Innova 5610 Review: A Badass Pro Scanner Without the Fees

In the modern world, however, corporations seem to have discovered the secret to generational wealth and that implicates taxing offering subscription models for you and me, indefinitely.

Granted, these sums are usually small and don’t look like they’ll make a hole in your pocket – except that when it comes to scanner subscriptions, they look serious, are serious (in ‘real time’) and certainly do a lot of financial damage – especially if you have no way of recouping things as a professional offering mechanical services.

We’re talking a few hundred dollars to several hundred, every blessed year.

The great irony? Many car owners or auto DIYers have no idea that there’s an alternative: they simply pay the fees year in and year out, hardly use the tools, and overall, lose money on a grand and consistent scale.

But, what if an alternative exists? What if there’s a tool that offers ‘dealer level’ functions, is fairly priced, and importantly, does not require a subscription to do its thing (immediately or after)?

Enter the Innova 5610 bi-directional OBD II scanner.

A Short Security Camera Story…

Before I proceed with the Innova 5610 review, I’d love to share with you the story of a security camera I bought recently (don’t worry – it’s all connected).

I’ve always loved the idea of having ‘an extra pair of eyes’ looking out for when I’m asleep or absent.

The challenge was that most of the models I was looking at for a remote location I was working at were asking for a fee, usually monthly. And, to make matters worse, they weren’t cheap and didn’t particularly have anything to make paying the monthly fee less painful.

The search stopped when I came across the Eufy security camera range: a powerful combo that offered solar power (negating the need for taking the cameras down for recharging), expandable storage, a power backup for the home base, and importantly, a once-off payment with no monthly fees – just the initial cost.

What was there not to love?

Curiously, it was the discovery of Eufy that made me start researching seriously for an OBD II scanner that won’t need to be pampered with hefty fees – and my search led me straight to Innova.

Innova 5610 Review: First Impression & What’s in the Box

Having reviewed many scanners and code readers (and used many, many more over the years), I must be sincere: few of the units I come across cause me excitement. Fewer still offer functions that I haven’t seen before their use so it’s all basic and mundane stuff for me, at this point in my auto DIY journey.

However, the Innova 5610 offered a surge and faster flow of my blood when it shipped to my address: the scanner promised to offer professional-level abilities without the usually associated fees.

I couldn’t wait to test the unit and at long last when I held it in my hands, all else stopped in my world and I went testing – for hours!

The first impression I had of the unit was that it’s made by folks who are passionate about their craft and sincerely want to help others: the user manual user thick and well-printed, devoid of typos or inconsistencies; the unit itself is ergonomic and solid to the feel (with a slip on case for protection) and to crown it all up, there’s a soft carry bag in the package – something most scanners and code readers at that price point miss.

I was also impressed that the OBD II port cable for the scanner was detachable, which I know is a good thing, looking at the overall size and need to store after all is said and done.

The back of the scanner has provision for 3 AA-sized batteries and I couldn’t help but wonder where they come in and their unique advantage. I bought batteries and put them in, eager to see where everything would land me.

The package itself, overall, had the scanner, the soft carry case, the OBD II cable for connecting to the OBD II port of the vehicle, an update cable, and a user manual – the usual things you’d expect to see (minus the carry case, of course).

Functions & Abilities

The Innova 5610 has several functions and abilities. Truth be told, since having it, I keep discovering new abilities, depending on the make or model that I hook it to.

However, the following stand out and are difficult to ignore:

1. Automatic OBD II Error Code Lookup

The process of looking up an error code via a traditional scanner is usually a complex and sometimes, an extremely tedious one: you plug in the scanner, it initializes (for almost forever), and then comes the process of selecting your make, model, year and then, confirmation that you got all right.

Granted, some scanners do this automatically but you’ll still need to confirm that the information it has pulled off is correct.

The Innova 5610 works a little differently: immediately it’s plugged in and finishes its basic initialization, it digs in and brings forth the error codes that need your attention: engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, and TPMS.

Then, there’s the option for OEM live data, according to the make and model you’re dealing with – all done instantaneously and in real time.

