im not looking for OBD1 or multilingual options but if it comes with it thats fine . im looking for everything else i guess that OBDII does. all the live data, all the sensors,fuel injectors if possible , vacuum leaks, trans if possible, a unit that doesnt need power from car. i want the scanner to be able to identify the vehicle and vin maybe..... it be able to show the code and what the code is. offer solutions for the code. etc etc something in the middle i guess $200-300 any info you can tell me would be great . im alittle lost on these things thanks


innova has the 3150b and 3160b that are their highest end models that will do ABS but no OBDI intergated with that i guess thats ok i guess you dont want to loose the abs so those would be the two models from innova

then for actron they have several im starting to look at the 4 or 5
cp9580A
cp9580
cp9185 - only obdII
cp9190- obd1 + obdII
cp9575-

 

I'm far, far, far from a competent or knowledgeable mechanic such as you'll find on FTE but I bought the Actron CP9580 a few years ago. (The A version didn't exist at the time.) Advice from a competent mechanic suggested something I could afford but maybe a bit more than a simple code reader. The ability to clear codes was a top priority for me.

Actron's Code Connect feature is nice but its somewhat peer powered, relying on those of us willing to find and solve a problem then report our success to Actron which they incorporate into their data base for codes the PCM throws. Typically though once we know what the code is the repair is somewhat straight forward.

My CP9580 came in handy when a buddies '99 E250 had what appeared to be IAC valve problems. A quick scan and review of Code Connect suggested a bad PCV value----$10 vs $75 made him quite happy!

With Actron's Scanning Suite loaded onto my PC I've updated it twice with new info taking me into the 2010 model years. As later info is available I'm able to update my scanner free of charge. I paid less than $150 in '09, here's one for a very fair price: Actron CP9580 Autoscanner Plus OBD II Can ABS Scan Tool New SEALED | eBay All things considered this is the best value, I'd opt for the best or with most features and update-ability in such a device. CP9580 has all that IMHO.

I think they arrive with the PC connecting cable which is invaluable and of course somewhat proprietary. If not already included I'd order one of those plus the zippered carry pouch---mine rides under a seat most days.

The Innova stuff looked a bit cheap or cheesy to me but that doesn't speak to their quality or abilities at all---just my visual impressions.

Anyway that's what I know-----like all info on the internerd its worth what you pay for it!

 

crap now i just discovered the INNOVA pro models

iv31703
iv31403
iv31603

 

There's always the high-end stuff too, Snap On's Solus system is one that comes to mind.........!

 

i know lol but i mean the innova actron world their higher end model to do most and beyond. 200-300 maybe 400 max if necessary.

 

I was just kidding about the Snap On stuff----its far beyond what most of us need or want for drive way tune ups!

Most better hand-held scanners in the $200 and above range typically would include some sort of online support, updates for what years/models are covered. I've already updated my Actron to 2010 model years, it arrived only going as far as 2008, most likely the date of manufacture of the scanner.

I set an upper limit of $200 for my purchase, came in just under $160 as I recall.

I looked at the Innova stuff too but probably settled on the Actron for reasons I don't really recall at the moment. Priority was code cancelling ability but in the deal I also got the "code connect" feature which is slightly helpful That gives the option to read a code and see the top 5 reported fixes for that particular code are, a bit of a head start if you don't already suspect what the issue might be.

Too bad we can't rent or borrow something before we buy huh? Maybe better to buy locally or online from someone who'd allow a return for credit or another brand and type of scanner.

I'm sold on my Actron simply because it'll do everything I need it too!

 

then i found OTC lol it looks like actron but those innova have SRS in the lower end models in them which i could have used.

looking at the actron cp9580A they make an OTC model that looks just like it not sure if one is better than the other on ebay for like $150 is the cheapest ive found