Monday, September 28, 2009

Equus 3130 Scanner

I am happy with this purchase! I don't like the fact that the unit does not have a USB port for hook up to the computer (you have to by a Serial to USB adapter). But the scanner works well. I tried it on a 96 corvette and a 2008 Acura. It found a code in the Acura (honda specific code that was easy to find on the software that came with the scanner). I was able to clear this code and it has not come back yet (500 miles later)!
The Evap. test and O2 tests don't seem to run or are not supported on these vehicles.
But overall it was a good product that seems to be built well!
I wish it would do ABS testing and possibly Body Control module tests but it would probably raise the price of the unit.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Equus 3130 can use whether MIL is on or off

The reader works as advertised on the website [...]. The unit is easy to use, and the backlit display is bright when the unit is connected to the DLC. Provides info on the operating condition of your vehicle even if the check engine light is not lit. I use it to monitor the operating temperature of the vehicle, and the live data capture comes in very handy.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Equus 3130 Code reader

When I purchased the reader I was a bit skeptical as to whether it was going to help me find why my engine light came on. The unit is easy to hoopk up to the car and use. It gave me the error code and brief description of what the code meant. This allowed me to find my problem (a loose gas cap--Man these cars are sensitive these days!) and clear the code turning off the engine light.

Something to keep in mind with this or any other code reader and that is the code reader doesn't alway tell you exactly the problem with your car but can get you close. Having some knowledge of automotive systems (including the car's shop manual) is definitely helpful.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Equus 3130 Works fine

Since I have been a tech for 38 years I have an edge,I have used many scan-tools of different makes.
This scan-tool is simple to use,it doesn't support diagnoses of codes but displays all needed codes to repair a problem.You will need a service manual to properly diagnose fault codes.
I like it as it gives important data to properly see componants at their actual values and when you make needed repairs you can see the repaired/replaced componant read proper values.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Equus 3130 excellent product

This scanner is excellent. It works on every car I have plugged it into. It is very easy to use and response time is faster than the big expensive ones. Sometimes though it will show pending codes as stored codes when the check engine light is not on. Every thing else is great just wish it read abs codes a great buy for the money. The exact same scanner in the store is double.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Equus 3130 Scanner

The scanner worked as promised .The only thing was I had no place to plug the scanner in on my computer. To solve the problem I bought an adapter plug from the nine pin on the scanner wire to a USB which I can plug into the computer.I'm still working on getting past just reading error codes and clearing the check engine light.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Equus 3130 Very cool

This is a very nice tool. I find that I can use it easiy for the most common tasks and that's the main thing I care about.

Some of the more advanced features are not so intuitive and I'm one of those dumb customers who thinks it should be. I think the best-designed tools include an owner's manual for reference sake, but the tool should have an easy enough interface that I don't need to pull out a book with my dirty hands.

I think they tried to save the cost of a couple of buttons by giving some of them double or tripple duty and thus making it so you need a manual to know how to get where. I still like my new tool a lot, though. It does everything it says it'll do, but don't lose the manual!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Equus 3130 Good Code Scanner- Gotta Read the Manual!

Very good and capable scanner for the money. Keep in mind that this scanner best interacts with GM Ford/Mazda and Chrysler vehicles. What does that mean? It means manufacturer-specific codes, not just generic ones. Real time data and enhanced code reading is also a benefit of the manufacturer specific feature.

The use of the buttons/navigation with the scanner isn't the most intuitive, so you must read the manual to ensure you take advantage of the scanner's abilities.

I would buy it again, but I will admit i'm disappointed that the product information from Equus/Innova doesn't specifically tell you that GM, Ford/Mazda and Chrysler reap the most benefits from the tool. I also own a BMW, so i'm disappointed I can't use the tool for all codes/diagnostics associated with the BMW.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Equus 3130 Pleased

very informative,practical well worth it
only disappointment is that live data is not sent directly sent to my laptop but rather a recording from the scanner replayed on my laptop through the software.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Equus 3130 Seems to do the job well.

I haven't used it much since I got it, but I did manage to try all the features of this 3130 scanner and the few things I didn't like were: (1) The limited flash memory probably doesn't have much capacity because when I tried to obtain an upgrade file, there were two choices. You either get one version that gives some firmware update, or you choose the other version that gives you a firmware update plus extra database trouble code info for maybe 25-30 more vehicles, but at the expense of losing the mulilingual functionality. The upgrade site also didn't mention if you can downgrade back if you didn't like whichever version you picked, so I didn't take that risk and chose the version that just gives an update to the firmware. (2) The scanner can save your retrieved codes to memory and then you can print or export a report via the OBD PC-Link software. You can also print some graphs with the software version that I have (version 1.32). I have heard others say graphs were not possible, so maybe they had older versions. Anyway, my complaint is you cannot save the raw data so you can open with the software again for later analysis. You can only export the main data to text file report or print the graphs. (3) Tech support never got back to me about my question regarding capturing live data. I'm still not clear on the three trigger points of capturing the data (such as what exactly do they mean by setting a manual trigger in the beginning versus middle or the end depending on when the ENTER/LD button was pressed?).

