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The Best OBD Scanner for Live Data

By Joe Ballard
Published on September 11th, 2024

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The Innova 5610 lets you view and record Live Data. This information includes values such as volts, RPM, ECT temperature, speed, etc., and system status information such as open loop, closed loop, fuel trim levels, etc. The various vehicle sensors, switches, and actuators generate these.

The Live Data operating information (values/status) that the computer (ECM) supplies to the 5610 for each sensor, actuator, switch, etc., are called Parameter Identifications (PID). Each PID (sensor, actuator switch, status, etc.) has a set of operating characteristics and features that identify it.

In this article, I will provide a brief explanation of how Live Testing is done as well as the type of tests that are available to you as a DIYer.

How does it work

The Innova Scanner is a very versatile device with an enormous amount of functionality that can diagnose and enable the repair of today’s very complex vehicles. Many scanners on the market today do a pretty good job of handling static DTC codes, but only a few provide the capability to deal with PIDs under load or what is referred to as Live Data mode.

The functionality that sets the Innova 5610 scanner apart from the competition is the extensive number of PIDs that the Live Data mode covers. You would be hard-pressed to find another scanner that even comes close to the functionality provided by the Innova 5610 scanner. Let’s take a look at some of the tests that the scanner offers:

Vehicle operation – 34 tests

Some of the PIDS covered by this section include the following:
Engine RPM, Vehicle Speed, Engine Coolant Temp, Throttle Position, Contol Module Voltage, Hybrid Battery Status, Engine Torque, Exhaust Gas Temp (EGT), Timing Advance for Cylinder #1, Time Run with MIL on.

Fuel & Air – 30 tests

Some of the PIDS covered by this section include the following:
Fuel System Status, Oxygen Sensor Status, Mass Air Flow Rate, Fuel Pressure, Fuel Injection Timing, Turbocharger Status, Charge Air Cooler Temp (CACT)

Emission Control – 22 tests

Some of the PIDS covered by this section include the following:
EGR Status, Diesel Intake Air Flow Control, EGR Temp, EVAP System Status, Catalytic Converter Temp, Diesel Exhaust Status, NOx Sensor Status, Particulate Matter Status.

With such an extensive list of PIDs supported by the scanner, is it any wonder that DIYers prefer it as the tool of choice for diagnosing and repairing component PIDs? Identifying a static DTC is one thing, but nothing compares to testing under load, which is exactly how many issues manifest in the real world. This is especially true for intermittent issues. These are notoriously difficult to diagnose, and this is where Live Data mode shines in resolving those types of issues.

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What type of live data tests are available

Innova 5610 paired with RepairSolutions2

In addition to the extensive number of PIDs included in Live Data mode, the 5610 scanner provides other capabilities that many scanners cannot match. If you’re looking for OEM (ABS, SRS, Transmission, TPMS) live data, only the Innova 5610 will support it. The unique features of the scanner are extremely useful in the overall testing, especially with intermittent issues. Let’s take a closer look at some of these unique features:

Recording Live Data—This function enables you to record and save several frames of Live Data information for each PID supported by the vehicle in the scanner's memory. You can record Live Data by DTC Trigger or Manual Trigger.
Recording Live Data by DTC Trigger—This function automatically records Live Data information when a DTC sets and saves it in the scan tool’s memory. The recorded data can be a valuable troubleshooting aid, particularly if you are experiencing a fault that is causing a DTC to set. The scan tool can record approximately 100 frames of Live Data.
Recording Live Data by Manual Trigger—This function enables you to select the precise recording time. Recording by Manual Trigger can be a very valuable tool when troubleshooting intermittent problems that do not meet the requirements for a DTC to be set. The Scan Tool is capable of recording approximately 100 frames of Live Data.
How to Playback Live Data—Once Live Data has been recorded, it is saved in the scanner’s memory. You can view recorded Live Data immediately after recording or later using the Playback function. When viewing recorded Live Data, look for any irregularities in the PID values/signal information. If any PIDs are not within specification or irregularities are detected, follow the vehicle's service repair manual procedures to perform additional troubleshooting and repair.
Recording ABS, TPMS, and SRS Live Data test - These are unique tests only available with the Innova 5610 Scanner. They are available to run as separate tests from other PIDs because they are essential for the vehicle's safe operation.
Enabling or Disabling Live Data Descriptions—This feature is handy because it explains what the actual PID has identified as an issue.

Key Takeaways

There is no question that Live Data testing is an invaluable aspect of the scanner, enabling a DIYer to perform a deep dive into the complex systems associated with today’s vehicles. The capability to Record, Graph, and Stream real-time Live Data sets the 5610 scanners apart from the competition. If you also consider that you can review the data at a later time on the tool screen or a Windows computer, then this scanner is a real game changer.

As a DIYer, you know the best way to identify any problem with your vehicle is to utilize an OBD scanner. Using my 2019 Hyundai Ioniq as an example, I connected the Innova 5610 scanner and the RepairSolutions2 app to review and perform several Live Data tests. I performed the ABS, TPMS, and SRS PID testing to ensure these systems were within specs. Combining the OBD scanner with the Innova RepairSolutions 2 tool will enable you to identify any problems and show you the estimated costs to replace the component.

Conclusion

Can an OBD scanner help you resolve issues? Yes, it can. Can Live Data testing help you resolve the more complex issues? Yes, it can. You do not have to settle for a scanner that only resolves problems identified by a DTC when there are scanners that will go beyond the basic features to more advanced features that will make diagnosing and resolving issues much easier. Your time is valuable as a DIYer, so don’t settle for the mediocre when choosing a scanner. Choose Innova, and rest assured that you have selected the best tool that money can buy.