Equus 3100 Innova CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool Reviews

• Comprehensive and convenient OBD2 code reader

  
  By A29EBV60CV8UG6 on 2006-08-28
  This code reader is easy to use and provides comprehensive drive train diagnostic capability. Keep the instruction book handy, there is a lot of information on the display. This model will not read ABS/air bag faults (Equus does not make a reader for the ABS system).
  
  

• Good, Fast, Easy

  
  By A39EOIUTPA8E3Q on 2007-02-01
  I am a professional Technician. This little handy dandy tool is fast, easy, and gets to the point of the problem with little to no issues.
  
  Self powered, and can tell you current codes, pending codes, as well as what monitors have been run. Comes with a nice booklet that explains how OBDII works, and has a code chart for most cars.
  
  Well made, Ive had mine for a few years now, its far easier to use then most "top dollar" scan tools.
  
  Cannot show sensor values in real time.
  Clears codes - Yes
  Shows Codes - Yes
  Shows Pending Codes - Yes
  Shows if monitors have run - Yes
  
  

• Excellent product for all applications

  
  By on 2004-07-17
  Im a mechanic that has always looked for something good and inexpensive for checking computer problems. This is that kind of tool. Very good, easy to handle and very easy to read. I would recommend it to anybody.
  
  

• It works!

  
  By A3IG4OEB3UFMNE on 2007-04-14
  Bought this, spent 15 minutes studying the manual, plugged it in, and it worked first time -- read out the "check engine" code, and, when later plugged into a PC, allowed the details to be printed in a nice report.
  
  The only negative I've noticed is that when you reset the "check engine" code in the car's computer, it erases the reader's memory of it, so you have to do the PC printout before resetting the code.
  
  Some folks believe that if you use a device like this on one car it's "locked in" to that car and can't be used on a different car. This is not true -- I've used it on several different cars with no problems.
  
  

• Payed for itself on first use

  
  By A337R6CE47TU9V on 2007-12-02
  I bought INNOVA 3100 about 2 weeks ago because my MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) was on. Plugged it in after reading the manual. It said Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Heater was bad. Called Mitsubishi dealer: Cost of part $317.43 plus 30 minutes of shop time. Looked up a replacement on internet at a cost of $37 plus $10 for a special socket to remove and replace. Another $7 for a Sears crimping tool and I replaced the part and saved over $228 plus I have the INNOVA to use over and over again.
  
  Some reviewers have said that they can't save reports in their computer. There is now a button on the INNOVA supplied program to "Save to File." This makes a test file of about 17 different test results. It is in .txt format and you can copy and paste it into a Word document if you want to dress up the format.
  
  Both the PC CD and the tool worked fine right out of the box. The unit comes with two cables: One to plug into the OBD2 socket under the dashboard of your car, and the other to plug into a USB socket on your PC. The INNOVA has built in memory to save readings obtained during a drive and then subsequently provide the data to your PC.
  
  I am VERY PLEASED to give this unit FIVE STARS.
  
  
• awesome tool
  By A2HQCRGLQUZFKR on 2007-01-09
  Great tool, can upgrade through internet and easy to use. Codes are easy to read and indentify. Plugged into my volvo and gave me a reading in 10 seconds, emissons leak. Now I can decide if i want to fix it or bring to dealer. This company equus website will tell you all you need. They sold over 200,000 of these. You won't be sorry with this tool.
  
  
• Reader Good, Case is not
  By A1N9PB5UQWPPKR on 2005-03-09
  I got the Equus OBD II Code Reader with Storage Case
  because I like to protect the equipment I get but the case is just an empty plastic box. I had to make my own foam liner to keep the reader from bouncing around and damaging itself.
  
  
• A good product for the money.
  By AVGP7SM05L0UE on 2007-02-19
  I paid about $70 for this ODB II reader on a promotion that Amazon ran. The product does the job it is supposed to with out a lot of bells and whistles. I was able to quickly connect the unit and read the fault code from the car in about 30 seconds.
  