However, I really liked the ability to capture live data. Though I didn't have any issues with my car, I can see how a lot of the live data info can help with diagnosing a potential problem with the car. You can see the numbers updating (such as engine rpm or short term fuel trim, etc.) which seems like once every second.

Overall, I can see this being a useful tool and gets the main job done. However, due to the minor annoyances with the updateability and the reporting features, I would have to deduct one star.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Equus 3130 Reviews

Amazon.com
The Equus 3130 Innova ScanTool CanOBD II Diagnostic Code Scanner is an enhanced scan tool that is loaded with many professional features. If you are new to diagnostic scanners, this handy tool connects to your vehicle, scans various parts of your car, truck or SUV, and retrieves a list of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and code definitions from your vehicle's computer. But even if you're a veteran to scanners and auto repair, you'll be impressed with the new functionality that Equus has added to the 3130. This device not only scans your vehicle, it also allows you to freeze-frame live timing and pinpoint your vehicle's problem. Instead of having to recreate a scenario over and over again, you can now playback the timing to scrutinize all the data and make a clear diagnosis. Combine this with Internet connectivity and the ability to interface with a PC, and you have a powerful, professional diagnostic scanner in the palm of your hand.



The 3130 Innova ScanTool CanOBD II easily scans and retrieves DTCs. View larger.
As government agencies establish more stringent emission laws, vehicles continue to become more sophisticated for maintenance and repairs, forcing professional mechanics, DIYers, and consumers alike to find easy-to-use tools for diagnosing their vehicles.

Many tools have already been developed to access these powerful on-board vehicle computers, but the Equus tool is particularly simple to use and surprisingly affordable. It is designed to be used by almost anyone, from the weekend mechanic to the ASE master technician. The 3130 CanOBD II/2 scanner is designed to retrieve diagnostic codes in all OBD II (1996 and newer). The scanner features a unique patented all-in-one screen display and LED display for quick OBD I/M emissions check, so you'll know if you're ready to pass those ever-increasingly stringent laws. Equus built the 3120 to display on-screen DTC definitions and user interfaces in English, Spanish, or French, and the trilingual language selection is accessed via a simple menu command. This device also stores diagnostic codes in a handy memory for off-car review and analysis. The 3120 is also equipped with the ability to connect to your PC. With the included cables and software you can connect the scanner to your computer to generate, print, and save detailed diagnostic reports, and even update the 3130 via the Internet.

The 3130 links to all OBD II protocols including CAN (Controller Area Network). The tool captures and displays freeze frame data that will help you pinpoint and troubleshoot any problem. This device is equipped to retrieve the following OBD II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs): Generic Codes (P0, P2, P3, and U0) and Manufacturer Specific Codes (P1, P3, and U1). In addition, the tool provides live data (view, record, and playback live PCM data streams), bi-directional testing, vehicle ID capture, and O2 sensor results.

Warranty
Limited one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Equus 3130 diagnostic code scanner, OBD-PC link software, cables, storage case, and user's manual.

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS
3030
3100
3120
3130
3140
3150
3160
Tool Coverage
1996 to Present (OBD2 Certified) Vehicle Coverage
Protocol: Keyword 2000, ISO 9141, J-1850 (VPW & PWM)
New ISO 15765 / C.A.N. Protocol
Tool Features
Patented All-In-One Display, 20+ Info. On One Screen
All Hot Keys for Intuitive Navigation - Plug-n-Play
Color-Coded LEDs Verify State OBD Emissions Test Readiness
Internet Updateable
Battery Backup for Off-Vehicle Review
On Screen Definitions in English, Spanish & French
Optional Online RepairSolutions at CanOBD2.com
OBD2 Features (1996 to Present)
Retrieves Generic & Manufacturer Specific Codes
Erase Button Turns Off "Check Engine" Light
Store & Display Freeze Frame Data
OEM Enhanced & Transmission Codes
Enhanced SAE Diagnostics (J1979 & J2190)
View and Record Enhanced OBD2 (1996 and above) Live Data

Diagnoses ABS faults on most 1996 and newer GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles




OBD1 Features (1982 to 1995)
OBD1 Domestic Coverage: Ford (+ Self Tests), GM, Chrysler (82-95)
OBD1 Import Coverage: Toyota / Lexus (89-95)
Color-Coded Cable Heads
Bonus Features
English, Spanish, French Software & Instructions
Custom PC Software to Generate Reports & Update Tool
Mode 6 - 02 Sensor Testing / Mode 9 - VIN Identification
Backlit blue LCD display