INNOVA 5610 vs 5160RS: What I Learn After Testing Them on 8 Cars and 4 Trucks

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In this review, I won’t be giving you a rundown of the general capabilities of each scan tool. Instead, I’ll break down the main differences and similarities between the INNOVA 5610 and 5160RS. 

Additionally, I’ll present the findings from the tests we conducted in separate detailed charts for cars and trucks.

Testing Records

Scanner modelsINNOVA 5610, INNOVA 5160RS
TesterEric Fugere
Testing PeriodSeptember 8 to November 05, 2023
Vehicle TestedCars: 
– 2019 Nissan Rogue L4, 2.0L
– 2013 Equinox V6, 3.6L 
– 2016 TOYOTA Corolla L4-1.8L 
– 2016 Ford Escape L4, 2.5L
– 2017 Honda CR-V L4, 2.4L
– 2013 Chevrolet Equinox V6, 3.6L
– 2016 Ford Escape L4, 2.5L
Trucks: 
– 2017 Ford F-150, V6 2.7L, 
– 2016 Ford F550 V8, 6.7L, 
– 2012 Ford F250 V8, 6.2L, 
– 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 V8, 5.3L
What Tested– OBD2 diagnostics
– System Diagnostics
– Service functions
– Status Checks
– Live Data
– Special Functions
– Active Tests

INNOVA 5610 vs 5160RS: Full Comparison Chart

INNOVA 5610
Overall Rating: 8.7/10
INNOVA 5160RS
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
GENERAL INFORMATION
Supported Vehicle Type
Cars, SUVs, Light trucks,
Minivans, Hybrids
Cars, SUVs, Light trucks,
Minivans, Hybrids
Supported Model Years
From 1996From 1996
Suitable Users
Home Mechanic, ProfessionalHome Mechanic, Professional
Power Source
VehicleVehicle
Screen Size
3.5″ Touch Screen3.5″ Touch Screen
USB Cable
IncludedNot included
OBDII Plug Flashlight
YesNo
Colors
Black and grayBlack and blue
DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES
All-System DiagnosticsAll-System Diagnostics
Pending codesPending codes
Drive Cycles*Drive Cycles*
EVAP TestEVAP Test
Freeze FrameFreeze Frame
Mode $6Mode $6
Permenant codesPermenant codes
I/M Monitor StatusI/M Monitor Status
Vehicle informationVehicle information
SERVICES*
Battery ResetBattery Reset
Steering Angle ResetSteering Angle Reset
Oil Maintenance ResetOil Maintenance Reset
ABS BleedingABS Bleeding
DPF ResetDPF Reset
EPB ServiceEPB Service
STATUS CHECKS
Battery/Alternator TestBattery/Alternator Test
Oil Level*Oil Level*
Oil Life Status*Oil Life Status*
Transmission temp*Transmission temp*
Brake Pad Life*Brake Pad Life*
Hybrid Battery Voltage*Hybrid Battery Voltage*
LIVE DATA
EngineEngine
ABS*ABS*
Airbag*Airbag*
Transmission*Transmission*
TPMSTPMS
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS*
A/C ClutchA/C Clutch
All InjectorsAll Injectors
Crank Pattern LearnCrank Pattern Learn
Crank Pattern ClearCrank Pattern Clear
EACV System TestEACV System Test
ECM/PCM ResetECM/PCM Reset
EGR TestEGR Test
ETCS(TAC) TestETCS(TAC) Test
EVAP TestEVAP Test
E-VTC LearningE-VTC Learning
Fuel pump ON/OFFFuel pump ON/OFF
IACV TestIACV Test
IDLE AdjustIDLE Adjust
IMT(IMRC) TestIMT(IMRC) Test
O2 TestO2 Test
One Injector OFFOne Injector OFF
Radiator fanRadiator fan
Throttle Position CheckThrottle Position Check
VTC TestVTC Test
CVT Oil Pressure CalibrationCVT Oil Pressure Calibration
D-4S (A/F Control)D-4S (A/F Control)
D-4S (Fuel Cut)D-4S (Fuel Cut)
D-4S (Injection Volume)D-4S (Injection Volume)
Deceleration Sensor
Zero Point Calibration
Deceleration Sensor
Zero Point Calibration
Evap System CheckEvap System Check
Learning Value ResetLearning Value Reset
O2S/ RPM CheckO2S/ RPM Check
Reset MemoryReset Memory
Secondary Air Injection CheckSecondary Air Injection Check
ACTIVE TESTS*
Activate the EGR
Valve Close
Activate the EGR
Valve Close
Activate the Fuel Pump
Speed Control
Activate the Fuel Pump
Speed Control
Activate the Intank
Fuel Pump Relay
Activate the Intank
Fuel Pump Relay
Activate the VSVActivate the VSV
Control the A/C Cut SignalControl the A/C Cut Signal
Control the A/C Magnet ClutchControl the A/C Magnet Clutch
Control the All Cylinders Fuel CutControl the All Cylinders Fuel Cut
Control the EGR Step PositionControl the EGR Step Position
Control the EGR SystemControl the EGR System
Control the Electric Cooling FanControl the Electric Cooling Fan
Control the ETCS Open/CloseControl the ETCS Open/Close
Control the Fuel Pump / SpeedControl the Fuel Pump / Speed
Control the Fuel Pump DutyControl the Fuel Pump Duty
Control the Injection Timing #1 to #8Control the Injection Timing #1 to #8
Control the Injection VolumeControl the Injection Volume
Control the Injection WayControl the Injection Way
Diesel Throttle Target AngleDiesel Throttle Target Angle
Injection Timing Select CylinderInjection Timing Select Cylinder
Injection Timing ValueInjection Timing Value
Pilot Injection Volume Select CylinderPilot Injection Volume Select Cylinder
Pilot Injection Volume ValuePilot Injection Volume Value
Reductant Injection ValveReductant Injection Valve
See Price at AmazonSee Price at Amazon

