Best Innova OBD2 Scanners To Buy In 2024

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If you’re looking for an OBD2 scanner to buy in 2024, consider giving Innova a chance! While it’s not for the mechanic looking to fix an expensive Lamborghini, Innova scan tools are perfect for everyday OBD2 diagnostics. Here are two Innova tools for both beginner and expert levels.

For Beginner-Level DIYers: Innova 5210

If you’re just starting out in vehicle diagnostics, we recommend the Innova 5210. The Innova 5210 is a basic OBD2 scanner that not only reads & clears generic OBD-II codes, but also offers live data insights. It’s currently selling for $99.99.

Code Reading Capabilities

Reading & clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) is an extremely useful feature any OBD2 scanner should have. The Innova 5210, in particular, can read & clear all engine-related (CEL) error codes, as well as all brake-related (ABS) fault codes.

What makes this tool so special, however, is its ability to identify the primary fault code behind your illuminated warning light.

If you’ve ever used generic diagnostic scanners, you may have noticed that it just throws you a bunch of codes. For instance, let’s say you have a check engine light. You plug in your generic OBD2 diagnostic tool and see the following codes:

- P1732
- P0113
- B1000
- U2428

Do you know what they mean? Cause I sure don't!

That’s the unfortunate reality when it comes to most fault code readers. They only give you the bare minimum required, and you’re forced to Google the meaning of the code as well as how to fix it.

And even if you found a fix for P0113, watched hours of Youtube repair videos, and successfully completed your repair, your check engine light may still be on.

By using the Innova 5210, we help you identify the primary fault code that’s causing your check engine light to illuminate. From there, we also tell you how severe the issue is and what vehicle part is necessary to fix the underlying issue (with our RS2 app’s help). If needed, we also have a code lookup function on our website's built-in DTC lookup library.

Live Data Insights

One of the key features of the Innova 5210 is its live data capabilities. You may ask, “what type of live data is available?” With the Innova 5210, you can enjoy various OBD2 live data parameter identifications (PIDs):

• Calculated LOAD Value
• Engine Coolant Temperature
• Short Term Fuel Trim - Bank 1
• Long Term Fuel Trim - Bank 1
• Long Term Fuel Trim - Bank 2
• Engine RPM
• Vehicle Speed Sensor
• Intake Air Temperature
• Mass Air Flow
• Absolute Throttle Position
• Oxygen Sensor Output Voltage Bank 1 - Sensor 1
• Oxygen Sensor Output Voltage Bank 1 - Sensor 2
• Control Module Voltage
• And so on…

Live data is a great tool that helps you diagnose issues in real-time. A good example would be identifying bad O2 sensors.

Some live data PIDs depend on your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Please also note that some live data PIDs are only available on diesel vehicles. For more information on supported live data PIDs, please refer to Innova’s guide for live data.

If you’re looking for OEM (ABS, SRS, Transmission, TPMS) live data, only the Innova 5610 will support it.

Other Features

There are many other features that come with the Innova 5210, but I don’t want to bore you with long paragraphs. So here’s a short summary.

Emissions / SMOG-Check Capabilities

Know whether you’ll pass the SMOG test before your state does. All of our scanners are equipped with an “Auto Re-Link” feature, which automatically resubmits a signal to your vehicle’s monitors every 30 or so seconds. This is especially useful for mechanics who want to complete their drive cycles (readiness status) in real time while driving their vehicles.

Battery / Charging System Test

Have an upcoming road trip? Recently replaced your car’s battery? The Innova 5210 will tell you whether your battery is good to go or not.

Freeze Frame

Data sources can be displayed as graphs or gauges, allowing you to see a snapshot of the vehicle using the Freeze Frame PIDs feature and to determine whether you'll pass an emissions test.

Oil Light Reset

Our scan tool tells you how to reset your oil light after replacing your engine oil.

Free Repair App

All of our scan tools come with a free, yet optional repair app - RepairSolutions2.

It has an easy-to-use interface that houses a library of OBD2 DTC codes specific to your diagnostic results. Save unlimited reports directly on your phone.

