Its free "shop in a box" feature also lets you generate reports that can be customized to include your customer's complaint technician's evaluation and diagnosis and parts, labor times and related TSBs for repair.
The included software lets you download, save, print and e-mail additional information from the tool, including trouble codes, monitor status and freeze frame data.
The tool also includes more than $100 in value-add-ons, including a durable nylon storage pouch, PC link cable and CD with OBD-PC Link Shopsoftware. It has complete coverage from "mode 1" to "mode 9," according to the company. It also shows valuable SAE-enhanced live and freeze-frame data, and lets the user not only record and playback live data streams but also perform bi-directional testing. The kit has a "plug and play" interface color-coded System Status LEDs that show quick emissions readiness status and a continuous link for performing drive cycles to verify repairs. The video and information provided by the tool is offered in English, Spanish, and French (selected by a menu command). The scan tool comes with a training video and software.
The company says there is free drive-cycle verification with its Emission's Readiness Advisor (other companies may charge more than $100 for this feature and require the purchase of a separate tool). Updates for the Innova 3140 can be accessed through the Internet, and technical support is offered by phone and e-mail. The tool also has LEDs to show passing or failure on emissions tests. The tool provides quick and easy access to diagnostic data for all 1996 and later vehicle models.ĭata can be accessed in 15 seconds, and the tool's all-in-one screen can show more than 25 pieces of information at a time. offers the Innova 3140 Scan Tool CanOBD2 & 1 Kit, its latest tool. Here are some new products on the market.Įquus Products Inc. Using them should be one of their Best Practices. They have the potential to drastically improve technicians' time and efficiency because they can provide more reliable information faster than was available in the past. They are not worth it, if more money is going out on updates than what they are bringing in.The variety of new OBD II scan tools offered by different companies gives technicians the power to choose a tool that is specific to his or her needs.
Scan tools are worth having if they are making the shop money. Then it could be feasible to have the OEM scan tool on hand. The exception would be the auto repair shop that specializes in a certain make. Because the expense of the OEM scan tools will most likely be much higher, than occasionally sending a vehicle to the dealer for a flash.
So basically most shops are better off having a scan tool that has a wide range of applications, even though they won’t be able to flash modules. Here is a link to an automotive tool blog that talks about some of those laptop programs and the Genisys scan tool. And it’s kind of a scary proposition to start flashing the PCM (Power Train Control Module) with a lap top program that may not be completely up to snuff. Some Laptop PC (Personal Computer) programs are starting to have more capability when it comes to re-programing modules an computers but I think they have a lot of work ahead of them. So you see, a basic scanner like the OTC Genisys scan tool is a good all around scan tool for most shops that need to work on a wide range of vehicles and access most systems at an economical price. The OEM scan tools at around a $5000 each, are out of reach for most auto repair shops due to the initial expense of the tool and the updates required. The OEM scan tool for Chrysler vehicles is the DRBIII. The manufacturer specific scan tool for General Motors applications is the Tech II Scanner. The manufacturer specific scan tool for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury is the New Generation Star (NGS). As far as I am aware, manufacturer specific or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) scan tools are the only ones capable of this. Question:Will the Genisys Scan Tool with an 07 software update, flash the Electronic Power train Module on a 2001 Ford Windstar? Will it also read out the ABS module program and reload in a replacement ABS module? Will it do the same on GM vehicles?Īnswer: The OTC Genisys scanner does not have any flashing or re-programming capability. Genisys Scan Tool Question – Flashing/Re-Programing Modules