3160B is the one I got after watching the companies promo clips over and over. I was excited to get a code reader that had some of the features of a scanner. And simple to operate. I was looking forward to reading a code and then getting the three most likely causes for that code, then the instructions on how to fix those causes. Boy, I wouldn't even need an repair manual! At least that is the impression I got from the promo video's. So, upon receiving the scanner I watched the promo video again showing how to use it and went to work. I have the code, now I want the info on the most likely three causes for that code. I was excited and in a hurry so I called the company and they said to download the disc that came with it. So, I did, and followed all the steps. It lead me right to the three most likely causes. NOT, it took me right up to them and then said you have to PAY to have them. What! No way! A subscription to access any online info? I couldn't see any of their online video's etc without paying for a subscription. OK, so I bought a $450 code reader and can't have what they said on there promo video's without paying even more. I looked through what came with the code reader hoping to find a free trial code or something. There was none. So, I called them and asked about it. They where very nice and said no trial, nothing, but you can PAY. Innova should make it clear in their promo video's what is included and what you'll have to pay additional for. I really feel that when I pay for a $450 (retail price) piece of equipment there should be a free trail included. Don't computers come with free trials for software??? OK, so I'm just a little do it yourself'er not making big bucks working in a big time garage. So even though I bought a really nice Code reader for professionals I shouldn't expect what they showed in the video's to really come with what I bought. The code reader is really nice and worked just like it should. I like the code reader and have decided to keep it. The subscription for the other info is too expensive and they need to have a free trial period and a fee that is reasonable for those of us that will only be accessing their online info one to four times a year.

After reading every review on the 3160 and the Actron 9580, I came to the conclusion that the only way to make a smart purchase was to buy both, and keep the superior one. I wear a suit for a day job, but cand rebuild both Gas and Diesel. I wanted a scanner that did ABS because I had an ABS LIGHT on in my 2000 GMC Yukon XL with 154k. I talked to both companies several times and depending on who you got made a big difference each time. Example:

Equus Question: Why are you still using a RS232 connector to download to the computer?
Answer 1: we used the existing chassy, looking to switch to USB in the fall.
Answer 2: We prefer 232 over USB because most of the shop computers still have serial connectors.

Actron Question: When selecting my vehicle it gives me the 4 choices of AP with traction control. What does AP stand for?
Answer 1: doesn't matter which one you pick, I'd it's pulling your ABS CODES you picked the right one.
Answer 2: I don't know. Good question.

Take away is that both companies have some techs better than others. Now the Tests:

Plugged 9580 first. Had to answer questions about the vehicle. There is a method tom the madness. When I had it pull the codes, it grabbed them with one key Stroke. C0265 and C0281 with the description of the code. No code connect feature with ABS. Used my $29 subscription all data to pull the renowned. You could scroll down into state level menus and see if you would pass emissions.

Equus 3160. When I plugged in, it did not ask me for the vehicle, but pulled the codes,which there were none. Had to enter the ABS section where it also pulled the same ABS codes, except no description which explains why you put the vehicle info in the Actron. But the 3160 had another menu for enhanced DTC. When I pulled that, it found a security shut down code. I have an auto start and every once in a while, they don't play well together and i have to 10 minutes before the alarm resets. Interestingly the 3160 did give me description of that code. The 3160 does give u the green light for emissions, but it's kindmof a fluffy think, 9580 was two key strokes. Both companis wan you to buy subscription services for repair. Actron gives youma coupon to try one for free, Equus does not.

Equus Pros: grabbed all of the codes, fairly intuitive, nice case and nice software.

Equus Cons: abs data limited, software is 2008', with no USB, how ling before the 3170 comes out? Tech support, some people were a little spirited about the competition, trash talk and some were very logical. Could not get software to connect, but in fairness, had a plane to catch.

Actron 9580: if I get a code connect code, it would be great, definitely a new plat form. Have posted directions on how to load drivers, saw lots of complaints, also could not connect as well, but had limited time

Actron 9580 Pros: one button got engine and ABS codes. It's at the beginning of the technology curve and it was simple.

Cons: missed a code, no code connect in ABS, can't evaluate that part yet.

Conclusion: I hate it when people right views and they leave you hanging. I actually see needing both as they both have short comings. ABS was more robust on cars and the 9580 wasn't thrilled with my Mercedes in general. Equus can pull them but you will be looking them up. I don't think either is a mistake but the 9580 has a great advantage ofmbeing a new platform which means although they haven't done an upgrade, there is one coming soon.

I think when your buying the 9580, your buyingna product with a longer life cycle. Make no mistakes, 3160 performed well, reads more, but imdont know if because of memory in the old chasis they can store anymore dats.