No WiFi Required

All diagnostic information is stored inside the device. No need to connect to the internet.

Large Screen + Responsive Buttons

No need to deal with unresponsive touch screens.

Go Old School

Go old-school with our corded scanners equipped with a color LCD display screen (except for the Innova 5110 and equivalent). No need to deal with Bluetooth OBD-II scanners, which may have connectivity issues.

No Batteries Required

The Innova 5210 is powered by your vehicle's accessory fuses. As such, it’ll automatically turn on once connected to your vehicle’s DLC port. If you're diagnosing OBD1 vehicles, however, batteries will be required.

Free Firmware Updates

Free firmware updates for all Innova diagnostic OBD-II scanners. We do not charge any update or subscription fees.

That’s pretty much it for the Innova 5210. It's not the cheapest code reader in the market, but for its feature set it's not too bad of a price point. There are over 2,000 online reviews on Amazon if you'd like to get a third opinion. Ready for the Innova 5610?

For Advanced-Level DIYers and Mechanics: Innova 5610

If you’re an experienced DIYer or mechanic looking for more advanced diagnostic features, the Innova 5610 may be a good fit. In addition to mothering all the features of the Innova 5210, its a pro-grade automotive scanner that offers several dealership-level features at an affordable price. It’s currently selling for $349.99.

OBD2 Capabilities

The Innova 5610 is an all-rounder capable of reading & clearing all systems. This includes the engine, ABS, SRS, Transmission, TPMS, and other OEM modules.

It’s essentially a great tool for overall vehicle diagnostics. Simply plug in the scan tool and let it tell you what the problem is.

OEM Live Data

Unlike the Innova 5210 which can only do OBD2 live data, the Innova 5610 is capable of accessing OEM live data insights. In other words, you can start looking into the live stats of OEM module specific information.

The following OEM live data PIDs are available:

• Engine (all OBD2 live data PIDs)
• ABS braking systems
• SRS airbag systems
• Transmission
• TPMS

Bi-directional Capabilities

What makes this tool extremely handy is its bi-directional control capability. A bi-directional test allows you to command specific components to operate, allowing you to diagnose an issue without having to dismantle the entire engine.

It facilitates active testing, control, and interaction with various components and systems present in the vehicle. For instance, you can initiate various self-tests on quite a number of vehicle systems. It allows you to verify whether a system is working properly.

The Innova 5610 supports more than a hundred different bi-directional features. That said, it's crucial to understand vehicle compatibility when it comes to advanced features.

Whether your vehicle will support a bi-directional function depends on your vehicle's year, make, and model. Not all systems and components may support this two-way communication feature.

To confirm vehicle compatibility, please use our Coverage Checker.

Special Features

Lower-end OBD2 scan tools are usually unable to perform dealership-level functions like calibrations and relearns. The Innova 5610, however, is packed with high-end functionalities:

• Routines
• Calibrations
• Relearns
• Resets

Below are some of the most popular special features the Innova 5610 supports:

• Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) Calibration
• Throttle Body Relearn
• Headlamp Calibration
• ABS Bleeding
• Coolant Bleeding
• DPF Reset / Regen
• NOx Sensor Reset
• Transmission Fluid Change Reset
• Clutch Relearn
• Tire Size Rotation
• And so on…

As is with bi-directional features, please remember that the available special features depend on your vehicle’s year, make, and model. You’ll be able to see the exact features supported by your vehicle by using our Coverage Checker.

OBD1 Coverage

The Innova 5610 also offers optional OBD1 coverage for OBD1 vehicles. However, an optional OBD1 cable kit must be purchased.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best OBD2 scanner by Innova boils down to two options: The Innova 5210 & The Innova 5610.

If you’re a beginner just starting out or a DIYer who just needs a simple scan tool, we recommend going with the Innova 5210. Even though it’s one of our lower-end tools, it still packs a punch when it comes to diagnostic capabilities.

If you’re an experienced automotive enthusiast and want the best bang-for-your-buck, we highly suggest using the Innova 5610. It’s our flagship product with a backlit screen that a lot of mechanics enjoy using on a daily basis. It’s super easy to use and made for rough handling.

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