For automotive technicians and car enthusiasts alike, having a reliable diagnostic tool is indispensable. The Innova CarScan 31703 emerges as a versatile solution, adept at navigating both modern and older vehicle systems. This code reader is engineered to be compatible with OBDII and OBD1 systems, extending its utility across a wide range of vehicles. Beyond standard engine diagnostics, the CarScan 31703 also provides crucial diagnostic operations for SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), making it a comprehensive tool for vehicle health checks.
Extensive Features and Functionality
The Innova CarScan 31703 is packed with features designed to streamline the diagnostic process and provide users with in-depth insights into their vehicle’s condition. Here’s a detailed look at its capabilities:
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Broad Diagnostic Code Retrieval: This tool excels at retrieving enhanced and transmission diagnostic codes across all OBD2 compliant vehicles from 1996 onwards, and also supports many popular OBD1 vehicles manufactured between 1981 and 1995. This dual compatibility ensures coverage for a vast majority of vehicles on the road.
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ABS and SRS System Coverage: For vehicles from 1996 and newer from manufacturers like Chrysler, GM, Ford, Toyota, and Honda, the CarScan 31703 can read and clear codes related to the ABS and SRS systems. This feature is critical for safety system maintenance and repair.
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Comprehensive OBD2 Modes: It supports all 10 modes of OBD2 diagnostics, including the essential bi-directional EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control System) test, which is crucial for emissions testing and system integrity checks.
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Live Data Stream: The tool displays, records, and plays back OBD2 live data in a graphical format. This real-time data visualization is invaluable for diagnosing intermittent issues and understanding sensor behavior under various driving conditions.
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Automatic Data Refresh: When connected to a vehicle, the CarScan 31703 automatically refreshes data every 30 seconds. This automatic update feature is particularly useful for verifying the effectiveness of repairs in real-time without needing to manually refresh the data.
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Patented Screen and LED System: Innova’s unique all-in-one backlit screen combined with a three-color LED display offers a quick and intuitive state emissions readiness check. This visual system allows technicians to instantly assess whether a vehicle will pass an emissions test.
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Professional Reporting Software: The included professional shop software enables users to print and manage detailed vehicle diagnostic reports. This feature is essential for professional mechanics needing to provide documentation to customers or for maintaining service records.
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Extensive Inspection Maintenance Monitor Coverage: With 15 inspection maintenance monitors, the CarScan 31703 helps verify that repairs have been properly completed and that the vehicle has completed its full drive cycle. This ensures thoroughness in repair validation.
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Comprehensive Code Display: The tool displays generic (PO, P2, P3, and UO) and manufacturer-specific (P1, P3, and U1) codes, as well as global, pending, and permanent codes. It also identifies the specific code that triggered the freeze frame data, offering a complete picture of the diagnostic information.
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Freeze Frame Data: It captures freeze frame data, providing a snapshot of multiple PIDs (Parameter IDs) at the moment a trouble code was set. This snapshot helps in understanding the conditions under which the fault occurred.
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Internet Updatability: The device is fully internet updateable, ensuring it remains compatible with future vehicle makes and models. Regular updates keep the tool current with the evolving automotive landscape.
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Memory and Battery Backup: Equipped with memory and battery backup, the CarScan 31703 allows for off-car review and analysis of recorded data. This is beneficial for diagnosing issues away from the vehicle and for record-keeping.
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RepairSolutions Access: Users gain access to Innova’s RepairSolutions platform (pro.innova.com), a valuable resource providing trouble code definitions, full diagnostic reports, probable causes, recall information, technical service bulletins (TSBs), and the most likely fixes for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
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Warranty and Support: Innova backs the CarScan 31703 with a full one-year warranty and provides dedicated ASE-certified bi-lingual technical support via a toll-free line, available Monday to Saturday.
OBD1 Vehicle Coverage Details
For older vehicles, the Innova CarScan 31703 offers significant OBD1 coverage, including:
- GM Vehicles: Spanning from 1982 to 1993 and select models from 1994 to 1995.
- Ford/Lincoln/Mercury: Models from 1983 to 1995 equipped with EEC-IV systems.
- Toyota/Lexus: Coverage for models from 1991 to 1995.
- Honda: Support for models from 1991 to 1995.
- Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth: Vehicles from 1984 to 1995.
- Jeep: Models from 1993 to 1995.
Within OBD1 systems, the tool performs essential tests such as KOEO (Key On Engine Off), KOER (Key On Engine Running), timing checks, cylinder balance tests, output state tests, and wiggle tests. These comprehensive tests are vital for diagnosing issues in older, pre-OBD2 vehicles.
User-Friendly Design and Website Resources
The Innova CarScan 31703 is designed with user convenience in mind. It includes a generous six-foot OBD2 cable and an additional six-foot extension cable for OBD1 adapters, ensuring accessibility even in larger vehicles or awkward diagnostic port locations. A USB cable is also provided for connecting to a PC, facilitating software updates and data transfer.
Innova’s website (pro.innova.com) is a standout feature, offering an extensive DTC library that simplifies the process of obtaining trouble code definitions. Users can quickly input a DTC number and vehicle make to instantly access definitions. Another helpful tool on the website is the vehicle-specific DLC (Data Link Connector) locator, which provides clear illustrations of the DLC location based on vehicle year, make, and model. The website also offers tips on probable causes for DTCs and recommended fixes, enhancing its utility as a diagnostic resource.
RepairSolutions: Advanced Diagnostic Support
RepairSolutions is a web-based platform designed to aid technicians in efficient vehicle diagnostics and repairs. It allows users to view, save, and email diagnostic data retrieved from the vehicle. The platform also provides access to a vast knowledge database. Upon connecting the CarScan 31703 to a PC via USB, the system automatically directs users to the RepairSolutions website, streamlining data upload and analysis. Users can then log into their account to leverage the full capabilities of this service.
Intuitive Button Layout and Robust Build
The scan tool features clearly labeled and responsive buttons, making navigation straightforward. The backlit screen is easy to read in various lighting conditions, reducing eye strain. While the review mentions a preference for text on the erase button instead of an icon, the overall button design is intuitive and efficient. The build quality of the CarScan 31703 is notably robust. The tool’s housing and internal components are designed to withstand typical workshop conditions. Even after drop tests onto a concrete floor, the unit reportedly continued to function without issue, highlighting its durability.
Conclusion: A Versatile Diagnostic Tool
The Innova CarScan 31703 stands out as a highly capable and user-friendly diagnostic tool. Its extensive OBDII and OBD1 coverage, combined with ABS and SRS diagnostic capabilities, makes it a valuable asset for both professional technicians and DIY enthusiasts. Features like live data streaming, automatic updates, and access to RepairSolutions further enhance its appeal. Whether you’re diagnosing a modern vehicle or troubleshooting an older model, the Innova CarScan 31703 is equipped to provide comprehensive diagnostic support, making vehicle maintenance and repair more efficient and effective.
Manufacturer Contact Information:
Innova (Equus Products Inc.)
17352 Von Karman Ave.
Irvine, CA 92614
(877) 227-7226
www.pro.innova.com
