Innova 3030 OBD2 Car Reader Owner's Manual

YOU CAN DO IT!

This section provides a quick overview of how to use the Innova 3030 OBD2 Car Reader.

Easy To Use

• Connect the Car Reader to the vehicle's test connector.
• Turn the ignition key to "On." DO NOT start the engine.
• The Car Reader will automatically link to the vehicle's computer.

Easy To View

• The Car Reader retrieves stored codes and displays I/M Readiness status.
• Codes are displayed on the Car Reader's LCD display screen; I/M Readiness status is displayed by LED indicators.

Visual Description: The display shows "P0306" as a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), along with indicators for I/M Monitor Status, MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp), and Freeze Frame data.

Easy To Define

• Locate fault code(s) in the Fault Code Definition list.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

This manual describes common test procedures used by experienced service technicians. Many test procedures require precautions to avoid accidents that can result in personal injury, and/or damage to your vehicle or test equipment.

Always read your vehicle's service manual and follow its safety precautions before and during any test or service procedure. ALWAYS observe the following general safety precautions:

• When an engine is running, it produces carbon monoxide, a toxic and poisonous gas. To prevent serious injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning, operate the vehicle ONLY in a well-ventilated area.
• To protect your eyes from propelled objects as well as hot or caustic liquids, always wear approved safety eye protection. ?
• When an engine is running, many parts (such as the coolant fan, pulleys, fan belt etc.) turn at high speed. To avoid serious injury, always be aware of moving parts. Keep a safe distance from these parts as well as other potentially moving objects. ⚙️
• Engine parts become very hot when the engine is running. To prevent severe burns, avoid contact with hot engine parts. ?
• Before starting an engine for testing or trouble-shooting, make sure the parking brake is engaged. Put the transmission in park (for automatic transmission) or neutral (for manual transmission). Block the drive wheels with suitable blocks. ?️
• Connecting or disconnecting test equipment when the ignition is ON can damage test equipment and the vehicle's electronic components. Turn the ignition OFF before connecting or disconnecting the Code Reader from the vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC). ?
• To prevent damage to the on-board computer when taking vehicle electrical measurements, always use a digital multimeter with at least 10 megOhms of impedance. ⚡
• The vehicle's battery produces highly flammable hydrogen gas. To prevent an explosion, keep all sparks, heated items and open flames away from the battery. ⚠️
• Don't wear loose clothing or jewelry when working on an engine. Loose clothing can become caught in the fan, pulleys, belts, etc. Jewelry is highly conductive, and can cause a severe burn if it makes contact between a power source and ground. ?

ABOUT THE CAR READER

VEHICLES COVERED

The Car Reader is designed to work on all OBD 2 compliant vehicles. All 1996 and newer vehicles (cars and light trucks) sold in the United States are OBD 2 compliant. This includes all Domestic, Asian and European vehicles.

Some 1994 and 1995 vehicles are OBD 2 compliant. To find out if a 1994 or 1995 vehicle is OBD 2 compliant, check the following:

1. The Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) Label. This label is located under the hood or by the radiator of most vehicles. If the vehicle is OBD 2 compliant, the label will state “OBD II Certified.”
   Visual Description: An example VECI label is shown, indicating "OBD II CERTIFIED" and listing emission standards and components like "CATALYST".
2. Government Regulations require that all OBD 2 compliant vehicles must have a “common” sixteen-pin Data Link Connector (DLC). Some 1994 and 1995 vehicles have 16-pin connectors but are not OBD 2 compliant. Only those vehicles with a Vehicle Emissions Control Label stating “OBD II Certified” are OBD 2 compliant.
   Visual Description: A diagram of a 16-pin DLC connector is shown.

Data Link Connector (DLC) Location

The 16-pin DLC is usually located under the instrument panel (dash), within 12 inches (300 mm) of the center of the panel, on the driver's side of most vehicles. It should be easily accessible and visible from a kneeling position outside the vehicle with the door open.

On some Asian and European vehicles the DLC is located behind the ashtray (the ashtray must be removed to access it) or on the far left corner of the dash. If the DLC cannot be located, consult the vehicle's service manual for the location.

Visual Description: Diagrams show possible locations for the DLC: "LEFT CORNER OF DASH", "NEAR CENTER OF DASH", and "BEHIND ASHTRAY".

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

Visual Description: Figure 1 shows the Innova 3030 Car Reader with numbered controls and indicators. The display shows "P0306" and various status icons.