  The documentation is a bit shakey -- it doesn't state much about using the product while the car is running. Also, it doesn't let you clear out the car's fault without clearing out its own memory. The only way to save code information is to make a printout from the PC application (and there is no 'save' option in the PC application to store the data on your hard drive).
  
  
• A little late to buy
  By A28K7LCY4GNITJ on 2005-12-01
  Went to the dealer because the "Check Engine" light came on. $130 for the scan and a new gas cap ($12). Second time this has happened to me for only an old gas cap not holding vacuum. Won't happen again...
  
  
• Excellent product
  By A2N2T0X88C3OOO on 2007-01-10
  This is super easy to use. Easy to understand manual. Have the upper hand when your check engine light comes on. Fix the problem yourself, or let your mechanic know what is wrong. Everyone should have a code reader. Of course I also bought this cheaper at WalMart ($80)
  
  
• Doesn't work with 1996 Mazdas
  By A1TXHDVWD0606W on 2005-09-06
  I purchased this unit to diagnose a check engine light on my 1996 Mazda Miata, but the unit was unable to retrieve a code. After contacting the company's support line, I found out that it has known problems with Mazdas made around then.
  
  Not necessarily the fault of Equus -- Mazda may not have implemented the OBD-II protocol correctly early on. Either way, it doesn't work on 1996 Mazdas. I've heard good things from other owners of this code reader, so I'm still giving it a good score.
  
  
• Fantastic Product - Saved me money
  By A238FETEKPFXBO on 2007-04-25
  I purchased this product because my wife's 1997 Honda Accord's "Check Engine" light had come on. It turned out to be an O2 sensor that was bad.
  
  The dealer wanted $110.00 for the diagnostic which they would apply towards the $300.65 (before taxes) O2 sensor + $85.00 in labor + shop supplies. At a minimum, I was looking at over $400.00. I only paid $95.00 for this product and I can get the same O2 sensor for $150.00 online. I saved money the first time I used it and the tool paid for itself.
  
  In addition, I can use it for any of my friend's and family's vehicles.
  
  A must have for anyone wanting to save themselves time, money and frustration at the dealer.
  
  
• good product great price
  By A2XW2J2M66JC1A on 2007-03-09
  This item is easy to use, the codes were easy to read and could be transferred to one's PC via the usb cable provided. I do not have much experience with other code readers but can't imagine one easier to operate and erase faults with than this one. For the price I could not be happier. My only negative comment was with the PC software. It did not allow for saving the list of codes downloaded from the reader. In other words if I wanted to keep this info for future reference I would have to print it out. A minor inconvenience to an otherwise great product.
  
  
• One time, my money back...
  By A2AU6ZPKD5DBSG on 2004-12-14
  I went to the dealer to get your car through the computer, it had a light coming on. It cost me over $135.00 for that. If I should of known about this product back when, I would not even hesitate.
  
  AWESOME product AAAAAAAAAAAAA+++++++++++++++++++++
  
  
• Equus 3100 Innova Diagnostic Code Reader with Memory Backup for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles
  By A33AW4E9734KD8 on 2007-01-18
  This product was very easy to figure out and use.
  I found my problem code and reset it with no trouble whatsoever.
  A very complete manual with a good amount of background material to explain the whole OBD code topic.
  
  
• Poor Product
  By A3CLEL5X4G0OBR on 2007-03-18
  Purchased my 3100 14 months ago. I was very impressed with its features. Really needed to use it today and guess what... dead as a hammer! Put in new batteries and did everything that I could to get the unit to power up (both on and off the vehicle) but no luck. The worst part of this scenario... a 12 month warranty! As they say, the rest is history!
  