Notes: Areas with (*) not available for some vehicles. To check if your vehicle is supported or not, use the INNOVA’s vehicle checker here. You can also find our testing results for cars and trucks here.

What We Found After Testing

1. Same functions. Only 3 differences

innova 5610 vs 5160rs

INNOVA 5610 and 5160RS are essentially the same. They share identical designs, dimensions, hardware, and software, providing identical features and functions for the same vehicles. The only distinctions between the two lies in their color, the USB cable, and the flashlight. The INNOVA 5610 sports a black and gray combination, whereas the INNOVA 5160RS features a black and blue color scheme. The INNOVA 5610 has a flashlight in the OBDII plug and a USB cable included while the INNOVA 5160RS doesn’t.

2. Basic diagnostic functions remain consistent across various vehicles

Based on our tests, we’ve determined that both the Innova 5610 and 5160RS provide identical OBD2 functions and system diagnostics for all cars and trucks. This means that you can access these functions on any car or truck you own, and regardless of the scanner you choose, the functions remain consistent.

Here they are:

  • All system diagnostics
  • Pending codes
  • Permanent codes
  • Drive cycles*
  • EVAP test
  • Freeze Frame
  • Mode $6
  • I/M monitor status
  • Vehicle information

*This feature is not supported for Nissan cars.

4. Advanced features and functions differ across brands and between cars and trucks

Following the tests, we discovered that the Innova 5610 and 5160RS provide distinct functions for cars compared to trucks. However, vehicles of the same brand share identical functions. 

For instance, during our testing of the two scanners on a 2019 Nissan Rogue L4, 2.0L, 2013 Equinox V6, 3.6L, and 2016 TOYOTA Corolla L4-1.8L, the functions offered by both the Innova 5610 and 5160RS were consistent across all three cars. 

This pattern holds true for the 2016 Ford Escape L4, 2.5L, and the 2017 Honda CR-V L4, 2.4L, where both INNOVA 5610 and 5160RS provide the same functions for both cars. 