Controls and Indicators:

• 1. ERASE button: Erases Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and "Freeze Frame" data from your vehicle's computer, and resets Monitor status.
• 2. SCROLL button (▽): Scrolls the LCD display to view DTCs when more than one DTC is present.
• 3. LINK button: Links the Car Reader with the vehicle's PCM to retrieve DTCs from the computer's memory, and to view I/M Readiness Monitor status.
• 4. GREEN LED (✓): Indicates that all engine systems are running normally (all Monitors on the vehicle are active and performing their diagnostic testing, and no DTCs are present).
• 5. YELLOW LED (?): Indicates there is a possible problem. A “Pending” DTC is present and/or some of the vehicle's emission monitors have not run their diagnostic testing.
• 6. RED LED (X): Indicates there is a problem in one or more of the vehicle's systems. The red LED is also used to show that DTC(s) are present. DTCs are shown on the Car Reader's LCD display. In this case, the Multifunction Indicator ("Check Engine") lamp on the vehicle's instrument panel will light steady on.
• 7. LCD Display: Displays test results, Car Reader functions and Monitor status information.
• 8. CABLE: Connects the Car Reader to the vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).

DISPLAY FUNCTIONS

Visual Description: Figure 2 illustrates the Car Reader's LCD display with numbered elements corresponding to the descriptions below.

Display Elements:

• 1. Vehicle icon: Indicates whether or not the Car Reader is being properly powered through the vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC). A visible icon indicates that the Car Reader is being powered through the vehicle's DLC connector.
• 2. Link icon: Indicates whether or not the Car Reader is communicating (linked) with the vehicle's on-board computer. When visible, the Car Reader is communicating with the computer. If the Link icon is not visible, the Car Reader is not communicating with the computer.
• 3. DTC Display Area: Displays the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) number. Each fault is assigned a code number that is specific to that fault.
• 4. Pending icon: Indicates the currently displayed DTC is a "Pending" code.
• 5. CODE icon: Identifies the Code Number Sequence display area.
• 6. MIL icon: Indicates the status of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). The MIL icon is visible only when a DTC has commanded the MIL on the vehicle's dashboard to light.
• 7. FREEZE FRAME icon: Indicates that "Freeze Frame" data has been stored in the vehicle's computer for the currently displayed DTC.
• 8. Code Number Sequence: The Car Reader assigns a sequence number to each DTC that is present in the computer's memory, starting with "01.” This helps keep track of the number of DTCs present in the computer's memory. Code number "01" is always the highest priority code, and the one for which "Freeze Frame" data has been stored.
• 9. Code Enumerator: Indicates the total number of codes retrieved from the vehicle's computer.
• 10. Monitor icons: Indicates which Monitors are supported by the vehicle under test, and whether or not the associated Monitor has run its diagnostic testing (Monitor status). When a Monitor icon is solid, it indicates that the associated Monitor has completed its diagnostic testing. When a Monitor icon is flashing, it indicates that the vehicle supports the associated Monitor, but the Monitor has not yet run its diagnostic testing.

The I/M Monitor Status icons are associated with INSPECTION and MAINTENANCE (I/M) READINESS STATUS. Some states require that all vehicle Monitors have run and completed their diagnostic testing before a vehicle can be tested for Emissions (Smog Check). A maximum of eleven Monitors are used on OBD 2 systems. Not all vehicles support all eleven Monitors. When the Car Reader is linked to a vehicle, only the icons for Monitors that are supported by the vehicle under test are visible on the display.

List of Monitor icons and their associated Monitors:

• M = Misfire Monitor
• F = Fuel System Monitor
• CC = Comprehensive Component Monitor
• C = Catalyst Monitor
• HC = Heated Catalyst Monitor
• EV = Evaporative System Monitor
• 2A = Secondary Air System Monitor
• AC = Air Conditioning System Refrigerant (R-12) Monitor
• O = Oxygen Sensor Monitor
• OH = Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
• E = Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Monitor

PREPARATION FOR TESTING

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Fix any known mechanical problems before performing any test. See your vehicle's service manual or a mechanic for more information. Check the following areas before starting any test:

• Check the engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid (if applicable), engine coolant and other fluids for proper levels. Top off low fluid levels if needed. ?
• Make sure the air filter is clean and in good condition. Make sure all air filter ducts are properly connected. Check the air filter ducts for holes, rips or cracks. ?
• Make sure all engine belts are in good condition. Check for cracked, torn, brittle, loose or missing belts. ⚙️
• Make sure mechanical linkages to engine sensors (throttle, gearshift position, transmission, etc.) are secure and properly connected. See your vehicle's service manual for locations.
• Check all rubber hoses (radiator) and steel hoses (vacuum/fuel) for leaks, cracks, blockage or other damage. Make sure all hoses are routed and connected properly. ?
• Make sure all spark plugs are clean and in good condition. Check for damaged, loose, disconnected or missing spark plug wires. ?
• Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Check for corrosion or broken connections. Check for proper battery and charging system voltages. ?
• Check all electrical wiring and harnesses for proper connection. Make sure wire insulation is in good condition, and there are no bare wires.
• Make sure the engine is mechanically sound. If needed, perform a compression check, engine vacuum check, timing check (if applicable), etc.

VEHICLE SERVICE MANUALS

Always refer to the manufacturer's service manual for your vehicle before performing any test or repair procedures. Contact your local car dealership, auto parts store or bookstore for availability of these manuals.

USING THE CAR READER

CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE

Never replace a part based only on the DTC definition. Each DTC has a set of testing procedures, instructions and flow charts that must be followed to confirm the location of the problem. This information is found in the vehicle's service manual. Always refer to the vehicle's service manual for detailed testing instructions.

• Check your vehicle thoroughly before performing any test. See Preparation for Testing on page 7 for details.
• ALWAYS observe safety precautions whenever working on a vehicle. See Safety Precautions on page 2 for more information.
• 1. Turn the ignition off.
• 2. Locate the vehicle's 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC). See page 3 for connector location.
• 3. Connect the Car Reader's cable connector to the vehicle's DLC. The cable connector is keyed and will only fit one way.
• If you have problems connecting the cable connector to the DLC, rotate the connector 180° and try again.
• If you still have problems, check the DLC on the vehicle and on the Car Reader. Refer to your vehicle's service manual to properly check the vehicle's DLC.
• After the Car Reader's test connector is properly connected to the vehicle's DLC, the Vehicle icon should display to confirm a good power connection. ?
• 4. Turn the ignition on. DO NOT start the engine.
• 5. The Car Reader will automatically link to the vehicle's computer.
• The LCD display will show "rEAd.” If the LCD display is blank, it indicates there is no power at the vehicle's DLC. Check your fuse panel and replace any burned-out fuses. If replacing the fuse(s) does not correct the problem, see your vehicle's repair manual to locate the proper computer (PCM) fuse/circuit. Perform any necessary repairs before continuing.
• After 4-5 seconds, the Car Reader will retrieve and display any Diagnostic Trouble Codes that are in the vehicle's computer memory.
• If an error message (Err, Err1 or Err2) is shown on the Car Reader's LCD display, it indicates there is a communication problem. This means that the Car Reader is unable to communicate with the vehicle's computer.
• 6. Read and interpret the Diagnostic Trouble Codes using the LCD display and the green, yellow and red LEDs.
• The green, yellow and red LEDs are used (with the LCD display) as visual aids to determine engine system conditions.
• Green LED (✓): Indicates that all engine systems are "OK" and running normally. All monitors on the vehicle are active and performing their diagnostic testing, and no trouble codes are present. A zero will show on the Car Reader's LCD display for further confirmation.
• Yellow LED (?): Indicates one of the following conditions:
  • PENDING CODE PRESENT: If the yellow LED is lit, it may indicate the existence of a pending code. Check the Car Reader's LCD display for confirmation. A pending code is confirmed by the presence of a numeric code and the word PENDING on the Car Reader's LCD display.
  • MONITOR STATUS: If the Car Reader's LCD display shows a zero (indicating there are no DTCs present in the vehicle's computer), but the yellow LED is lit, it indicates a "Monitor Has Not Run" status. This means that some of the Monitors on the vehicle have not yet finished their diagnostic self-testing. This condition is confirmed by one or more blinking Monitor icons on the LCD display. A blinking Monitor icon means the Monitor has not yet run and finished its diagnostic self-testing. All Monitor icons that are solid have completed their diagnostic self-testing.
• Red LED (X): Indicates there is a problem with one or more of the vehicle's systems. The red LED is also used to show that DTC(s) are present (displayed on the Car Reader's LCD display). In this case, the Multifunction Indicator (Check Engine) lamp on the vehicle's instrument panel will light steady on. ?

ERASING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs)

When the Car Reader's ERASE function is used to erase the DTCs from the vehicle's on-board computer, "Freeze Frame" data and manufacturer-specific enhanced data are also erased.

DO NOT erase the codes from the vehicle's computer if you plan to take the vehicle to a Service Center for repair. If the codes are erased, valuable information that might help the technician troubleshoot the problem will also be erased.

Erase DTCs from the computer's memory as follows:

• When DTCs are erased from the vehicle's computer memory, the I/M Readiness Monitor Status program resets the status of all the Monitors to a "not run" (flashing) condition. To set all of the Monitors to a DONE status, an OBD 2 Drive Cycle must be performed. Refer to your vehicle's service manual for information on how to perform an OBD 2 Drive Cycle for the vehicle under test.
• 1. If not connected already, connect the Car Reader to the vehicle's DLC. (If the Car Reader is already connected and linked to the vehicle's computer, proceed directly to step 4. If not, continue to step 2.)
• 2. Turn the ignition on. DO NOT start the engine. The Car Reader will automatically link to the vehicle's computer.
• 3. Press and release the Car Reader's ERASE button. The LCD display will indicate "SurE" for your confirmation.
• If you change your mind and do not wish to erase the codes, press the LINK button to return to the code retrieval function.
• If you wish to continue, press the ERASE button again. When all retrievable information, including DTCs, has been cleared from the computer's memory, the Car Reader will re-link to the vehicle's computer, and the LCD display will show "rEAd."
• Erasing DTCs does not fix the problem(s) that caused the code(s) to be set. If proper repairs to correct the problem that caused the code(s) to be set are not made, the code(s) will appear again (and the check engine light will illuminate) as soon as the vehicle is driven long enough for its Monitors to complete their testing.

DTC DEFINITIONS

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are meant to guide you to the proper service procedure in the vehicle's service manual. DO NOT replace parts based only on DTCs without first consulting the vehicle's service manual for proper testing procedures for that particular system, circuit or component.

DTCs are alphanumeric codes that are used to identify a problem that is present in any of the systems that are monitored by the on-board computer (PCM). Each trouble code has an assigned message that identifies the circuit, component or system area where the problem was found.

OBD 2 diagnostic trouble codes are made up of five characters:

• The 1st character is a letter. It identifies the "main system" where the fault occurred (Body, Chassis, Powertrain, or Network).
• The 2nd character is a numeric digit. It identifies the "type" of code (Generic or Manufacturer-Specific).

Generic DTCs: Codes used by all vehicle manufacturers. Standards and definitions set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

Manufacturer-Specific DTCs: Codes controlled by the vehicle manufacturer. Not required by the Federal Government for OBD 2 compliance, but manufacturers may expand them for easier diagnosis.

• The 3rd character is a numeric digit. It identifies the specific system or sub-system where the problem is located.
• The 4th and 5th characters are numeric digits. They identify the section of the system that is malfunctioning.

This section provides the most complete list of “Generic” DTC definitions available at the time of publication. OBD 2 is an evolving system; new codes and definitions are added as the system grows. ALWAYS check your vehicle's service manual for code definitions that are not listed here, or for "Manufacturer-Specific" DTC definitions.

OBD 2 DTC EXAMPLE

P0201 - Injector Circuit Malfunction, Cylinder 1

Visual Description: A diagram breaks down the DTC "P0201":

• P: Powertrain
• 0: Generic
• 2: Fuel and Air Metering (injector circuit malfunction only)
• 01: Identifies what section of the system is malfunctioning.

Code Breakdown:

• B - Body
• C - Chassis
• P - Powertrain
• U - Network
• 0 - Generic
• 1 - Manufacturer Specific
• 2 - Generic
• 3 - Includes both Generic and Manufacturer Specific Codes
• Identifies the system where the problem is located:
  • 1 - Fuel and Air Metering
  • 2 - Fuel and Air Metering (injector circuit malfunction only)
  • 3 - Ignition System or Misfire
  • 4 - Auxiliary Emission Control System
  • 5 - Vehicle Speed Control and Idle Control System
  • 6 - Computer Output Circuits
  • 7 - Transmission
  • 8 - Transmission
• Identifies what section of the system is malfunctioning

The document includes extensive lists of DTCs and their definitions, covering ranges such as P0010 - P0801.