The Best Auto Code Readers you can buy in 2022

Sept 21, 2022 Update: We have a new service to help you find the best OBD2 Scan Tool. Just select the features and the best matching products appear. Check it out.

Picking out the right Auto Code Reader can be tough.

There’s a multitude of results out there that all say that they are the best, but how do you KNOW which one is telling the truth?

Well, by coming here you’re on your way to finding out.

This is because Innova Electronics, a company with 30+ years experience as an automotive diagnostics leader, have provided a conclusive answer to this question.

Here we’ve listed the 3 best Auto Code Readers you can buy, with an option for each budget.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Innova CarScan 5610 $411.75

The first Auto Code Reader that we’re going to look at is the Innova CarScan 5610.

Considered to be the best of the best, the CarScan 5610 is the most comprehensive Auto Code Reader in the range.

Due this array of features, the 5610 is definitely the very best as far as Auto Code Readers go.

Let’s break down some of it’s key features.

Firstly, this is a Auto Code Reader with Special Reset Functions.

This means that you can use dealership level re-learn procedures for repairs.

One of the other key features of this Auto Code Reader is it’s advanced data stream.

With this you can view data from an array of systems, including ABS, SRS, Transmission, and Engine.

The features don’t stop there, though!

One particularly special feature of the 5610 is the fact it has Bi-Directional Control.

This is useful, since the user can then test key functionalities with this quality.

These include fuel pump on/off, or retracting an electronic parking brake.

Aside from these key features, the 5610 also brings the following features to the table too!

– OBD1 Coverage

– Read Hybrid Battery Cell Voltage

– Live data streams

– Support for ALL 10 0BD2 modes

– Emissions/Smog Checks.

– All systems network scans.

– Oil Level & Oil Life monitoring.

– Battery/Charging System Testing.

– SRS Airbag Code reading.

– BMS Battery reset/initialization.

– Bi-Directional Active Tests.

– Oil Light reset.

– Top quality Bi-Directional OBD2 Software.

Looking to learn more about this tool? Then just check out this video:

If the comprehensive list of features of this Auto Code Reader aren’t enough to convince you that this is the best of the best, then let us show you what our customers thought of it!

“Excellent Product! You Can’t Go Wrong.”

“Excellent mid- to high-level tool in its price class.”

“This tool fills a much needed gap in the market.”

“Quick and easy to use, great results.”

“Shop quality diagnostic at home.”

Clearly this is a product that has delighted those who have purchased it!

And when you look at the features it has, then you can see why.

All in all, this is the best Auto Code Reader that you can buy.

And, if you are looking to buy it, then all you have to do is click here. It’s that easy!

Or you could read on, for a cheaper alternative Auto Code Reader.

Innova CarScan 5410 $212.00

Next let’s talk about the Innova CarScan 5410.

This is considered to be an Auto Code Reader that’s a favorite amongst DIY technicians.

This is due to it’s quality it provides, coupled with the price tag of just $212.00!

Many people consider this to be the sweet spot between cheap and expensive, so if you’re looking for a mid range tool then you’ve got it right here!

Let’s jump into some key features!

Firstly, this Auto Code Reader comes equipped with SRS functionalities.

With this, the user can diagnose and clear safety systems of most 1996 or newer, domestic, european, and asian vehicles.

Of course, this is a big priority, because we know you want to use your vehicle with the peace of mind that your security systems are up to scratch.

And this tool can ensure that is the case!

With this Auto Code Reader, you can also reset an oil maintenance light, as well as monitor the oil levels and life of the oil in your vehicle.

This Auto Code Reader also has a live data graph, that makes getting closer to the data that makes or breaks a diagnostic all that bit easier.

Aside from these key features, this car code reader also has the following:

– ABS/Brake Codes: Read and Clear

– Battery Charging System Test

– Emissions/Smog Check Readiness LED indicators

– Supports all 10 OBD2 Modes

If you’re interested in learning more about this mid range Auto Code Reader, then feel free to watch this video!

Of course, the features and abilities that this Auto Code Reader brings to the table for the price tag it has, are astounding.

But…what do our customers think of this product?

Let’s see!

“Good tool for a good price”

“A full-featured diagnostic tool”

“Great for DIY auto work”

“This saved my son a boat load of $$!”

“Better than expected”

Clearly this is a product that our customers love, and the drop in cost doesn’t see a drop in quality.

This is a product that DIY technicians love, and it’s clear why!

And if you’re on the hunt for a mid range tool that doesn’t sacrifice quality, then this is the one for you.

Looking to pick this Auto Code Reader up? Then all you have to do is click here. It’s as easy as that!

If you want a budget tool, then just read on!

Innova CarScan 5210 $117.64

This next Auto Code Reader, and the final one on the list, is the Innova CarScan 5210.

As far as Auto Code Readers go, this is the cheapest one that you can get without compromising quality.