However, we observed differences in what the scan tools can do on the Ford F-150 compared to the F-250 and F550. While F-150 and F-250 benefit from a wide array of active tests, bi-directional controls are not available for the F550.

5. No active tests for Honda cars

We’ve tried it on many Honda cars and found that active tests are not available for them.

6. No special functions for trucks or Ford’s cars

These functions are not available for any trucks or Ford cars: specific functions like A/C Clutch, Crank Pattern Learn, Crank Pattern Clear, EACV System Test, ECM/PCM Reset, EGR Test, ETCS(TAC) Test, EVAP Test, E-VTC Learning, Fuel pump ON/OFF, IACV Test, IDLE Adjust, IMT(IMRC) Test, O2 Test, One Injector OFF, Radiator fan test, Throttle Position Check, VTC Test.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Innova 5610 and 5160RS?

If you’re in search of a scan tool with bidirectional control for Honda cars or Ford F550, Innova 5610 and 5160RS may not be the right choice for you. 

Similarly, if you’re seeking a scan tool with special functions specifically designed for trucks, Innova 5610 and 5160RS may not meet your requirements.

Where to Buy?

I recommend buying them in the INNOVA’s Official Store at Amazon.com. You can find the links for each model below:

INNOVA 5601

Overall Rating: 8.7/10

See Price at Amazon

INNOVA 5160RS

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

See Price at Amazon

What to Do Before Buying?

Check vehicle compatibility using the INNOVA Vehicle Checker to make sure the scan tools offer the features and functions you need.

INNOVA 5610 vs 5160RS: What They Offer for Cars and Trucks

Now, I’ll demonstrate the identical features of the scan tools by providing detailed charts for cars and trucks from various brands.

3.1. Service Functions

3.1.1. Service Functions on Cars

Both the Innova 5610 and 5160RS provide Battery Reset, Steering Angle Reset, and Oil Maintenance Reset for all the cars we examined. ABS Bleeding is exclusive to Chevrolet and Toyota cars, while EPB Service is limited to Nissan and Honda cars. 

Please note that we did not test any diesel cars, so we cannot confirm the availability of DPF Reset for these vehicles.

Below are the service functions that Innova 5610 and 510RS offer for cars we tested.

Functions2019 Nissan Rogue L4, 2.0L2017 Honda CR-V L4, 2.4L2013 Equinox V6, 3.6L2016 TOYOTA Corolla L4-1.8L2016 Ford Escape L4, 2.5L
Battery Reset
Steering Angle Reset
Oil Maintenance Reset
ABS Bleeding
DPF Reset
EPB Service

3.1.2. Service Functions on Trucks

We discovered that the scan tools provide distinct service functions tailored to various trucks. Specifically, Battery Reset and Steering Angle Reset are exclusive to Ford F-150 and Silverado 1500, whereas Oil Maintenance Reset, ABS Bleeding, and DPF Reset are accessible for F-250 and F550. EPB Service is specifically featured on Ford F-150.

Functions2017 Ford F-150, V6 2.7L2012 Ford F250 V8, 6.2L2016 Ford F550 V8, 6.7L2014 Silverado 1500 V8, 5.3L
Battery Reset
Steering Angle Reset
Oil Maintenance Reset
ABS Bleeding
DPF Reset
EPB Service

3.2. Status Checks

3.2.1. Status Checks on Cars

Functions2019 Nissan Rogue L4, 2.0L2017 Honda CR-V L4, 2.4L2013 Equinox V6, 3.6L2016 TOYOTA Corolla L4-1.8L2016 Ford Escape L4, 2.5L
Battery/ Alternator Test
Oil Level
Oil Life Status
Transmission temp
Brake Pad Life

3.2.2. Status Checks on Trucks

Functions2017 Ford F-150, V6 2.7L2012 Ford F250 V8, 6.2L2016 Ford F550 V8, 6.7L2014 Silverado 1500 V8, 5.3L
Battery/ Alternator Test
Oil Level
Oil Life Status
Transmission temp
Brake Pad Life

3.3. Live Data 

3.3.1. Live Data on Cars

Both the Innova 5610 and 5160RS support Live Data on all the cars we tested, providing data for Engine, ABS, Airbag, Transmission, and TPMS. It’s important to note that Transmission Live Data is not accessible for Ford Escape.