This was a first for me and I was positively impressed.

2. DTC Library

For many vehicle users and some DIYers (including professional mechanics), the codes a scanner brings out are simply what they are: codes. To make sense (assuming they aren’t everyday codes), they must be ‘deciphered’ and their meaning, got.

This is where the DTC library comes in: you input the trouble codes and get an explanation of what they are to help you push further in their understanding.

During my test of this function, I discovered that the DTC library is easy to use and practical. I inputted several codes without any hassle or reference to any manual and got what I was looking for equally easily.

3. Bi-Directional Ability/Commands

In the business of vehicle diagnosis, a scanner’s bidirectional ability is very important: it eliminates guesswork in the diagnostic procedure and points you exactly where you need to look.

The Innova 5610 has an abundance of these commands up its sleeves: however, before you celebrate this point, it’s worth noting that despite the function being present, it will only make sense if the vehicle supports it.

An older make/model, manufactured before 2000 may support nothing; the 2006 Corolla I tested the scanner last on supported only four active commands (so, this is something to be specifically aware of).

However, the idea that should a manufacturer support it, I can play with active controls north of 50 on a vehicle is seductive in its own regard.

4. Impressive Live Data/Streams

Any good code reader or scanner should have the ability to render live data/streams. This is because this is usually where the bulk of a vehicle’s health (or lack of it) can be gleaned – even when the vehicle doesn’t throw any code(s) directly.

You only need to know how to interpret the values, especially in a contextual manner and you’re good to go.

However, the live data/stream function of the Innova 5610 takes things to the extreme: it records, stores, and has the ability to play back previously saved recordings, at convenience.

That isn’t all: up to four pieces of live data can be projected on the screen at the same time and compared, in graph form.

This function may look (and sound) mundane, but when it comes to the comparison of two things that may have a relationship with one another such as fuel trims and RPM (to figure out the possibility of a vacuum leak, for instance), this feature is truly GOLD.

5. Impressive List of Modules Accessible

Finally, the sheer list of modules this little handheld scanner is capable of accessing is impressive: engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, and TPMS. For DIYers and regular vehicle owners, it doesn’t get better than this: it’s all you need to keep your vehicle in absolute great health.

But, the 5610 takes things up a notch from the general list of modules available: it avails OEM live data for all the modules for the die-hard DIYer or professional who may wish to take diagnosis a pitch higher.

It truly is an amazing thing to see in action.

Other Notable Functions & Features

As already noted above, there are too many functions and features of Innova that mentioning (and explaining them all isn’t practical at all).

However, like the major functions above, there are also other notable functions and features that MUST be mentioned on their own due to their centrality.

These are:

1. Automatic Vehicle Detection

I’ve always wondered why most OBD II scanners feign dumb when plugged into a vehicle and keep asking you to input or confirm the make, model, and year (when that information is readily available in the ECU – and freely accessible to the said scanner).

For the Innova 5610, once plugged in, the Auto Link function runs through the various vehicle protocols and quickly establishes connection in a matter of seconds.

Once this is achieved, it automatically detects the vehicle it’s plugged into, without needing you, the user, to do anything special.

If like me you’re tired of scanners asking you to confirm your vehicle all the time, then, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the breath of fresh air the Auto Link function brings.

2. DLC Locator

Granted, you already know where the OBD II port of your vehicle (aka DLC) is located. For many vehicles too, it’s directly under the steering column, by the left.

That said, you may need to inspect a used vehicle (or buy a new one) and for the first time, have no clue where you need to slot in your scanner cable.

This is where the DLC locator function on the Innova 5610 comes in: simply enter the year, make and model and you’ll be shown exactly where the DLC is.

Easy-peasy.

3. Free Lifetime Updates

No one likes spending money on a recurrent basis (unless they’re billionaires). Unfortunately, corporations today seem to have come to the irresistible conclusion that recurrent fees are the best/fastest way to positively influence revenue.

With this mindset, almost all the OBD II professional-level scanners in the market today are covered by some sort of recurrent fees; the code readers that promise lifetime updates actually have nothing to update… it’s just a sad marketing gimmick.

