We took the Innova CarScan Pro 5610 and put it through a variety of scenarios to detect problems across 4 different vehicles. Based on its easy-to-use interface, wide vehicle coverage, and mobile phone support software—this tool floats to the top of our “recommended” list for anyone looking for an economical OBD2 diagnostic tool.
Pros
- Easy to use with intuitive buttons/functions
- Wide vehicle coverage
- Does much more than just read engine codes
- Free companion phone app
Cons
- No storage pouch or case included
Innova CarScan Pro 5610 Overview
The Innova CarScan Pro 5610 targets the more advanced DIY mechanic or consumer who likes to do their homework before heading to a dealer or mechanic for repairs. This OBD2 code reader also builds in a number of other functions that allow users to do various basic maintenance and diagnostic work on their own vehicles.
While not a factory or dealer level diagnostic tool, it provides many useful functions beyond the most basic code reading. You can’t “program” your car or modify the ECU settings with this tool. However, you can figure out why that engine light or other indicator light might be illuminated on your dash.
And, for those auto-nerds out there (you know who you are), you can also see real-time data on the various sensors and input/output data while your vehicle runs. Once you make the appropriate repairs or take care of any flagged maintenance items, the Innova 5610 lets you clear out or reset the lights to complete the job.
Vehicles Tested with the Innova CarScan Pro
As mentioned, we tested four different vehicles with the Innova CarScan Pro 5610 OBD2 reader tool. Here’s a quick summary before we go into more details:
- 2000 Ford F250 (diagnosed faulty oxygen sensor and EGR valve)
- 2003 Jeep Liberty (battery and alternator test – bad alternator)
- 2008 Toyota Highlander (alternator test – bad alternator and located bad TPMS sensor)
- 2011 VW CC (diagnosed intermittent faulty boost sensor)
A scanner tool like the $349 Innova CarScan Pro certainly has its limits. It may not cover 100% of all possible manufacturer codes. For most, however, it should help point you in the right direction.
Using the Innova 5610 OBD2 Scan Tool
In the last several weeks, we have had a few opportunities to try out the Innova CarScan Pro 5610 on several different cars. These included domestic, Asian, and European models.
2008 Toyota Highlander Alternator
I first tried the Innova 5610 scanner on my wife’s 2008 Toyota Highlander. In the last two weeks, her SUV would not start on three different instances without a jump from one of my other vehicles. One afternoon, after finding herself stranded in a Hobby Lobby (not a bad place to be stuck…) I got “the call”. This time, however, I came to her rescue with the new Innova CarScan Pro in hand.
After jumping the Toyota with my truck, I then proceeded to run the battery and alternator tests as directed by the on-screen prompts. Each test included clear directions as to what to do. In the end, it let me know that I had a good battery—but the alternator was not running to specifications.
After swapping in a new alternator (which took me 3-hours thanks to its nearly inaccessible position—thanks, Toyota), the Highlander ran good as new. In addition, all of the erratic electrical gremlins we also experienced seem to have gone away.
2011 VW CC
Next up, I had a periodic blinking check engine light on my 2011 VW CC. During initial cold starts, I noticed what sounded like a skip in the idle engine speed until the car warmed up to temperature. I plugged in the Innova CarScan Pro scanner and quickly found an issue with my boost control valve. I swapped in a new one. After clearing the codes I’ve experienced no further issues.
2000 Ford F250
I have an old Ford F250 utility box truck that I keep around for projects. I also lend it out to friends for projects, moving, etc. The truck makes for a truly handy catch-all vehicle. Unfortunately, at some point in its life, the check engine light on the dash “stopped” working. Out of curiosity, I went ahead and scanned it with the Innova 5610, finding a faulty upper oxygen sensor. Also, the EGR valve showed up as not working properly. On a truck this old, the jury is still out as to whether I’ll make these repairs. It runs fine for now and actually gets decent gas mileage…possibly due to a stuck EGR.
2003 Jeep Liberty
The last vehicle on which we tested the Innova 5610 scanner was a 2003 Jeep Liberty that has been having some charging issues. After confirming the battery worked properly, we went ahead and did the alternator test. Sure enough, the alternator came up as not performing to specifications. AutoZone confirmed the diagnostic when it went back for warranty replacement. We love having the ability to diagnose alternator issues without having to remove the alternator and take it somewhere for troubleshooting.
RepairSolutions2 Software
Connecting to Bluetooth and using the RepairSolutions2 software can help you find out more about possible repair solutions. That includes instructional videos and other resources. I installed the software on my iPhone, followed the prompts to connect to the hardware via Bluetooth, and had the tool linked in a matter of minutes. It also works on Android phones using the Google Play store. I definitely found it to be a helpful tool for those more difficult problems that come up from time to time.
Conclusion
All in all, we likely saved ourselves around $500 in automotive diagnostic and service fees using the Innova CarScan Pro 5610 scanner. Using this tool across four vehicles gave us a good feel for how it works and we had great results. It saved us time, let us easily make some basic repairs, and cleared out all our pesky check engine lights.
We recommend this tool to any aspiring DIY mechanic for their own personal use. You can get more robust systems, but you will likely need to pay a lot more as well. Conversely, you can pay less if you only want basic code clearing and fewer features. Innova has very basic OBD2 scanners starting at around $60.
You can pick up the Innova CarScan Pro 5610 for just $330.
Innova 5610 CarScan Pro Specifications
- Model: 5610
- Read and clear codes on domestic, Asian, and European vehicles
- Bi-directional control/active tests
- Enhanced view live data stream
- Full vehicle module scan
- TPMS scan
- ABS/SRS scan
- Oil light reset
- Battery initialization/reset
- SMOG check LED indicators
- Code severity levels
- DPF regen
- RepairSolutions2 app for your phone via Bluetooth