Functions2019 Nissan Rogue L4, 2.0L2017 Honda CR-V L4, 2.4L2013 Equinox V6, 3.6L2016 TOYOTA Corolla L4-1.8L2016 Ford Escape L4, 2.5L
Engine
ABS
Airbag
Transmission
TPMS

3.3.2. Live Data on Trucks

Innova 5610 and 5160RS provide live data for Engine and TPMS across all trucks. However, ABS, Airbag, and Transmission Live Data are available for only certain trucks.

Functions2017 Ford F-150, V6 2.7L2012 Ford F250 V8, 6.2L2016 Ford F550 V8, 6.7L2014 Silverado 1500 V8, 5.3L
Engine
ABS
Airbag
Transmission
TPMS

3.4. Special Functions

3.4.1. Special Functions on Cars

Special functions vary and are not consistent across brands. It’s important to note that they are not available on all Ford cars.

2019 Nissan Rogue L4, 2.0L2017 Honda CR-V L4, 2.4L2013 Equinox V6, 3.6L2016 TOYOTA Corolla L4-1.8L2016 Ford Escape L4, 2.5L
Air/Fuel Initial LearningA/C ClutchBrake Pedal Position Sensor LearnCVT Oil Pressure CalibrationNot available
Closed Throttle Position LearningAll InjectorsCrankshaft Pos.Variation LearnD-4S (A/F Control)
EGR Control Valve Closed Position LearningCrank Pattern LearnCylinder Power BalanceD-4S (Fuel Cut)
Electric Intake Valve Timing Control LearningCrank Pattern ClearEngine Speed ControlD-4S (Injection Volume)
Fuel Pressure ReleaseEACV System TestFuel Injector BalanceDeceleration SensorZero Point Calibration
Idle Air Volume LearnECM/PCM ResetFuel Trim ResetEvap System Check
Self Learning ControlEGR TestIdle Learn ResetLearning Value Reset
Target Idle RPM AdjETCS(TAC) TestOil Life ResetO2S/ RPM Check
Target Ignition Timing AdjustEVAP TestRemote Vehicle Start Disable History ResetReset Memory
Wastegate Actuator Position Learn Value ClearE-VTC LearningThrottle PositionSecondary AirInjection Check
Fuel pump ON/OFFThrottle Sweep
IACV Test
IDLE Adjust
IMT(IMRC) Test
O2 Test
One Injector OFF
Radiator fan
Throttle Position Check
VTC Test

3.4.2. Special Functions on Trucks

Innova 5610 and 5160RS don’t offer special functions for any trucks.

2017 Ford F-150, V6 2.7L2012 Ford F250 V8, 6.2L2016 Ford F550 V8, 6.7L2014 Silverado 1500 V8, 5.3L
No special functions availableNo special functions availableNo special functions availableNo special functions available

3.5. Active Tests

3.5.1. Active Tests on Cars

Active tests differ among cars from Nissan, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford, but they are not available for Honda cars.