I had no problems getting either units, don't knownwhere the Jolly Rogers came from. Sounds like they bought used.

I welcome your questions and comments, i have not made up my mind yet. He'll, maybe I will keep both.

Equus 3160

The Innova 3160 scan tool does far more than is advertised. I specifically purchased this item because it would save 5 minutes of data for all of the data points...Fuel Trims: Short & Long for Banks 1 & 2, RPM, SPeed, TPS, O2 sensors before & after the catalytic converters , Mass Air Flow #/min, and many other Sensors. That is very helpfull. BUT what is not advertised and is NOT explained nor alluded to in the instructions is that you can view real time graphical data for each and every data value. For example, say you want to view the real time feed of the MAS. Hit the Real Time Data button, LD, scroll down to the MAS and hit the return arrow, the middle button between the up & down scroll buttons. BINGO, you see real time data values GRAPHED . In my case I had codes P0171 & P0174 which together indicate vacuum leak. So I scrolled to the STFT B1 % and viewed it's real-time results. The graph made it IMMEDIATELY CLEAR that I only had LEAN CONDITIONS while the engine idled. The real-time graph of the STFT B1 & B2 % at idle, 770 to 900 rpm, showed values of 22 to 41%. They should have been between -3 to +3. While the engine ran above 1100 rpm, the STFT and LTFT values were exactly to specified ranged fluctuations to properly heat/cool fuel for proper burn in the cat. BRAVO. By the way, I am not a mechanic. I am a retired Dentist that got tired of being over-charged or charged for the wrong work on my vehicles. I now keep them running to spec thanks to this great product. Also, go to thr web site of SCANNERDANNER on youtube: [...] His tutorials / presentations about the proper diagnosis and application of OBD Codes is top rate. Also, I purchased this book on Amazon for my Kindle account: OBD-II: Functions, Monitors and Diagnostic Techniques by Santini. It is also OUTSTANDING. What amazing times we live in ....

If you are a DIY guy like me, you need a scanner in your toolbox. This is an invaluable tool to decipher check engine light. The Innova 3160 comes in a durable pouch to store the cable and handheld unit. The unit is fairly light but seems to be well built. I've had many people borrow it and I have been lucky to get it back thus far. It has always come back in good shape, a testament to its build quality I'm sure.
The part I really like about this unit is the large backlit display with the fault code in large text and a general description below of what the fault code means. It makes troubleshooting a lot quicker as you can make mental notes without running to the computer after every code. The live-view is a neat feature, but I have not figured out how to use it as a tool when diagnosing a vehicle.
My Innova 3160 has accompanied me many times when car hunting for myself or a friend. Even if there is no check engine light on, it is always smart to plug in a scanner and check for "light" codes stored in the computer. These are usually small alerts that are not important enough to illuminate a check-engine light, but may be indicators of future repairs/expenses.
There is also a "system status" led right below the screen. This is a simple green, yellow, red led indicator. When loaning this tool to a friend, I would advise them to plug the scanner in regardless of check engine light or not. If the light is green, its good. If yellow, proceed with caution. If red, walk away. So far so good.
If you are looking for a scan tool you really can't go wrong with the Innova 3160. I have had smaller units, bluetooth units, and fancy touch screen units. I don't have them anymore. They all grew legs and walked away. The Innova 3160 is nice enough, but more importantly, big enough so it doesn't get lost easily.

This tool paid for itself the first day I used it. While many scan tools can pull codes, only a few are capable of pulling the SRS codes from my 2001 Acura MDX. My local mechanic told me I needed to go to the Acura dealer, which I didn't want to do, as that has always been an expensive proposition. The car has not been used much, and sits outside in the New England weather. It seems like every time the "Check Engine" light comes on, I take it in, have something fixed, then get home and the light comes on again. Sometimes the mechanic resets it, and the problem goes away, citing "fickle electronics" in an older car. This time, the "check engine" and "SRS" lights were on. The scan tool identified a generic oxygen sensor fault, as well as an Acura-specific SRS code. Since the codes tend to come and go, I reset them all. On restart, the O2 sensor code came back, but not the SRS. After driving the car around, with the check engine light and now VTM-4 lights on, I went through the reset procedure again. This time all the codes disappeared and have not come back again. Engine, transmission and SRS system all working perfectly. My guess is that if I took this to a dealer, they'd be quoting me for extensive repairs including a new O2 sensor, airbag system repair and transmission work. Everyone with an older car should have one of these, as you will be able to see for yourself what the problem is with your car, and if the error messages persist, can have the problems addressed with a mechanic. A mechanic that knows you have pulled the OBD codes yourself would be very hesitant to diagnose and carry out phantom repairs. If you don't have SRS codes to worry about, a much less expensive scanner is all you need.