Innova 5210: Code Retrieval Procedures

Code Retrieval Procedures

Always refer to the vehicle's service manual for detailed testing instructions. Never replace a part based only on the DTC's code definition. Each DTC has a unique set of testing procedures, instructions, and flow charts that must be followed to confirm the location of the problem. 

Always observe safety precautions whenever working on a vehicle and check your vehicle thoroughly for hazards before performing any test.

Step 1 - Turn the Ignition off.

Make sure to turn off your vehicle's ignition. 

Step 2 - Locate the vehicle's 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC).

Some DLCs have a plastic cover that must be removed before connecting the 5210.

Step 3 - Connect the 5210 to the vehicle’s DLC.

The cable connector is keyed and will only fit one way.

If you have problems connecting the cable to the DLC, rotate the connector 180°.

If you still have problems, check the DLC on the vehicle and on the 5210 to see if any pins look damaged.

Step 4 - Turn the ignition on. Do not start the engine.

Turn ON the Ignition, but do not start the engine.

Step 5 - When the 5210 is properly connected to the vehicle’s DLC, the unit itself will automatically turn ON.

If the unit does not power on automatically, it may indicate there is no power present at the vehicle’s DLC connector. Check the fuse panel and replace any burned-out fuses.

If replacing the fuse(s) does not correct the problem, consult the vehicle’s repair manual to identify the proper computer (PCM) fuse/circuit, and perform any necessary repairs before proceeding.

Step 6 - The 5210 automatically starts a check of the vehicle’s computer to determine which communication protocol it is using. 

When the 5210 identifies the computer’s communication protocol, a communication link is established. 

If the 5210 cannot link to the vehicle’s computer after three attempts, the message Contact Technical Support will display.

  • Press the System Status button to return to the System Menu.
  • Turn the ignition OFF and disconnect the 5210.
  • Contact Technical Support for assistance.

Step 7 - If the 5210 can automatically decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the vehicle under test, the Confirm Vehicle screen will display.

If the 5210 cannot decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the vehicle under test, the Select Vehicle screen will display. Proceed to step 8.

If the information shown is not correct for the vehicle under test, or if you wish to manually select the vehicle, select No and press ENTER ↵, then proceed to step 9.

If the information shown is correct for the vehicle under test, select Yes and press ENTER ↵, then proceed to step 10.

Step 8 - When No is selected from the Vehicle information screen, the Select Vehicle screen will display.

The Select Vehicle screen lists the three most recently tested vehicles.

To select a new vehicle, select New Vehicle. Proceed to step 9.

To use a previously tested vehicle, select the desired vehicle, then press ENTER ↵ to proceed to step 10.

Step 9 - When New Vehicle is chosen from the Select Vehicle screen, the Select Year screen will display.

Press the UP ▲ and DOWN ▼ buttons. You will be prompted to select your vehicle's Year, Make, Model, Engine Size, and Transmission Type.

Step 10 - Refer to Display Functions for a description of display elements.

After approximately 10-60 seconds the scan tool will retrieve and display any diagnostic trouble codes, Monitor Status, and Freeze Frame Data retrieved from the vehicle's computer memory.

The scan tool will display a code only if codes are present, if no codes are present, the message No Powertrain DTCs or Freeze Frame Data presently stored in the vehicle's computer message will display.

If DTCs are retrieved and you are going to perform the repairs yourself, proceed by consulting your vehicle’s service repair manual for testing instructions, testing procedures, and flow charts related to retrieved code(s). In the case of long code definitions, a small arrow is shown in the upper/lower right-hand corner of the display area to indicate the presence of additional information. 

If a definition for the currently displayed code is not available, an advisory message will show.

Step 11 - Read and interpret Diagnostic Trouble Codes/system conditions using the display and the green, yellow and red LEDs.

The green, yellow, and red LEDs are used (with the display) as visual aids to make it easier to determine engine system conditions. 

Green LED – Indicates that all engine systems are OK and operating normally. All monitors supported by the vehicle have run and performed their diagnostic testing, and no trouble codes are present. All monitor icons will be solid and not flashing.

Yellow LED – Indicates one of the following conditions:

A. Pending code is present – If the yellow LED is illuminated, it may indicate a Pending code is present. Check the display for confirmation. A pending code is confirmed by the presence of a numeric code and the word Pending.

B. Monitor Not Run Status – If the display shows a zero (indicating there are no DTCs present in the vehicle’s computer memory), but the yellow LED is illuminated, it may be an indication that some of the Monitors supported by the vehicle have not yet run and completed their diagnostic testing. Check the display for confirmation. All Monitor icons that are blinking have not yet run and completed their diagnostic testing; all Monitor icons that are solid have run and completed their diagnostic testing.

C. Red LED – Indicates there is a problem with one or more of the vehicle’s systems. The red LED is also used to indicate that DTC(s) are present. In this case, the Malfunction Indicator lamp (MIL/Check Engine Light) on the vehicle’s instrument panel will be illuminated.

DTCs that start with P0 are considered Generic (Universal). All Generic DTC definitions are the same on all OBD2-equipped vehicles. The 5210 will automatically display the code definitions (if available) for Generic DTCs.

DTCs that start with P1 and some P3 are manufacturer specific codes, and their code definitions vary with each vehicle manufacturer.

Step 12 - To view Freeze Frame Data, press and release the DTC/FF button, as necessary. 


Each time DTC/FF is pressed and released, the scan tool will scroll and display the next DTC in sequence until all DTCs in its memory have been displayed.

Freeze Frame Data (if available) will display after DTC #1.

In OBD2 systems, when an emissions-related engine malfunction occurs that causes a DTC to set, a record or snapshot of engine conditions at the time that the malfunction occurred is also saved in the vehicle’s computer memory. The record saved is called Freeze Frame data.

Saved engine conditions include, but are not limited to engine speed, open or closed loop operation, fuel system commands, coolant temperature, calculated load value, fuel pressure, vehicle speed, air flow rate, and intake manifold pressure.

If more than one malfunction is present that causes more than one DTC to be set, only the code with the highest priority will contain Freeze Frame data. The code designated 01 on the scan tool display is referred to as the priority code, and Freeze Frame data always refers to this code. The priority code is also the one that has commanded the MIL to turn on.

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