Blog Academy

Published on Jan 03, 2024

What is a Hot Key?

When your device says, Press any Hot Key, it simply means to select any button on your device to continue using the device.

Published on Jan 02, 2024

Update Innova OBD2 Scanners Today

Looking to update your Innova scanner? Learn whether your scanner is eligible for a firmware update! If not, we have alternative solutions for you.

Published on Dec 20, 2023

Which countries do our devices work in?

Our products work only in the USA and Canada. Using our products in any other country will result in the product not functioning.

Published on Dec 20, 2023

What languages are served on our products?

The languages that can be used with our products are English, Spanish, and French.

Published on Dec 18, 2023

Bought A Non-American OBD2 Scanner? You May Want To Reconsider

Here's why foreign OBD2 scanners may not be the right fit for you.

Published on Dec 14, 2023

Why Are Certain OBD2 Features Not Available On My Innova Scanner?

Here's why your Innova scanner may not support certain features + how to make sure it doesn't happen.

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Published on Jan 02, 2024

What do the LED Lights mean on my OBD2 Device?

A green light indicates that all engine systems are running normally, which means that all emission monitors are active and performing their diagnostic testing, and no DTCs are present.

Published on Dec 26, 2023

What is Limp Mode?

Limp Mode, also known as Limp-Home Mode or Fail-Safe Mode, is a safety feature employed in modern vehicles with electronic engine controls.

Published on Dec 26, 2023

Freeze Frame PID Definitions

OBD-II PIDs (On-board diagnostics Parameter IDs) are codes used to request data from a vehicle, used as a diagnostic tool. SAE standard J1979 defines many OBD-II PIDs.

Published on Dec 21, 2023

A Guide for Live Data

Note: Some Data Points vary based on a vehicle's make and model. To know more about the data points, refer to your vehicle's support manual.

Published on Dec 20, 2023

What Are Bi-Directional Tests?

In the context of scan tools, bi-directional refers to the ability of the tool to communicate and interact with various vehicle systems in both directions.

Published on Dec 20, 2023

PCM stands for Powertrain Control Module. Basically, this is the brain of your vehicle. It's generally a combined controller consisting of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and Transmission Control Unit (TCU).

Published on Dec 19, 2023

What is Mode 6?

The majority of OBD2 scanners have nine standard modes, and each mode corresponds to different data sets. OBD2 is built within vehicle computers to allow external equipment, namely an OBD2 scanner, to ask for specific data on the current vehicle systems' status.

Published on Dec 19, 2023

What is the $ symbol on my OBD2 Device?

The $ symbol is used by programmers when describing different OBD modes which has nothing to do with actual money. For example, mode $06 is an advanced diagnostic functionality mode included as part of the On-Board Diagnostic standard.

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Published on Mar 13, 2024

Road-Ready Power: A Guide to Car Batteries

The battery is most commonly located in the engine compartment. In some automobiles, the battery is located underneath the rear seat or in the vehicle’s trunk.

Published on Mar 12, 2024

Ford Fusion Replace Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Canister Vent Valve To Fix DTC P0456

The Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System prevents gasoline vapors in the fuel system and fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere where they could form unhealthful photochemical smog.

Published on Mar 05, 2024

Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor

The accelerator pedal position sensor (APPS) sends an electronic signal to the engine or powertrain control module (ECM/PCM) indicating the position of the accelerator pedal.

Published on Mar 05, 2024

Battery Temperature Sensor

A battery temperature sensor provides data indicating battery temperature to a control module.

Published on Mar 01, 2024

What is Bi-Directional?

In the context of scan tools, bi-directional refers to the ability of the tool to communicate and interact with various vehicle systems in both directions.

Published on Feb 16, 2024

Using an OBD2 Scanner to Diagnose a Faulty MAP Sensor

Using an OBD2 scanner to diagnose a faulty MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor is a straightforward process. Analyzing live data can help pinpoint irregularities in pressure readings, aiding in swift and precise sensor diagnosis.

Published on Jan 08, 2024

Vehicle Mechanical Diagnostic Techniques

Start all hands-on diagnostic routines with Hand and Eye Checks. In other words, look over the vehicle for obvious faults.

Published on Jan 08, 2024

Nissan Altima Replace Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor To Fix DTC P0125

In cases where the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on your vehicle’s dashboard is illuminated, and the Engine Control Module (ECM) has stored DTC P0125 (Insufficient Coolant Temp for Closed Loop Fuel Control), it indicates the ECM has detected that the engine coolant is not reaching the required temperature level in a specified amount of time to enable closed-loop fuel control.

Published on Jan 08, 2024

What is Yaw Rate?

Yaw rate is a vehicle's angular velocity while rotating from its vertical axis.

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Published on Apr 28, 2021

Safe Driving Tips for Teens in a Digital Age | Innova

This article will provide safe driving tips and tricks for the technological era. It will be more focused on teen drivers, but not exclusivity. The audience will consist of teens, parents, as well as the general public.

Interior view of the dashboard and front windshield of a car driving along a mountainside toward a tunnel.

Published on Apr 01, 2021

What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On

A check engine light can come on for many different reasons, though there are a few most common causes. When yours does, it’s important to know what to do to address the potential problems that could be brewing under the hood of your car.

A light blue Volkswagen bug sits on lifts while a person changes the front passenger tire in a garage.

Published on Apr 01, 2021

8 Affordable Ways to Improve Your Car’s Performance

You don’t have to spend a fortune to improve your car’s performance, safety, and longevity. Consider decluttering your vehicle, using premium oil, and replacing your spark plugs for a smoother and more efficient ride.

A sedan is parked in a grass bank on the side of a road with its hood open, while the driver stands in front inspecting the engine.

Published on Apr 01, 2021

Safety Tips to Remember When Your Car Breaks Down

All cars break down at times and for a variety of reasons. When they do, it’s important to know what to do and to have the right gear on hand to stay safe as you address the problem.

Published on Apr 01, 2021

Benefits of Keeping Up on Vehicle Maintenance

Keeping to a regular maintenance schedule saves you from expensive repairs, improves safety and efficiency, and reduces pollution.

Interior of an auto body shop, with a car elevated while a mechanic stands beneath it, working on a repair.

Published on Mar 30, 2021

10 Easy DIY Car Repairs and Maintenance Projects to Save You Money

Vehicle owners may be tempted to forego maintenance because they see it as an extra expense. However, regular car service is necessary because it can help you avoid more expensive repairs and breakdowns in the future. Not changing the oil regularly, for example, can lead to engine damage or cause your car to run less efficiently. Other maintenance tasks, such as changing brake pads or aligning wheels, can help you maintain control of your vehicle and avoid potentially dangerous situations on the road. Luckily, some repairs and maintenance projects fall into the DIY realm. With the correct tools, anyone can learn to perform these jobs instead of paying someone else to do them. Even if you have to go to a mechanic, you can use handheld diagnostic tools to define the problem beforehand.

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Featured Articles

Bought A Non-American OBD2 Scanner?

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