Compatible with 1996 or latest cars, light trucks, SUVs, or minivans – domestic and foreign vehicles
- Mini USB cable
- Graphic data presentation functionality for proper diagnosis
- Obd2 16-pin DLC cable
Pros:
- This entry-level scan tool is durably built to last long and be used in tough environments.
- It is user-friendly, with a large screen display and three different languages.
- This tool is reliable in performance as it comes with backup power for use when the devices run out of power.
- The Innova brand offers great customer support to buyers of the scan tool
- It makes repairing the car easy as it automatically refreshes data after every 30 seconds when connected to the car.
- Innova scan too offers one year warranty
Cons
- It doesn’t support OBD2 Bluetooth connectivity
INNOVA 3100i Diagnostic code reader with ABS for OBD2 Vehicles(Big screen)
You can never go wrong with any Innova product. The Innova 3100i is another quality scan tool with outstanding features. It is ideal for use by starters as well as professional technicians. This is well-built and has a large display screen for simple use. It performs several tasks such as battery/alternator test, anti-lock braking system, check engine light, and freeze frame. Also, it uses 2 AA batteries and comes with a one-year warranty.
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Short Features Review of Innova 3100i Code Reader:
- Battery/alternator tests
- Red, yellow, and green LEDs
- Quickly show the cause of check light warnings
- Compatible with 1996 or newer cars, SUVs, minivans, light trucks, and as well hybrid
- Freeze frame
- 2 AA batteries
- Ant-lock braking system
Pros:
- This is a versatile diagnostic scanner as it can perform several tasks such as checking engine light, battery/alternator test, anti-lock braking system, and freeze frame.
- It is very simple to use with a large display and hotkeys. Also, it comes in three different languages.
- The scan tool is compatible with any foreign or domestic 1996 or newer car, SUV, light truck, hybrid, and minivan.
- Innova provides excellent customer support from Monday-Saturday from their ASE-certified technicians.
INNOVA 3100j Scan Tool with ABS and SRS for OBD2 Vehicles(Latest Version)
If you are a professional technician or DIY enthusiast looking for a reliable and advanced diagnostic scan tool, the Innova 3100j is what you should try out. It is made of a compact and lightweight design. The diagnostic scanner has a large screen display for easy use and comes with three different languages to choose from, which are French, English, and Spanish. Also, it has outstanding features that will enable you to diagnose several issues with your car in a quick and accurate way.
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Features:
- Quickly shows the cause of the check engine light warnings
- Freeze frame
- Read and erase ABS & SRS light trouble codes
- Oil reset feature
- Battery and alternator tests
- Large screen display
- Compatible with 1996 or newer cars, SUVs, hybrid, light-duty trucks, and minivans
- Antilock braking system
- One year warranty
Pros:
- It is sturdily built for longevity
- It is made of a compact design, and it is lightweight
- The scan tool is easy to use with the widescreen display and three different language options
- It can be used on 1996 or newer cars, SUVs, minivans, hybrids, and light trucks. This includes foreign or domestic.
The importance of buying one of the above odb2 scanners
Durable
The Innova brand is well known for creating not only quality but as well as durable odb2 scan tools. The above three different Innova obd2 diagnostic scanners are well constructed to function well in tough environments. So, you can expect them to work for many years before requiring a new tool.
User-friendly
The needs of users vary greatly. For this reason, the Innova brand has ensured to create of different user-friendly interfaces to meet these different demands of customers. Also, they have a large screen display for showing the outcomes of the scan tool. The all-in-one screen display will enable you to view up to 25 pages in three different languages.
Cost-effective and reliable
Even though these Innova 3100 scan tools perform exceptionally, they are still offered at a very great price. In addition, they have a power backup system that is utilized when the battery runs out of power. This is automatic, and you won’t even have to switch it on. This makes it reliable if you are carrying out an important diagnostic issue.
Warranty
Another unique feature is that the buyer of this product shouldn’t worry about anything, as a one-year warranty on defects and repairs backs the scan tool. Just like the Innova 31603 code reader, it has a team (ASE technical support) that is just a call away in case of any issue with the diagnostic scanner.