  
• Must have and easy to use!
  By ACUPU13FWCVOX on 2008-03-31
  The last trip to the local dealer cost me 165.00 to get a repair estimate of 2550.00 which ultimately cost me 640.00 to have repaired at an outside shop. When my check engine light came on I knew it was time to invest in this tool. This tool is very easy to use and basically boils down to plugging it into the diagnostic terminal in your vehicle and turning the ignition key on. Follow the prompts to select the vehicle type then let the reader do it's thing. The reader will display any hard codes(existing problems) and pending codes(potential problems). Once you retrieve the codes you can do a little research and determine if it's something you might want to tackle yourself or leave to the professionals. The check engine light went out while I was waiting for the tool to arrive. I was still able to retrieve a trouble code and could make a determination whether or not it was something that needed immediate attention.
  The program used to upload the info from the reader to your computer is called Teklink and comes on the supplied CD. About the upgrade, it consists of replacing the Teklink program with a program called Repair Solutions. Just click on the Tools button in Teklink then the Upgrade button. You'll be connected to the website. According to the website, this program provides more comprehensive information such as pinpointing why the check engine light came on, get a better understanding of why the failure occurred and what parts and tools are required to make the correct repairs. There are a couple of caveats though. The change is permanent. You cannot go back to the Teklink program except for information on vehicles previously diagnosed using Teklink. There are limits as to how many vehicles you can diagnose using Repair Solutions. According to the website, you can register 3 vehicles to your account and create 3 reports per vehicle per month. You may replace vehicles on your account(delete an old one and add a new one)two times per calendar year. There does not appear to be any such limitations using the Teklink program. I don't plan on using this tool more than that but I would like to have that option. For this reason, I chose not to upgrade to the new program at this time so I can't comment on it.
  All in all this is a great tool and a must have for DIYers. Even if you don't intend on doing your own repairs this would be a great tool to have. This way you'll have a good idea of what the problem is and help prevent getting ripped off by unscrupulous dealers and repair shops.
  
  
• Great tool at a great price
  By ALWRP7R35VX35 on 2007-03-10
  Tool is very easy to use. Just plug it into your OBDII connector, turn the key and watch it record the fault codes. Then plug it into the USB port of your computer and your done. Software is intuitive and defines all codes captured by the unit and then allows you to create a printout. One use and it's paid for when compared to the hassle and expense of taking the car to the shop. Also prevents fraud since you can tell the shop what is wrong.
  
  
• Good performance, good price
  By A11U0ZIDW22X3F on 2007-07-23
  I've used this code reader to diagnose problems on both my 1998 Outback (and God knows that car spits out plenty of codes!) and my 2001 4Runner. Logical and simple to set up and use. Highly recommended for the shade tree mechanic.
  
  
• Equus 3100 Innova Diagnostic Code Reader
  By A33ZY8IMQQQ5Y8 on 2006-11-09
  An excellent product, easy to use and the instruction manual was very detailed and easy to understand.
  Reasonably priced compared to other units.
  I would recommend it to any first time user.
  
  
• Very simple and complete
  By AMB09GM2AHFVG on 2006-11-14
  I have the INNOVA 3100 c OBD 2 Scanner and it is the best one I have ever purchased. This unit can be upgraded via the Internet at no extra charge it also shows pending code where most other don't. Great value
  
  
• freeze frame
  By AO2TMMYKEHCHY on 2007-05-05
  The freeze frame feature is invaluable in pinpointing the problem without purchasing two or three senders, sensors etc.
  
  
• Great Code Reader
  By AD5AZ4VCOT33Y on 2007-06-08
  I got this reader to dx the check engine light on my 2000 Subaru.. (quick note that with Subaru you have to have the engine running before you plug in the reader). It worked GREAT! The "onboard" descriptions are fantastic!, and the USB capabilities are pretty cool. I printed a report for fun and it worked. Overall this has paid for itself allready in my case (knock sensor) and I would recommend it for sure.
  
