INNOVA 3100 Code Reader

[Fatboymoe]

I just bought a Innova 3100 OBDII code reader because I had a CEL on my Toyota Echo. I paid $100 for it. It was actually very easy to use and worked as advertised.

After scanning the instructions, I plugged it in and found the codes causing the CEL. It came up P0440, P0441 and P0442. Evap system failure. I checked the gas cap first to make sure it was on correctly(which it was), and started looking at the Evap hoses and connections. I found a Evap hose had come off the solonoid close to the Air Cleaner housing. Reconnected the hose, cleared the codes and the problem was solved.

I know that every CEL won't be this easy to repair and clear, but I think this code reader just paid for itself. If you have vehicles that are 96 and newer, this might be a good investment. I know that Autozone will read them for free, but this reader will do some drivabilty tests that Autozone won't do. This product worked as advertised for me.

 

[TexasHonda]

I couldn't agree more. You can invest a little more to get a scanning code reader that interfaces w/ a portable PC. I bought Harrison Obdscan software, interface link, and used IBM laptop for about $250 total. It will allow graphic monitoring of about 10 values (O2 sensors, air flow, fuel mileage, speed, engine load, etc).

One code that most folks eventually run into is P0420 (catalytic converter efficiency). This allows you to check and verify whether problem is real or perhaps a faulty O2 sensor.

regards

 

[road_rascal]

I've had my 3100 for about 3 years now and it works great. Co-workers are always asking to use it for their vehicles. I'm going to get an ELM chip based reader (that hooked up to a laptop) fairly soon.

 

[RogerKlugerAus05]

You are lucky in USA and Europe that your vehicles are OBD 11 compliant. I checked with Toyota Australia and vehicles sold here are not compliant so to read the codes it is off to the Stealership!
Roger

 

[Axe Man]

I bought an Actron OBD-II code reader several years ago. At that time they were a little pricey and it cost $180. But over the years it more than paid for itself and resolving CEL issues. Unfortunately this reader isn't CAN compatible so eventually I'll have to get another one when I buy a vehicle that uses CAN.

 

[PF52]

Originally Posted By: Axe Man
...eventually I'll have to get another one when I buy a vehicle that uses CAN.


I hate to bring old threads back to life, but this seemed better than opening a new topic.

How do we know which vehicles use CAN? Does my 2006 Cobalt, for example?

 

[Fatboymoe]

I think the underhood sticker tells you if it's OBD2 compliant or not.

 

[George7941]

My 2006 GMC Sierra uses CAN, I expect all 2006 GMs use CAN. I too have the Actron Scanner and bought a Equus 3130 scanner, which handles CAN, for my Sierra.

 

[Merkava_4]

Here's a picture of the topic:

 

[rainman49]

Got a 3100 last summer and cleared the codes on my mom's Toyota Highlander. Like Fatboymoe, a hose was dangling next to the air filter box, probably pulled loose by the Jiffy Lube dude. It was throwing the same codes. Reconnected hose, cleared codes and no more CELs. Neighbor also used it to troubleshoot a fuel system problem on his '05 F150. I'll never be without a code reader of some sort.

 

[PF52]

Originally Posted By: Fatboymoe
I think the underhood sticker tells you if it's OBD2 compliant or not.


Right, although more specifically I'm wondering which vehicles are using the new CAN communications protocol. I'm concluding that my new 2006 car does indeed use it.

 

[Axe Man]

Originally Posted By: Fatboymoe
I think the underhood sticker tells you if it's OBD2 compliant or not.


All U.S. vehicles starting in 1996 are OBD-II compliant. What varies among automakers is the protocol used for pulling data from the ECU. There are 4 common protocols in use: J1850PWM, J1850VPM, ISO9141, and ISO14230. Most OBD-II readers can handle these protocols.

The issue is the new "CAN interface" or ISO15765. It is an OBD-II protocol but many older OBD-II code readers can't handle it. It is mandated that all U.S. vehicles go to a CAN interface by 2008. Many have already.

 

[brianl703]

Wal-Mart has a CAN-capable OBD-II scanner for about $50. I think it's made by Equus, model 3030.