2019 Nissan Rogue L4, 2.0L2017 Honda CR-V L4, 2.4L2013 Equinox V6, 3.6L2016 TOYOTA Corolla L4-1.8L2016 Ford Escape L4, 2.5L
Check Coolant Pump Switchover ValveNo active tests availableAIR Pump RelayActivate the EGRValve CloseEGR valve stepping motor position
Integrated Control Fan MotorEVAP Purge SolenoidActivate the Fuel PumpSpeed ControlAir Conditioning Compressor Commanded State
Check Fuel InjectorsEVAP Vent SolenoidActivate the IntankFuel Pump RelayAll Injectors Disabled
Check Fuel Press AndTemp SensorFuel Pump RelayActivate VSVCommanded Equivalence Ratio Bank 1
Check Purging Switchover ValveControl the A/CCut SignalConverter Pressure Control
Check Throttle Valve ActuatorControl the A/CMagnet ClutchDesired camshaft anglefor all banks.
Cooling FanControl the AllCylinders Fuel CutEngine Revolutions Per Minute
EGR Vol Cont ValveControl the EGRStep PositionEvaporative Emission Canister Purge Valve duty cycle
ENG Coolant TempControl the EGR SystemEvaporative Emission Canister Vent Valve_On-Off
Fan Duty ControlControl the Electric Cooling FanFan Control High Speed
Fuel InjectionControl the ETCS Open/CloseFan Control Low Speed
Fuel Pump RelayControl the Fuel Pump/SpeedFan Speed Desired
Ignition TimingControl the FuelPump DutyFirm Shift
Purg Vol Control ValveControl the Injection Timing #1 to #8Fuel pump_On-Off
Vent Control ValveControl the Injection VolumeGear Command by Output State Control
Control the Injection WayGenerator Voltage Desired
Diesel Throttle Target AngleGrill Shutter APosition Commanded
Injection Timing Select CylinderHeater control forO2 Sensor 11, 12, 21, 22
Injection Timing ValueInjector 1 to 4 Disabled Enabled
Pilot Injection Volume Select CylinderLine Pressure Control Desired
Pilot Injection Volume ValueLine Pressure Controlmeasured in current
Reductant Injection ValveOne-Touch Start Status_Disabled-Enabled
Output State Control ofTorque Converter
Shift Solenoid Pressure Control A, B, C, D, E
Spark Advance
Torque Converter ClutchSolenoid_On_Off

3.5.2. Active Tests on Trucks

Innova 5610 and 5160RS provide an extensive array of active tests for the trucks we examined, excluding the Ford F550.

2017 Ford F-150, V6 2.7L2012 Ford F250 V8, 6.2L2016 Ford F550 V8, 6.7L2014 Silverado 1500 V8, 5.3L
Air Conditioning Compressor Commanded StateAir Conditioning Compressor Commanded StateNo active tests availableCooling Fan
All Injectors DisabledAll Injectors DisabledEVAP Purge Solenoid
Commanded Equivalence Ratio Bank 1 and Bank 2Commanded Equivalence Ratio Bank 1, Bank 2EVAP Vent Solenoid
Converter Pressure ControlConverter Pressure ControlFuel Pump Relay
Engine Revolutions Per MinuteDesired camshaft anglefor all banks.
Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Valve duty cycleEngine Revolutions Per Minute
Evaporative Emission Canister Vent Valve_On-OffEvaporative Emission Canister Purge Valve duty cycle
Fan Control High SpeedEvaporative Emission Canister Vent Valve_On-Off
Fan Control Low SpeedFan Speed Desired
Firm ShiftFirm Shift
Fuel pump_On-OffFuel pump_On-Off
Fuel Rail Pressure DesiredGear Command by Output State Control
Fuel Volume Control ValveGenerator Voltage Desired
Gear Command by Output State ControlHeater control for O2 Sensors 11, 12, 21, 22
Generator Voltage DesiredInjectors 1 to 8Enabled and Disabled
Heater control forO2 Sensors 11, 12, 21, 22Line Pressure Control Desired
Injectors 1 to 6 Enabled and DisabledLine Pressure Control measured in current
Line Pressure Control DesiredOutput State Control ofTorque Converter
Output State Control of Torque ConverterShift Solenoid Pressure Control A, B, C, D, E
Shift Solenoid ASpark Advance
Shift Solenoid Pressure Control A, B, C, D, E
Spark Advance
Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid_On_Off
Turbocharger Bypass Valve 1
Turbocharger Bypass Valve 2
Turbocharger Wastegate
Variable Camshaft Timing Exhaust Angle Desired
Variable Camshaft Timing Intake Desired Angle

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