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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
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Scan Tool Innova 3100 Review(Video):

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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

Pros:

Cons

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.
INNOVA 3100i Diagnostic code readerCheck Price

Short Features Review of Innova 3100i Code Reader:

Pros:

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.
INNOVA 3100j Scan ToolCheck Price

Features:

Pros:

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 scannerInnova 5210

Innova 3020RS diagnostic scannerInnova 3020RS

Innova 3030 OBD2 Scan Tools

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
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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.

11 Responses

  1. The 3100e I have cannot do anything with ABS even though it says press this button to view ABS, Innova lied…

  2. 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?

  3. 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.

  4. 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

    1. 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.

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