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Continue ShoppingIf you want to produce accurate and effective diagnostics, then you need a good Vehicle Code Reader.
And, for those who are already DIY mechanics or looking to become one, this can be a tricky thing to get.
Not because of the shortage of options out there, but actually the opposite.
If you search for a Vehicle Code reader into Google, you will see millions of results, and picking just one out of this vast amount of options is tough!
So, we put together this guide, on the best Vehicle Code Reader’s you can buy, with an option at high, mid, and low budgets.
Without any further ado, let’s dive into these Vehicle Code Reader’s.
To get this guide off and running, let’s look at the Innova CarScan 5610.
This is the premium option when it comes to picking up a Vehicle Code Reader.
It’s the most feature rich tool in the range, and offers the top quality in diagnostics.
Not to mention that as a premium tool, it’s price point of $411.75 still provides very good value for money.
Let’s look at some of the key features.
The 5610 is a Vehicle Code Reader with a special reset functions.
This means that you can use dealership level re-learn procedures, making it very useful for repairs or maintenance.
It also has an enhanced data stream, and with it you can view advanced systems, such as ABS, Transmission, SRS and engine.
This brings you closer to the data that makes or breaks a good diagnostic. A HUGE asset to have on your side.
Perhaps the feature that rounds off the 5610 as the premium range tool is it’s Bi-Directional qualities.
With this feature, the user can test key functionalities such as fuel pump on/off, and retract an electronic parking brake.
As well these features, the 5610 also has the following abilities:
– 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.
If you’d like to learn more about this Car Code Reader, then just check out this video we made about it.
We know that the features on this Vehicle Code Reader are top draw, but here at Innova we always look to provide customer feedback on our products.
With this feedback, you can understand what experience other customers got with the product.
And to us, customer satisfaction is the best validation of our products.
So, let see what customers thought of the 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.”
It’s clear that those who bought this Vehicle Code Reader, loved it.
And, the features are top notch.
Looking for a mid range tool?
No worries. We have you covered.
Just read on!
When it comes to the budget of a Vehicle Code Reader, some people may find the 5610 a little pricey.
But the Innova CarScan 5410 is a lot cheaper.
This is our mid range tool, that is an absolute favorite amongst DIY mechanics, due to it’s price and the quality it provides.
So, if you’re looking for a mid range Vehicle Code Reader, then this is the one for you.
Let’s look at the key features.
A key feature that I’d like to mention right away is it’s SRS functionalities, which allow the user to diagnose and clear safety systems of a variety of vehicles.
This allows you to be sure that the safety systems in your vehicle are completely safe, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.
As well safety measures checks, the 5410 also enables the user to check the oil contents in your vehicle.
Meaning, that the tool is equipped to reset an oil maintenance light, as well monitor oil levels and oil life in your .
This is also a diagnostic tool that’s particularly skilled in presenting and analysing data.
This device has a live data graph, and with this the user can compare multiple vehicle systems in real time, with easy to read data graphs, bringing you closer to the data that matters to diagnostics.
Not to mention that this is a tool with all system network scan abilities, meaning that you can clear all ECU modules and their trouble codes.
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 diagnostic tool, then feel free to watch this video.
Of course, we’ve already mentioned how important our customer reviews are,
So, let’s look at some of the reviews for this mid range Vehicle Code Reader:
“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”
It’s clear that this mid range tool can provide an excellent service, even if it is on a cheaper price point.
Looking for something a little cheaper? Just read on!
The third and final Vehicle Code Reader on this guide is the Innova CarScan 5210.
This Vehicle Code Reader is the best cheap option you can go for, with a price tag of just $117.64.
We recommend this Vehicle Code Reader to someone who’s looking for a cost effective tool, or to enter the DIY mechanics field for the first time.
And, despite it’s low price point, this tool still has some great features.
The 5210 has a number of nifty features that make it the best option on the market for its price class as far as Vehicle Code Reader’s go.
One of these features is it’s code severity levels features.
This feature allows you to comprehend the severity levels of issues with your vehicle, allowing you to know whether a repair is urgent or can wait.
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 Vehicle Code Reader.
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.
With this, you can display all your vehicles information from when a trouble code was triggered.
This makes it much easier to pin point exactly what is wrong with your vehicle.
To further illustrate the strengths of the 5210:
The 5210 may be very cheap as far as Vehicle Code Reader’s go, but the quality in features remains.
Not to mention, the emphasis on customer reviews is still there too.
Let’s look at what customers thought of this budget Vehicle Code Reader:
“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”
Clearly the reviews are delighted with the 5210, not to mention that the features are still extensive.
This Vehicle Code Reader shows that you don’t have to see a huge drop off in quality as the price goes low, and the 5210 is perfect if you’re operating in this budget.
Looking to pick up the 5210 and add a budget tool to your selection? Just click here!
We’ve just covered an awful lot of information on Vehicle 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 Vehicle Code Reader and how to get the most out of your tool with our exclusive RepairSolutions2.
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 |
|||
To ensure you can get up and running with your Scanner, we decided to provide some information on how you use it.
Step 1 – Firstly, plug the 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.
One of the perks of purchasing a Vehicle Code Reader 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 Vehicle Code Reader.
Step 1 Download the app off whatever app market you operate in.
Step 2 – Then, simply pair it with your 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.
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