  Phill
  
  
• very good device
  By A34RYRROIGX18O on 2007-01-11
  The code reader is a very good device with an excellent price. I fix my car and I saved money. The diagnostic for a car is almost 80 dollars in the auto repair shop, with that money I bought my own code reader.
  
  
• Better than I expected
  By AKDDZGNQ6PKFY on 2007-11-23
  I was pleased when this arrived and discovered that it must be a newer version of the 3100 model. The one pictured and described on Amazon.com and even the Equus Innova websites is the 3100c. The one I received is the 3100a which has some of the features of the 3110 such as the larger display with onscreen definitions and instructions and the ability to display freeze frame data. You can also search the code library on the device.
  Thanks to Amazon.com for offering this for a reasonable price(it was $41 less than what I found at a local auto parts store).
  The product has worked well so far in showing me why my vehicle wasn't "READY" for the annual emissions test. I had disconnected my battery while servicing the vehicle a little over a week before the test and felt confident that I had driven enough during that time for all the readiness monitors to be satisfied. After using this tool I discovered that none of the monitors were detected. This was due to the fact that I have a Superchips custom tuning device that must have somehow disabled the monitors. After returning to the stock tuning the monitors were displayed and I did a drive cycle and watched as they were satisfied.
  The software and usb cable included with the tool allow you to import the data saved in memory and view,save and print out a report. You can also upgrade the firmware of the tool if needed.
  The only CON that I noticed and this is a very minor one is the lack of a backlight for the display.
  
  
• Gets the job done
  By A227TWCL7EV0TJ on 2008-05-20
  Purchased this to check code that was suspect instead of going to dealer. Saved myself the cost of dealer (several hundred dollars) which paid for this unit many times over. Only issue is it erases code from unit as well as vehicle.
  
  
• Great scanner, great price
  By A2K7THR6FNI86I on 2007-08-25
  This is my first code scanner. It reads OBDII, including CAN format. I've only used it once to date, but it told me everything I needed to know and more. The manual that comes with it is very informative, describing not only the codes themselves, but pending codes and monitors. This little device will tell you about all those things, so not only will you know which codes have popped, but which might pop soon. Far more features that the more common orange-colored brand for the price. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Great scanner
  By AG885CVCEK213 on 2007-08-31
  This is a great scanner . worked fine on my 2002 ford taurus reading the trouble codes. . no issues so far. Havnt really used it alot though so cant give more info.
  
  
• A must have gadget
  By A135ETPF2ZCICR on 2007-10-10
  I purchased the Equus 3100 because my "service engine soon" light went on in my 2003 GMC Envoy. I was traveling to Colorado when this happened. I went to a GM dealer and was charged $100.00 for a diagnostic fee. Their code reader said it was the oxygen sensor. I was charged another $126.00 for the part and an additional $39.00 labor added to the $100. The Equus 3100 is less than one diagnostic fee and I could have gotten the part at an auto parts store for $78.00. Easy installation, just unscrew the old oxygen sensor and screw in the new one. This reader works on ALL cars sold in the US since 1996. I use it on all my cars, even if they are under waranty. Just plug it in under the dash, turn on the ignition and it tells you the state of your car. Info can be downloaded to your computer for a printed report and unit is upgradable on the web for free.
  
  
• OBD-II is a great tool!
  By A46HLLKJMRWT8 on 2007-11-21
  After much investigation, I chose to go with the model 3100 OBD-II. Out of the box it performed extremely well. I have responsibility for four vehicles and each one I checked proved to me that I did not waste my money. The on-line log that I can keep on the vehicles that I check should prove to be a valuable tool. Great product!
  
  

• Battery Bug Starting BB-SBM12 Battery Monitor

• Equus Storage Case for 3100 OBD II Code Reader
• Equus Code Reader Nylon Storage Case
• Accutire MS-4350B Programmable Digital Tire Gauge
• OBD-II & Electronic Engine Management Systems (Haynes Techbook)
• Equus 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter