Introduction
We rely on the Innova 7111 Smart Diagnostic OBD2 Tablet to efficiently diagnose and resolve issues across multiple vehicles. Equipped with a user-friendly LCD screen and extensive vehicle compatibility, this tool offers much more than your standard entry-level OBD2 scanner.
The Advantages and Shortcomings
Advantages
- Intuitive LCD interface for easy navigation
- Wide vehicle coverage for comprehensive diagnostics
- Goes beyond reading engine codes, offering advanced functionality
Shortcomings
- The storage box can be somewhat fussy
Innova 7111 OBD2 Tablet Overview
The Innova 7111 Smart Diagnostic OBD2 Tablet is primarily designed for experienced users. If your needs are limited to diagnosing the check engine light and resetting oil change and filter reminders, there are more cost-effective options available for DIY mechanics and consumers. However, this particular Innova OBD2 code reader offers additional features and functions to cater to advanced users, enabling them to perform more complex maintenance tasks and diagnostics on a wide range of vehicles.
With the Innova 7111, you gain access to a plethora of useful features. In addition to reading codes, this tool allows you to perform service resets for the oil, engine, filters, and other systems. It also enables custom scans and provides real-time data from your vehicle.
Most entry-level OBD2 scanners can only translate engine lights or other indicators into English for troubleshooting. The Innova 7111 OBD2 tablet goes further by offering basic functions such as:
- Vehicle scanning
- Diagnosis
- Network scanning
- Selective module scanning and testing
- Real-time vehicle data reading
- Clearing diagnostic trouble codes
Additional Tests with the Innova OBD2 Tablet
The Innova 7111 diagnostic OBD2 tablet goes beyond the basics, allowing you to perform additional tests. These include:
- Viewing In-use Performance Tracing (IPT)
- Performing service resets
- Accessing the Drive Cycle Program
For avid car enthusiasts, you can also view real-time data and input/output information from various sensors while your vehicle is in operation. Once you’ve made the necessary repairs or addressed any flagged maintenance items, the Innova 7111 enables you to clear or reset the indicator lights, ensuring a job well done.
Connecting the Innova 7111 OBD2 tablet to your vehicle is a breeze. Simply plug the 7111 cable into the 16-pin data port on your vehicle while the ignition is turned off. Then, switch on the tablet and tap the global OBD button in the upper left corner of the screen to initiate a diagnostic scan. The Innova 7111 OBD2 tablet will begin scanning your vehicle, which may take several minutes to complete, especially with newer vehicles equipped with more sensors.
Once the scan is complete, you’ll be prompted to enter the vehicle mileage, and the scan results will be displayed. You can access this data later through the global OBD results screen, which includes comprehensive information such as global on-board diagnostics (OBD), scheduled maintenance, predictive failures, technical service bulletins (TSB), and even recalls.
Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Innova 7111 OBD2 Tablet makes clearing diagnostic trouble codes a simple process. After scanning your vehicle, you can navigate to the main menu and select “Clear DTCs.” By checking the checkbox next to each fault code you wish to delete, you can erase them with a tap of the “Erase DTC” button. A confirmation popup will ensure that you want to remove the DTCs.
Performing a Service Reset
Resetting common service reminders and codes can be a hassle, especially when it involves complex procedures or a visit to the dealer. Fortunately, the Innova 7111 Tablet simplifies the service reset process. Access the Service Reset screen from the bottom right corner of the Home screen, where you’ll find various service reset procedures available:
- Oil lamp reset
- Battery reset
- Electric parking brake
- Steering angle reset
- ABS bleeding
- Battery/alternator test
If your make and model require a different method for resetting a specific service, the tablet will notify you with a message and automatically reset the corresponding OBD2 system.
Replacing Brakes on a 2011 VW CC
When we replaced the brakes on a 2011 VW CC equipped with an electronic parking brake in the rear, the Innova 7111 proved invaluable. Typically, rear brake work necessitates a trip to the dealer or a mechanic shop due to the specialized equipment required. However, with the Innova 7111, we were able to perform a brake service sequence in the software after releasing the caliper. This allowed us to replace the brake pads and reset the parking brake servo effortlessly, almost as if we were using the factory’s computer system.
Innova’s Real-Time Data Mode with the OBD2 Tablet
The Innova OBD2 tablet offers a real-time data mode that enables you to view and optionally log live data. In this mode, you can monitor various parameters, including battery performance, RPM, temperature, and speed. Additionally, you can access outputs from vehicle sensors, switches, and actuators, such as the fuel system status and more.
Essentially, the Innova 7111 OBD2 tablet provides information for every supported Parameter Identification Data (PID) sensor, actuator, switch, or status within your vehicle. You can log this real-time data to the tablet’s internal memory. Activating the live data mode and clicking the record button in the upper right corner will initiate data recording, while tapping the stop button in the upper left corner will halt the process. The tablet will prompt you to save or delete the recorded data.
Conclusion
By utilizing the Innova 7111 Smart Diagnostic OBD2 Tablet, we were able to save hundreds of dollars on diagnostics and service. Compared to the well-regarded Innova CarScan Pro 5610, the Innova 7111 offers even more features. While it’s true that you can accomplish more with less expensive tools, if you consider yourself a true car enthusiast or an entry-level professional, the Innova 7111 provides a high-end solution for OBD2 scanning, surpassing the capabilities of entry-level diagnostic tools.
Please note that basic Innova OBD2 scanners start at around $60, but the Innova 7111 Smart Diagnostic OBD2 Tablet, priced at $599.99, surpasses them in terms of features and functionality.
Innova 7111 CarScan Pro Specifications
- Model: 5610
- Reads and clears codes for domestic, Asian, and European vehicles
- Bidirectional control/active test
- Enhanced view of real-time data stream
- Whole car module scan
- Tire pressure monitoring system scan
- ABS/SRS scan
- Oil lamp reset
- Battery initialization/reset
- SMOG check LED indicator
- Code severity level
- DPF regeneration
- Removable VCI for wireless diagnostics
- Delivers the RepairSolutions2 app to your phone via Bluetooth