Keeping your OBD2 scanner updated is crucial for accessing the latest features, vehicle coverage, and diagnostic capabilities. Just like any software-driven tool, OBD2 scanners require periodic updates to maintain their effectiveness in diagnosing modern vehicles. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to update your Innova OBD2 scanner, ensuring you always have the most accurate and reliable diagnostic information at your fingertips.
Whether you are a seasoned mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, updating your OBD2 scanner is a straightforward process. By following these instructions, you can ensure your tool is running the latest firmware and software, allowing you to diagnose vehicle issues efficiently and effectively. Let’s dive into the steps to get your Innova OBD2 scanner updated and ready for action.
Step 1 – Launch the OBD Tool Updater on Your Computer
To begin the update process, you will need to access the OBD Tool Updater application on your computer. Innova provides this software for both Windows and Mac operating systems, ensuring compatibility regardless of your computer setup.
First, download the appropriate OBD Tool Updater for your system:
Once downloaded, locate the application on your computer. It might be on your desktop or within your downloads folder. You can also search for “OBD Tool Updater” in your computer’s search bar to quickly find and open it. Double-click the application icon to launch the updater software.
Initially, the software will display a “Disconnected” status. This is normal as your OBD2 scanner is not yet connected to the computer. It’s important to use a USB data cable, not just a charging cable, to establish a proper connection for data transfer. Charging cables are designed solely for powering devices and lack the data transfer capability needed for updates. Data cables, on the other hand, serve both purposes: charging and data transmission. Ensure you are using the correct type of cable to avoid connection issues.
After launching the updater and confirming you have a data USB cable, proceed to the next step to connect your Innova OBD2 scanner.
Step 1.5 – Connecting Your OBD2 Scanner and Troubleshooting Connection Issues
With the OBD Tool Updater open, connect your Innova OBD2 scanner to your computer using a USB data cable. The USB port on your scanner is typically located at the bottom of the device. Plug one end of the data cable into your scanner and the other end into a USB port on your computer.
Give the software a few moments to detect your scanner. Once detected, the tool status in the OBD Tool Updater should change from “Disconnected” to “Connected.” The software will also display important information about your scanner, including its current Firmware, Bootloader, and Database versions. This confirms that the connection is successful and the updater is communicating with your device.
If your scanner is connected to the computer via USB, but the OBD Tool Updater continues to show a “Disconnected” status, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue:
- Check Cable Seating: Ensure that both ends of the USB data cable are securely plugged into both the computer and your OBD2 scanner. A loose connection can prevent proper data transfer.
- Try a Different USB Port: Sometimes, USB ports can malfunction or have compatibility issues. Try switching to a different USB port on your computer to rule out a port-related problem.
- Use Another USB Cable: USB cables can degrade or become damaged over time. Trying a different, known-good USB data cable can help determine if the original cable is faulty.
- Verify Updater Compatibility: Ensure you are using the correct OBD Tool Updater for your specific Innova scanner model. Older scanners might not be compatible with the latest updater software. Always download the updater version recommended for your tool to avoid compatibility problems.
By systematically checking these potential issues, you can usually establish a stable connection between your Innova OBD2 scanner and your computer, paving the way for a successful update.
Step 2 – Initiate the Update Process
Once your OBD2 scanner is successfully connected and the OBD Tool Updater displays a “Connected” status, you are ready to start the update process. Look for the “Update my Tool now” button in the software interface and click it.
After clicking the button, the software will communicate with Innova’s servers to check for available updates for your specific OBD2 scanner model. This process may take a few moments as the software verifies the current firmware and database versions on your device against the latest versions.
If updates are available, the “Update my tool now” option will become active, usually highlighted or clearly indicated. Click this option again to begin downloading and installing the updates to your scanner. The update process may take some time, depending on the size of the update files and your internet connection speed. It is crucial to maintain a stable USB connection and power supply to your computer and scanner throughout the update to prevent interruptions.
What if you don’t see the “Update my tool now” button?
If your tool is connected and recognized by the software, but you do not see the “Update my tool now” button, it likely means that your OBD2 scanner is already running the latest firmware and database versions. In this case, no updates are currently available for your device, and you are already up-to-date.
Troubleshooting Update Stalling Issues:
In some instances, the update process might appear to stall or freeze, often indicated by the progress bar getting stuck at 1% or 5% and not progressing further. If you encounter this issue, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Reinstall the Updater App: A corrupted or outdated updater application can sometimes cause update failures. Uninstall the OBD Tool Updater from your computer, then reboot your system. After rebooting, disable any antivirus software temporarily (as it can sometimes interfere with software installations), and reinstall the latest version of the updater application. Then, try the update process again.
- Check USB Connection: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected and try using a different USB port or even a different USB cable to rule out connection problems.
- Try a Different Computer: In rare cases, computer-specific issues might interfere with the update process. Attempting the update on a different computer can help isolate whether the problem is with your computer or the scanner itself.
Step 2.5 – Resolving Mac Specific Issues
For users updating their Innova OBD2 scanner on a Mac computer, there is a known issue that can prevent the application from opening correctly when double-clicked. If you are experiencing trouble opening the OBD Tool Updater on your Mac and see a message similar to the image below, follow these steps to resolve it:
Instead of double-clicking the application icon to open it, right-click on the application icon. From the context menu that appears, select “Open.” This method bypasses the security restriction that might be preventing the app from launching correctly via a double-click on macOS. Selecting “Open” from the right-click menu usually allows the application to launch and function as expected, enabling you to proceed with updating your OBD2 scanner.
Step 3 – Allow the Update to Complete
Once you have initiated the update by clicking “Update my tool now,” it is crucial to allow the process to run uninterrupted until completion. During the update, ensure that your OBD2 scanner remains connected to your computer and that neither device loses power or connection.
The update process is typically divided into several stages, which may include updating the bootloader, firmware, and database of your scanner. Each step will be indicated within the OBD Tool Updater interface, and a progress bar will visually represent the overall update status. The entire process can take up to 25 minutes, depending on the updates being installed and the speed of your computer and connection. Patience is key during this phase.
Handling Update Errors:
If an error occurs during the update process, the OBD Tool Updater will typically display an “Update Error” message, along with the last achieved progress percentage. If you encounter an error, the first step is to disconnect your OBD2 scanner from the computer, then reconnect it, and attempt the update process again from the beginning. Sometimes, a simple reconnection can resolve temporary glitches that might have caused the initial error.
If the error persists after multiple attempts, consult Innova’s customer support or the troubleshooting resources available on their website for more specific guidance related to the error message you are seeing.
Step 4 – Disconnect Your Scanner After Successful Update
After the update process completes successfully, the OBD Tool Updater will display an “Update Complete” message. This confirmation indicates that your Innova OBD2 scanner has been successfully updated to the latest firmware and software versions.
At this point, you can safely disconnect your OBD2 scanner from your computer. You can now close the OBD Tool Updater application and unplug the USB data cable from both your computer and the scanner.
Once disconnected, your Innova OBD2 scanner is ready to use with the latest updates installed. The next time you plug your device into your vehicle’s OBD2 port, it will be running on the newest firmware version, ensuring optimal performance and access to the latest features and vehicle coverage improvements provided by Innova.
By keeping your OBD2 scanner updated, you ensure accurate diagnostics and keep pace with the ever-evolving automotive technology, making your troubleshooting and repair tasks more efficient and effective.