It’s price tag of $117.64 is tiny, and this budget tool still packs a punch!

This is the perfect tool for somebody who’s either looking to break into DIY diagnostics or just looking to save a dollar or two on their equipment.

The 5210 is definitely cheap, but it does have a number of nifty features.

For example, it’s code severity levels is particularly useful.

With this feature, the user is able to gauge the urgency of repairs; allowing you to tell whether a repair is urgent or can wait.

This is HUGE, as it can save you time and money.

The 5210 also comes with a unique, patented, all in one color display with hotkeys, with the display accommodating over 20 pieces of information at one time.

This makes for efficient use of your Mercedes diagnostic tool.

Rather than waste your time scrolling through an endless array of menu’s, you can get right to what you actually want to see and act on issues that your vehicle is facing.

One other particularly useful feature is it’s ‘freeze frame’ feature.

This allows you to view your vehicle’s data at the time a trouble code was triggered, meaning you can see exactly why your car ran into that issue and how to fix it.

And of course we can’t forget that this code reader also enables the user to carry out things like check engine light repair and carry out Smog checks.

With a tool that is THIS cheap, we know that you may be sceptical about the quality that it provides.

So, allow us to alleviate those concerns with some customer feedback we’ve had on this budget tool:

“This is an excellent tool for the DIY mechanic or layman”

“Got the job done. Great product and great price.”

“Excellent is the Word”

“This is an awesome tool…great price as well!”

“We own this reader for about 3 years now and – like others said – it paid for itself the first time we used it.”

“it saved me hundreds of dollars”

” It has already saved me some money!”

“Does what it says it will do”

“Great unit for the price”

“Works Great!”

“Good Product at a Fair Price”

The feedback on this Auto Code Reader is excellent, and clearly displays the satisfaction that our customers had when they used this tool.

This Code Reader shows that you don’t have to break the bank to get high quality diagnostics.

Looking to pick this tool up? No problem. Just click here! Easy as that.

Auto Code Reader Comparison Table

We’ve just covered an awful lot of information on Auto Code Readers, so we put together this table to help illustrate the differences in each product.

This should streamline the process of comparing each one.

And underneath we have information on how to use your Auto Code Reader and how to get the most out of your tool with our exclusive RepairSolutions2.

5210

5410

5610

Check Engine Light

Emissions Check

ABS


US/A/EU

US/A/EU

US/A/EU

SRS

Battery System CheckLive Data

10 OBD2 Modes

Oil Level/Reset

Network Scan

Battery Reset

ABS Bleeding TPMS / Tire Pressure

Transmission Temp

Special Reset Functions

Enhanced Data Stream

Bi-Directional Active Test

5210

5410

5610

How to use your Auto Code Reader

To ensure you can get up and running with your OBD2 ABS Scanner, we decided to provide some information on how you use it.

Step 1 – Firstly, plug the ABS Scan Tool into your vehicle and turn the vehicle on.

This will automatically connect your tool to the vehicle and will read the CEL.

Step 2 – To access ABS related information on your tool, navigate to system status, and then to the ABS section as seen in the image below.

Step 3 – Then you should be good! The tool will display some info regarding your vehicle and it’s ABS system.

If you have any issues with getting set up after this step-by-step guide, then don’t worry.

Just get in touch with us and we’ll resolve any issues you have with our 24/7 ASE certified customer service.

Getting ABS/SRS repairs with your Scan Tool

One of the perks of purchasing an ABS Scan Tool from Innova is that you receive our exclusive companion app RepairSolutions 2 for completely free.

The app helps you get more out of your tool, by displaying the needed repairs and parts of your vehicle, as well as the cost of repair for your vehicle.

The application is available on the PlayStore and AppStore, and provides an added dimension to your tool that just isn’t rivalled by anything else on the market.

It can also be particularly useful for diagnosing and addressing ABS/SRS repairs in tandem with your OBD2 ABS tool.

Step 1 Download the app off whatever app market you operate in.

Step 2 – Then, simply pair it with your ABS Scan Tool by following the instructions in the app itself.

Step 3 – Thirdly, receive your report after your OBD2+SRS data uploads to the app.

What happens after these 3 steps is twofold depending on what occurs.

IF your SRS code has a known repair, it will tell you there’s a fix available. After this happens it will put together an SRS report element for you.

This means that the app will handily put together a report that shows what parts are needed and how much it would cost to repair.

If a fix ISN’T available then you don’t have to worry. Your ABS code information will be inside of the Needs Attention report element.

Following this, Innova techs will begin to look into your issue to produce a solution for you. After they begin investigating your issue a fix may be available for you within just 10 business days.

That’s it for this ultimate guide to ABS Scan Tools. Let us know if you have any queries that are unresolved and we’ll be more than happy to resolve them.

Looking for a different type of scan tool? Then check out our guide to Bi Directional Scan Tools here!