Choosing the right scan tool for your car can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Two popular choices for DIYers and budget-conscious car enthusiasts are the Craftsman Scan Tool 20899 and the Innova 3120b. Both promise to help you diagnose car problems at home, saving you trips to the mechanic. But which one is actually better for your needs? This article provides a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Key Features at a Glance
Before diving deep, let’s quickly compare the core features of each scan tool:
| Feature | Craftsman Scan Tool 20899 | Innova 3120b |
|---|---|---|
| OBDII Functions | Full | Full |
| ABS/SRS Diagnosis | Limited | Yes |
| Live Data Stream | Yes | Yes |
| Freeze Frame Data | Yes | Yes |
| Check Engine Light | Yes | Yes |
| Code Definitions | On-screen | On-screen & App |
| Battery/Alternator Test | No | Yes |
| Language Support | English, Spanish, French | English, Spanish, French |
| Internet Updates | No | Yes (via PC) |
| Price | Generally Lower | Slightly Higher |
Diagnostic Capabilities: Beyond the Basics
Both the Craftsman 20899 and Innova 3120b are capable OBDII scanners, meaning they can read and clear generic trouble codes related to your car’s emissions system and “Check Engine Light.” They both offer essential functions like:
- Reading and clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Understand why your check engine light is on and clear codes after repairs.
- Live Data Stream: Monitor real-time engine data like RPM, coolant temperature, and oxygen sensor readings to pinpoint issues.
- Freeze Frame Data: Capture data snapshots when a trouble code is triggered, providing valuable context for diagnosis.
- I/M Readiness Monitors: Check if your vehicle is ready for emissions testing.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Retrieval: Automatically identify your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
However, the Innova 3120b pulls ahead when it comes to advanced diagnostics. A significant advantage of the Innova 3120b is its ability to diagnose ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and SRS (Supplemental Restraint System/Airbag) issues in many vehicles. This is a feature often found in more expensive scan tools and is notably lacking in the Craftsman 20899, which has very limited ABS support on only some older vehicles.
If you’re looking to diagnose warning lights beyond just the check engine light, especially those related to safety systems like ABS and airbags, the Innova 3120b is the clear winner.
User Experience and Ease of Use
Both scanners are designed for ease of use, but there are subtle differences.
The Craftsman 20899 is known for its straightforward interface and simple operation. It’s a no-frills tool that gets the job done for basic OBDII diagnostics. The code definitions are displayed clearly on the screen, which is convenient for quick diagnoses. However, it lacks some of the user-friendly features found in the Innova.
The Innova 3120b also boasts an easy-to-navigate interface with a color screen, making data easier to read at a glance. It provides code definitions on-screen, similar to the Craftsman. Furthermore, the Innova 3120b enhances user experience with:
- Patented All-In-One Display and Hotkeys: Streamlines navigation and access to key functions.
- Battery and Alternator Test: Quickly checks the health of your car’s battery and charging system – a very useful feature for preventative maintenance.
- Optional PC Connectivity: While updates are not as frequent as high-end professional tools, the Innova 3120b can be connected to a PC for software updates, ensuring compatibility with newer vehicles over time. This also allows for printing diagnostic reports, which can be helpful for record-keeping or sharing with a mechanic.
While both are user-friendly, the Innova 3120b offers a slightly more polished and feature-rich user experience, especially with the added battery test and PC connectivity.
Price and Value Proposition
Price is always a factor. The Craftsman 20899 typically comes in at a lower price point than the Innova 3120b. This makes it an attractive option for those on a tight budget who primarily need basic OBDII functionality to read and clear engine codes. If your needs are strictly limited to check engine light issues and you’re comfortable with a more basic tool, the Craftsman 20899 can be a cost-effective choice.
However, the Innova 3120b, while slightly more expensive, offers significantly more value for a relatively small price increase. The added ABS/SRS diagnostic capabilities, battery/alternator test, PC connectivity for updates, and overall more refined user experience make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants a more versatile and future-proof scan tool.
Which Scan Tool Should You Choose?
Choose the Craftsman 20899 if:
- You are on a very tight budget.
- You only need basic OBDII functionality for check engine light issues.
- You are comfortable with a no-frills, straightforward tool.
- ABS/SRS diagnostics are not a concern for you.
Choose the Innova 3120b if:
- You want ABS/SRS diagnostic capabilities in addition to OBDII functions.
- You value user-friendly features like battery/alternator testing and PC updates.
- You are willing to spend a little more for a more versatile and capable tool.
- You want a scan tool that can potentially be updated to support newer vehicles for longer.
In conclusion:
While the Craftsman 20899 serves as a decent entry-level OBDII scanner for basic needs, the Innova 3120b provides superior value and functionality for a small price difference. The Innova 3120b’s added ABS/SRS capabilities, battery test, and updateability make it the more recommendable choice for most DIYers and car owners who want a reliable and versatile scan tool to diagnose a wider range of vehicle issues. For a slightly higher investment, you get significantly more diagnostic power and features with the Innova 3120b, making it the smarter long-term choice.
