Friday, April 30, 2010

Equus 3160 It Just Pays for Itself!

So easy to use, so easy to read, plenty of support on line.

This is a great investment if you don't have a "Favorite" shop where you can take your vehicles to for repair.

I have been burned one time too many by the local garage, be it a major dealership or a mom and pop shop.

This scanner more than paid for itself the day UPS delivered it.

Now family, friends and neighbors bring their vehicles here to plug in.

You have to have a little better than basic understanding of vehicles and engines but not much more.

Plenty of on-line help to decifer codes and make your own inexpensive repairs.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Equus 3160 simple to use and lots of infos

It has obd2 libray so can check what code it has. also can check abs code too. freeze frame. I like the function and flex.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Equus 3160 well thought out tool

it took a week of going to different sites and reading customer reviews plus time at manufactors home sites there were plenty of negative reviews on many models but on this unit the worst complaint was wanting a larger case. like any tool it takes practice learning how to use all the info available ,The ABS circuit is a plus I own a small used car dealer ship but it has already paid for it self in pointing out driveability issues other brands had reliability issues or customer service issues but so far it is a winner. the hardest part is sometimes finding the defective parts location under the hood I go to my local parts store and they have made use of service manuals for free ( chilton )I like buying from Amazon because of there willingness to work with you if you do have a problem

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Equus 3160 Works good for what I need

I compared several brands with this one before I bought this one. I based my buying decision on user ratings, the fact that it has ABS testing included as well, and the Live Data capability which I have used already with success. The software that comes with it is helpful, but could be better. I actually take the data from the scanner for each of the 20 frames and put it into a spreadsheet so I can make my own graphs. The software can make graphs but the aggravation that en-tales just is not worth it. More pros than cons. I don't regret this purchase at all.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Equus scan tool 3160

I bought this tool to supplement an OTC scan tool I use in my business. It is so easy to use & much faster than my $3000.00 tool & actually has some features that the more expensive scan tool doesn't have.

I would not hesitate to recommend this tool for the do it your self person. Price is certainly right for all that this tool does

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Equus 3160 Works great

I had one of those cheap OBD-II readers that I got in a gold box special a few months ago and when the check engine light went on in my car, it was able to give me the code, but that was about it. No access to any of the additional information (freeze frame) available at the time of the problem. No ability to analyze the engine as it is running, etc.

So I started poking around looking for a good prosumer model (a level above the basic consumer model, but not the full fledged high $$ professional model) and found myself looking at the Equus 3160...

Took the new unit out to the truck and got lots of details on the problem (showing that it was an engine misfire that occurred when the engine was idling - which was one of the signs of a "service-notice warranty extension" problem with my truck model) and I also used it to take a look at a bunch of the system characteristics while the engine was running (mostly auto-geeky kind of stuff, but interesting for me!).

Since I have a GM model (Chevy Colorado) the extended data and ABS data is available (not that there was anything special for me to look at there for me).

I'm glad to have it and now at least have some idea as to what that dang "check engine" idiot light means when it lights up (so I can figure out if it's a problem I want to tangle with or just bring it in for service). You kind of need that because that stupid light goes on for all kind of reasons (even one as simple as leaving your gas cap too loose).

Definitely recommend.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Equus 3160 Best Scanner yet

I replaced a 3100 model with this one. Not as easy to use as the 3100, but I like the live data and the abs code reading abillity. This scanner will read 2009 ford f450/6.4 diesel.

Friday, April 23, 2010

A must have tool / Innova 3160

From the early 80's on I have had scan tools.
Older ones you had to count the check engine light flashes to get the code number (still have mine for ford / gm / chrysler). I even went as low as to use a paper clip to get the codes.
Then I started with my first OBDII and it was very good (had to look the code description up in a book)
Now with the CAN OBDII and error code description on screen it is a must have for anyone.
This model with the ABS is a nice little touch also.
Even if you don't repair the car yourself, knowing the code & description before going to a garage allows you to know what is wrong and if they are telling you the truth or not.
Leaving the gas cap off after a fill up and having the check engine light come on can cost over 70 bucks to get the car computer reset, only a few seconds to reset with this. (some newer cars / vans don't automatically reset like the older models cars did)
Best of all, after you repair your car being able to use the OBDII tester to verify the repair is nice.
A would say a must have for beginner / hobbiest / professional.

Innova 3160

I was tired of the cheap OBD readers and wanted something much better. I also wanted something I could read the ABS system with. The Innova 3160 does the trick. It is easy to use and understand. I like the way it prompts you in order to get what you are looking for. It has an excellent screen with the exact information you need to make repairs. It is obvious that they consulted with a repair tech when they designed it. I haven't tried to up-date it from the computer as yet, but it has all the necessary items and information with it to do so. On the down side, it doesn't have an explanation for all the manufacturer codes, especially the ABS codes. I found that I am going to their web site quite often to get the expanation. The web-site is very good and helpful though. I really like it. The worst thing is the CHEAP carrying case. The unit won't even fit into it with the cable attached. That means that you are always removing and replacing the cable. I'm sure that isn't good on the connection. Throw the case away and buy something better that you can keep the scanner, instruction book, and other materials in. It's hard to believe a company like this would offer such a fine instrument and provide it in this case. Never-the-less, it's a great scanner and well worth the money-just figure a little extra for another case!