3 Alternative Of Innova 3100 diagnostic scanner
Innova 5210 diagnostic scanner
- Item Dimension: 6 x 3 x 1 inches
- Screen Size: 2.8 Inches
- Item Weight: 13.1 ounces
- Read and Clear Vehicle Codes: Yes
- Charging System Test: Yes
- Battery Reset: No
- ABS Brake Bleeding: No
- Oil Light Reset: Yes
- Active & Bi-Directional System Tests: Yes
- RepairSolutions2: Yes
- View Live Data Stream: Yes
- Freeze Frame Data: Yes
Innova 3020RS diagnostic scanner
- Operating System: Android
- Item Dimension: 4.5 x 3.3 x 0.7 inches
- Check Engine: Yes
- Oil Light Reset: No
- SRS Codes: No
- Live Data Streaming: No
- Code Severity: Yes
- Item Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Read and Clear Trouble Codes: Yes
- Smog Check Readiness LED Indicators: Yes
- RepairSolutions2 App: Yes
Innova 3030 OBD2 Scan Tools
- Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.5 x 2 inches
- Item Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Check Engine Light: Yes
- Freeze Frame Data: Yes
- Emissions Readiness: Yes
- Read & Erase ABS Light: Yes
- Data Refreshes: Automatically every 30 seconds
- EVAP Codes: No
- Live Data Graphing: No
- Oil Light Reset: No
- Active Test: No
- Network Scan: No
- Software Update: Yes
Innova 3040 VS 3100 OBD2 Scan Tools
What is the difference between the Innova 3040 and 3100 scanners?
|
Features |
Innova 3100 |
Innova 3040 |
| Reads & Clears Brake (ABS) Lights | Yes |
No |
| Reads & Clears Airbag (SRS) Lights | Yes |
No |
| Live Data Graphing | No |
Yes |
| Battery Backup |
Yes |
No |
| Product Dimensions: | 12 x 8.5 x 2.5 in. | 10.6 x 7.5 x 1.8 in. |
| Item Weight: | 2 pounds | 0.95 pounds |
| Price: | High | Less |
| Review: | This | Go here |
| Price: | My Choice Check Price |
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Bottom line
If you have been looking for a reliable and user-friendly OBD2 diagnostic tool, the Innova 3100 scan tool is the best for you. This code reader is sturdily built, compact, lightweight, reliable, and provides instant results. Also, the initial cost of acquiring this tool is fair compared to Innova 3160g Pro OBD2 device. It is important for any driver to always inspect their car so that they can drive safely. By acquiring this scan tool, you will be able to prevent costly repairs and drive your car without any worry.
Kevin Nicholas is an automotive technician who is a genius at software and hardware-related issues. He manually tested more than a hundred OBD scanners and gave his honest opinion on whether the device was worth the money or not. His in-depth OBD review articles help people choose the right product, whether it is a European, American, or Asian vehicle. He completed his Automotive Specialized Training Course at Universal Technical Institute and has more than 15 years of experience in the field.
do you have to have the engine on when testing
will the 3100 reset the oil change light on a 2013 Porsche Boxster?
No. Innova 3100 cannot do that.
The 3100e I have cannot do anything with ABS even though it says press this button to view ABS, Innova lied…
My 3100j indicates that my 2001 F250 not supported, Will require a module for $10,
I called Innova support, and he tech said that this referred to something on vehicle???
I’d think there was something downloadable.
Any ideas?
Download the user manual and follow the guide: https://csr.innova.com/Content/Manual/InnovaPro/Manual_3100f_E.pdf.
Also, I heard that a few people are complaining 3100j scanner not working on f250 from 1994 to 2002 vehicles.
Thanks for reply Kevin,
FYI – The link offered does not work. (Error 404 – File or directory not found)
The product compatibility lookups on the Innova site clearly indicates that my 3100j should read codes for 2001 F250
Checked by VIN and year/make/model is 7.3 diesel indicates should all be good, but will not read. The 3100j recognizes the vehicle but will not read codes. Codes read with POS Harbour Freight reader as well as a superchips diagnostic tool.
Reads 2000 Lexus and 2004 4Runner, but not the truck, where I really need it.
I have a innova 3100 that has not been updated since it was new. Is there a software up date for it and if so please tell me what it is and how to do it please
Unfortunately, not that I can find. I’m in a very similar situation. I have an older scanner that has old firmware on it and despite hours of searching online, multiple calls to Innova tech ‘support’, and numerous attempts at countless downloads and different software downloads, I have come to the conclusion that although updating the firmware should be a ridiculously simple task, as it is with nearly all electronic devices ever manufactured, Innova has been kind enough to make it absolutely impossible to update the firmware on a device. Instead, the firmware seems to be the ‘secret sauce’ that differentiates one scanner from another. It’s all about what features are enabled in different versions of the software, not the capabilities of the actual piece of hardware. …so, NO, I have yet to find any way to update that piece of hardware that functions well, just has old firmware on it. …but you’ll find yourself quickly hearing the response of “just buy a new scanner with all the new ‘features'”. …no thanks, I’ll take my business elsewhere. Am I a little bitter after spending hours trying to perform a simple task of updating firmware? ..yes, VERY much so.
Can I use Innova 3100 on 2014 BMW 320I
Yes