The best Bi Directional Scan Tools you can buy in 2023

If you’re someone who performs automotive diagnostics at home or in a professional garage, then having a trustworthy Bi-Directional Scan Tool is an outright essential.

The quality of the Bi-directional OBD2 Scanner that you use, and the OBD2 software that comes with it, can have a huge impact on the precision and accuracy of your work, so you have to make sure you have a tool you can rely on.

Right?

But selecting one that you can bank on being top quality is harder than it sounds.

I mean there’s a million results out there, all proclaiming themselves to be the holy grail of automotive diagnostics.

And with all these results it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

That’s why we decided to put together this guide on what we consider to be the two best Bi-Directional Scan Tools on the market.

That way you can take the trusted opinion of a company with 30 years experience, driven by the brains of ASE Master technicians, to find yourself a device that comes with top tier Bi-Directional OBD2 Software, to help you sky rocket your diagnostics efficiency.

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

Innova 5610 – CarScan Pro $411.75

When it comes to purchasing a truly premium Bi-Directional Scan Tool with the best of the best of OBD2 Software, the CarScan Pro #5610 is the option you need.

The CarScan Pro is the most feature rich Bi-Directional Scan Tool that we have to offer in the entire range, a true all inclusive tool that provides the user with an instant level of professionalism not offered by other tools.

Let’s look at the key features of the CarScan Pro.

One of the facets of the CarScan Pro that separates it from other Bi-Directional Scan Tools is the fact that it comes with special reset functions. This means that you can complete repairs and general maintenance using dealership level relearn procedures.

Perhaps that’s the best way to summarize the CarScan Pro; it puts the highest professional standard right into the palm of your hand.

This device also gives you access to an enhanced data stream, which means you can see pivotal metrics for advanced systems such as ABS, SRS, transmission and engine.

As if that wasn’t enough, the CarScan Pro also provides you with top of the range functionality testing. Due to its Bi-Directional Control, you can send commands to your car to test things like fuel pump on/off, or to retract an electronic brake.

This is a truly premium Bi-Directional OBD2 Scanner.

Of course, this device also gives you the necessary features that the CarScan Tech #5510 did, including
– 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.

And much, much more!
And again, if you’re looking for some more info on this premium quality product, check out this video!

We know that there’s no better validation of a product’s quality than good old fashioned customer reviews, so let us show you some for the CarScan Pro#5610.

“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.”

The customer feedback speaks for itself, and feel free to read the rest of the reviews on our Amazon page for this product. Clearly the product is regarded as a premium product, not just by us, but by the people purchasing it.

So, pickup the CarScan Pro #5610 and unlock professional results, produced at home.

If you'd like to read more about the 5610, you can check out our 2024 OBD2 recommendations.

Looking for a diagnostic tool that’s a little cheaper? No worries. We’ve got you covered too!

Innova 5510 – CarScan Tech $294.00

Now this tool isn’t one that would be classed as Bi-Directional, so perhaps it does miss out on some of those two way qualities, but the CarScan Tech #5510 is still a fantastic option if you’re looking for premium diagnostics on a budget.

It possesses some really handy features for the price you can get it at.

Firstly, thanks to it’s advanced brake caliper service function it can bleed both EPB and ABS brakes. Very handy for when you’re running diagnostics.

Not to mention this diagnostic device also enables the user to read and diagnose tire pressure and sensor data, which is a huge factor into why we deem it fitting of its presence in this guide.

And to round off the key features of the tool, it also permits the user to verify in real time when transmission fluid is at a temperature that’s within operating range, which is a major help in running aid and diagnostics.

And let’s not leave out the fact that it also includes a variety of high quality features, including:
– 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.

And much more!

Looking to learn more about the CarScan Tech #5510?? Well no problem. We put together this video just to do that:

But don’t just take our word for it, just listen to the reviews of our delighted customers:

“Accurate and easy to use”

“I’ve been in the market for a good OBD2 scanner for a while now. This thing is everything I need and more.”

“if you are looking to dig into your car’s brain this tool has many features and should do the job for you.”

“My brother in law used it and said it was better than his which was more money!”

The CarScan Tech #5510 is proven in terms of its features and level of customer satisfaction, and would be a great purchase for anyone looking for an accurate diagnostic tool that produces real time results.

Looking to buy? Then just click here!

Looking for a Bi-Directional Scan Tool that’s more of a premium option? No worries. Just read on!

Comparing the Bi-Directional Scan tool with the cheaper option

Of course these two tools are both of a high standard, but understanding what tool to go for can be tough.

To help, we put together this table of comparison:

Innova 5510 – CarScan Features Innova 5610 – CarScan Features
Active/Bi-Directional System TestsSpecial reset functions

 

Enhanced data stream: Engine, AT, ABS, SRS

SRS Read/Erase/Reset
US/Asia

US/Asia
ABS Read/Erase/Reset
US/Asia/EU

US/Asia/EU
Check Engine Light

 

Emissions Check

Battery System Check

Live Data

10 OBD2 Modes

Oil Level/Reset

Network Scan

Battery Voltage/Reset

EPB/ABS Brake Bleeding/Caliper Service/Brake pad life

 

Transmission Temp

TPMS – Tire Pressure

OBD1
Upgradable

Upgradable

Using your Bi-Directional Scan Tool

We wouldn’t want you to purchase any of our items without understanding how you use it, so let us explain.

Step 1: Plug the Bi-Directional OBD2 Scanner into your vehicle, and turn the vehicle on. This should lead to the tool automatically connecting and reading the CEL.

Step 2: Once this has happened you’ll be able to access the information on your Bi-Directional OBD2 Scanner, and to do this, simply navigate across to the menu. If you’re confused just look at the picture:

Bi-Directional Scanner tutorial

Step 3: Once this has happened you’ll be able to access the information on your Bi-Directional OBD2 Scanner, and to do this, simply navigate across to the menu. If you’re confused just look at the picture:

OBD2 Software tutorial

Get more out of your Bi-Directional Scan Tool with RepairSolutions2

At Innova, we don’t stop caring about our customers once the purchase has been made. We’re always looking to provide an excellent service.

And we believe that we’ve done just that with our mobile app RepairSolutions2.

Diagnostic scan tools, like the ones we’ve talked about here, come with the app for absolutely free, adding another dimension to your enjoyment of the tools.

If you pair the app with your Bi-Directional OBD2 Scanner, then you unlock exclusive instructional videos and verified fix solutions from a leading brand in the automotive diagnostics world.

Not to mention that you can also use the in app feature you can find and purchase the correct parts needed to fix your vehicles problems.

There are also other features such as scheduled maintenance and predicted failures that make this a must have.

All of these elements of the app make it the ideal companion for you and your Innova Bi-Directional Scan Tool, that will help you stay on the road,

If you’d like some more information on the app itself, including additional features and how to get setup, then just check out this informative video we produced.

That’s it for this guide on the best Bi-Directional Scan tools and Bi-Directional OBD2 Software, but be sure to come to Innova for any other queries or needs you may have. After all, we’re the #1 US brand for Scan Tools and Code Readers for a reason!