Keeping your car scan tool updated is crucial for accessing the latest features, vehicle coverage, and diagnostic capabilities. At carcodepro.com, we understand the importance of having your Innova scan tool running smoothly. This guide will walk you through the process of updating your Innova tool’s firmware using the OBD Tool Updater, ensuring you get the most out of your device.
Step 1 – Launch the OBD Tool Updater on Your Computer
To begin, you’ll need to install and open the OBD Tool Updater application on your Windows PC or Mac.
- Download the OBD Tool Updater:
- For Windows: Download OBD Tool Updater for Windows
- For Mac: Download OBD Tool Updater for Mac
Once downloaded, locate the ‘OBD Tool Updater’ application, typically found on your desktop or within your applications. Double-click to open the software.
Initially, the updater will display a “Disconnected” status, which is normal before connecting your scan tool.
Important Note on USB Cables: Ensure you are using a USB data cable, not just a charging cable.
- Charging Cables: These cables are designed only to power devices and do not allow for data transfer.
- Data Cables: These cables serve dual purposes, both charging your devices and enabling data transmission, which is necessary for updating your car scan tool.
After installing the updater, connect your Innova scan tool to your computer using a USB data cable. The port on your scan tool is usually located at the bottom of the device. Allow a few moments for the software to recognize your tool.
Once detected, the tool status in the OBD Tool Updater will change to “Connected”. The application will also display the current Firmware, Bootloader, and Database versions installed on your device.
If your tool is connected to your computer, but the app still shows “Disconnected,” try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check Cable Connections: Ensure both ends of the USB data cable are securely plugged into your computer and your Innova scan tool.
- Try a Different USB Port: Switch to another USB port on your computer to rule out a port-specific issue.
- Use Another USB Cable: Test with a different USB data cable to eliminate the possibility of a faulty cable.
- Verify Updater Compatibility: Confirm you are using the correct OBD Tool Updater for your Innova scan tool model. Newer updaters may not be compatible with older tools. Download the updater specifically recommended for your tool to ensure compatibility.
Step 1.5 – Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Encountering a “Disconnected” status in the OBD Tool Updater even after connecting your tool? Here are some common fixes:
Problem: Tool connected to computer, but app shows “Disconnected” status.
Solutions:
- Verify USB Cable Seating: Double-check that the USB cable is fully and correctly inserted into both the computer and the scan tool.
- Switch USB Ports: Attempt using a different USB port on your computer, as some ports may function better than others.
- Try a New USB Cable: A faulty USB cable is a common culprit. Replace your current cable with a known working USB data cable.
- Updater Compatibility Check: Ensure you are using the appropriate OBD Tool Updater for your specific Innova scan tool model. Using an incompatible updater can lead to connection problems. Download the updater version recommended for your tool.
Problem: Tool connected, but no “Update my tool now” button is visible.
Solution:
- Tool is Already Up-to-Date: If you don’t see the “Update my tool now” button, it likely indicates that your Innova scan tool already has the latest firmware and software updates installed. No further action is needed at this time.
Problem: Error message on Mac devices (as shown below).
Solution for Mac Users:
- Right-Click to Open: If you encounter a security prompt on your Mac when trying to open the OBD Tool Updater, do not double-click the app icon. Instead, right-click on the application icon and select “Open” from the context menu. This should bypass the security prompt and allow the application to launch correctly.
Step 2 – Initiate the Update Process
Once your Innova scan tool is successfully connected and recognized by the OBD Tool Updater, and if an update is available, the “Update my tool now” button will become visible.
Click on the “Update my tool now” button to begin the update process. The software will then check for available updates for your specific device.
If updates are indeed available, the update process will commence automatically. This process may take some time to complete, so please be patient and ensure the connection is not interrupted.
Troubleshooting a Stalled Update: If the update progress seems stuck at 1% or 5% and is not advancing, try the following:
- Reinstall the Updater App:
- Uninstall the OBD Tool Updater from your computer.
- Restart your computer to ensure a clean system state.
- Temporarily disable any antivirus software that might interfere with the update process.
- Reinstall the latest version of the OBD Tool Updater.
- Retry the update process by repeating the steps in this guide.
If reinstalling the updater doesn’t resolve the issue, consider these additional steps:
- Swap USB Cables: Use a different, known-good USB data cable.
- Change USB Ports: Try a different USB port on your computer.
- Use a Different Computer: If possible, attempt the update process on a different computer to rule out computer-specific issues.
- Retry the Update: After each troubleshooting step, attempt to update your tool again.
Important Note: If the “Update my tool now” button does not appear, it signifies that your scan tool is already running the most current software version, and no update is needed at this time.
Step 2.5 – Troubleshooting Update Stalling
Problem: Update process is stuck at 1% or 5% and not progressing.
Possible Cause: Outdated Updater App
Solution:
- Update the Updater Application:
- Download the latest version of the OBD Tool Updater for your operating system from the links provided earlier.
- Run the installer. When prompted with options such as “Modify, Replace, or Repair,” select “Repair“.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to repair the updater installation.
- Once the repair process is complete, restart the OBD Tool Updater and repeat the update steps outlined in this guide.
Step 3 – Allow the Update to Complete
Once the update process is initiated, it’s crucial to maintain a stable connection between your scan tool and computer and allow the update to proceed uninterrupted.
The update process is typically divided into stages, including updating the bootloader, firmware, and database of your Innova scan tool. This complete process can take up to 25 minutes or longer, depending on the update size and your computer’s speed. Please wait patiently for all steps to finish.
Handling Update Errors: If an error occurs during the update, the software will display an “Update Error” message along with the last completed progress percentage. In such cases, disconnect and reconnect your scan tool and attempt the update process again from Step 2.
Step 4 – Disconnect Your Tool After Successful Update
After the update completes successfully, the OBD Tool Updater will display an “Update Complete” message.
At this point, your Innova scan tool is successfully updated and ready to be disconnected from your computer. You can now safely close the OBD Tool Updater application and disconnect the USB cable from your scan tool.
Once you reconnect your updated Innova scan tool to your vehicle, it will be running on the latest firmware version, ensuring optimal performance and access to the newest features.
By following these steps, you can easily keep your Innova car scan tool updated, ensuring you have the most accurate and comprehensive diagnostic information available for your vehicle. Stay tuned to carcodepro.com for more helpful guides and automotive repair tips.