For the Innova 5610, I actually downloaded the updater (something I’ve never been able to do for the numerous code readers promising free lifetime updates) and confirmed that my unit doesn’t need an update yet (as of when I tried it).

With the updater already on my PC, I’ll try again in a few months and I’m positive it will be the first of many free updates to come – for the life of the scanner.

I’m positively excited about this!

4. Battery & Alternator Tests

Like a portable jumper, a battery tester remains one of the things every serious vehicle owner needs to have around them and use, once in a while. Most vehicle owners or DIYers skip it because it requires an additional expense but what isn’t to love when the scanner one is interested in comes standard with not just a battery tester but also, an alternator tester?

Everything.

Fair warning though: the battery and alternator testing of the 5610 are basic, not being dedicated battery testers. You won’t get a state of health score, resistance, or state of charge values. Just a plain summary that clearly, still beats nothing.

Another fair warning: the starter isn’t part of the testing cycle (which I strongly believe it should, being very important in the trinity of battery and alternator).

If you’re interested in something comprehensive, battery testing-wise, you’ll need to invest in a dedicated battery tester.

In the meantime, however, half-bread has famously been better than none.

5. An Impressive OBD II DLC Cable

I’ve reviewed code readers/scanners before that made it impossible to stand outside the vehicle while using the code readers/scanners because the DLC cable was too short.

While they did their jobs, they left so much more to be desired.

The Innova 5610 appeared determined to correct that anomaly: the DLC cable is about 6 feet in length, making it easy to conveniently stay outside of a vehicle and scan it without any challenge.

The crowning part is this: the cable is also detachable – and lighted to guide your way in the dark – which are all good things in the grand scheme of things.

6. A Pouch & Soft Carry Bag

Most scanners and code readers at the price point of the Innova 5610 don’t come standard with a carry bag: you need to purchase that separately (either from a third-party vendor or as some part of a bundle from the same manufacturer).

For the Innova 5610, a soft carry bag is standard upon purchase, and not only is the bag standard, but the entire package also includes a pouch to protect the handheld scanner (much like the traditional pouches that protect smartphones).

A bag that helps you move the scanner around and a pouch that helps protect the scanner itself: this is thoughtful, in my world.

7. Long List of Service Resets

At the price point this scanner retails at, it’s easy to imagine that it won’t do much; take a look at its simple design and you’re likely to positively conclude that it just might be slightly better than a simple code reader…

..but, that’s where the mistake starts – and ends.

There are about 31 resets – from the common maintenance reset to the advanced clutch relearn, suspension calibration, headlamp calibration, and even odometer reset.

If you have a vehicle that needs such resets/services (especially a recent European model), you’ll recoup the purchase price of the scanner in no time.

Innova 5610 Vehicle Compatibility

As capable as the Innova 5610 scanner is, it doesn’t support all vehicle types, especially models offered outside of the US.

For instance, I tried to test it on a 2002 Peugeot 307 and because I’m not familiar with the make and model, I needed to use the DLC Locator function to point out the way.

I got zero luck. Peugeot isn’t represented in the DLC Locator menu. I was curious to see if it would scan the vehicle alright but I couldn’t locate the port so I simply had to let it slide.

Luckily, Innova has removed the guesswork: you don’t need to email them (or contact support) to ask if your vehicle is supported or if the 5610, for instance, can perform a given task on your vehicle.

There’s the general coverage checker where you can simply check to see if your vehicle is supported and the 5610 coverage checker where you can specifically check how the features of the Innova 5610 relate to your vehicle.

In essence, you get to see what you’re getting, beforehand, as relates to the vehicle you intend to use the scanner on to avoid surprises.

This is what I strongly believe all OBD II scanner manufacturers ought to be doing directly.

Limitations

That the Innova 5610 is a great scan tool isn’t debate material. However, it isn’t all gold though. Like all other tools and scanners, there are limitations that it only makes sense to share, especially in a thorough review such as this.

1. The Key Placement Will Need Getting Used To

First, the placement of the keys isn’t in the traditional manner most scanners or code readers have theirs. This means, there will be a learning curve when actively using the Innova 5610.

This challenge is compounded during night use as the keys aren’t lit. It will take some time before their placement becomes second nature and their use, natural.

While this may not affect use during the day, if you plan to use the code reader at night (and do not use it frequently enough to easily memorize the key placement), this may be a potent issue and a valid cause for frustration (and curses).

The overall unit, however, is quite ergonomic so no complaints there.

2. No Default Auto Shut Off (When Using Batteries)

When I was testing the unit, I discovered that the scanner can store codes and live data in memory and that memory can be recalled through the power of the triple AA batteries, provided as an option. To me, this was a smart, well-thought-out option.

However, as with most battery-powered units, there ought to be an auto shut-off function that powers off the unit after some time of inactivity, when using batteries.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the case: if you forget to power off the scanner when on battery power, you will likely come back to a completely flat unit or severely depleted batteries (as a result of their powering on the unit even when not needed, without any form of checkmate).

3. The Optional App Is Restricted to North America (Only)

For handheld Innova scanners (such as the 5610) reviewed here, Innova has an optional app that when paired with the scanner, enhances the auto DIY repair process. The app offers a detailed code lookup, complete network scans, vehicle health snapshots, and access to ASE-verified fixes amongst many other features.

Unfortunately, the RepairSolutions2 App (RS2) though available on both the Play and App stores, is geo-restricted to only North American residents. If you’re living anywhere else, hard luck!

The billion-dollar question is (and remains): why should such awesomeness be reserved only for North America?

4. Recent Models Aren’t Fully Supported

Finally, the latest models aren’t fully supported – and by this, I mean a delay of a year plus. Allow me explain.

I got the scanner in April 2025 and immediately checked if there was an update for the unit. Luckily, I saw that I was shipped a unit that was already up to date, so all good.

However, when I started scrolling through the menus to access OEM-specific scans/information specific to models and years, I was a bit disappointed to see that the latest supported model is 2023, as of press time.

2024 models aren’t yet fully supported and we’re already well into 2025.

If you love to drive (or lease) the latest models, hard luck (again)!

As an aside, Innova itself has a number of scenarios where the 5610 won’t fly, at least for you, in the circumstance. It’s an article worth taking a look at.

Alternative(s) to Consider

That the Innova 5610 is a great scanner worthy of your consideration, especially if you’re an advanced DIYer isn’t in question. However, other tools compete with it that you should take a look at if you’re in the market for a capable, auto DIY-friendly scanner.

First, the TopDon TopsScan is a little Bluetooth-powered unit that pairs with your smartphone but does wonders: it has a number of resets, bi-directional functions, and even the FCA Secure Gateway Access (AutoAuth) – something the Innova doesn’t support yet.

It also scans most OBD II modules: engine, tranny, ABS, and SRS. TopDon’s app is open to the whole world, and the repair guides and service bulletins available there, plus the impressive support, make it a worthy contender, especially if you’re cash-pressed.

However, after the first year, prepare to renew at about $49.99 a year – which is the biggest con of this unit, when pitched against the Innova 5610 (there are others too, but they aren’t that deep to warrant special attention).

Second, if you’re not going to tolerate any dongle affair and generally don’t like Bluetooth connections on scanners, the Autel MaxiCOM MK808S is also a potent alternative to consider.

With Autel, you get more than 20 popular resets, FCA Secure Gateway Access (AutoAuth), and a deep scan that touches the core of all the vehicle’s modules.

However, the tablet and professional presentation of the scanner come at a steep cost: be ready for the $124.5 (as at press time) renewal fees after the first year.

Should You Buy the Innova 5610?

YES – if you’re NOT looking to program keys and passionately hate renewal fees (as much as I do).

The shortcomings of the 5610 notwithstanding, it offers extreme value when looked at holistically. This is one scanner you buy and rest, assured that your scanner hunting days are over.

All you need do is thoroughly understand what the unit offers and be sure that it’s what you also need. Once this is got right, it will be a blissful marriage, followed by a smooth forever-after story.

Here’s the direct purchase link for the Innova 5610 on Amazon.

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