Innova 5610: How to read an OBD1 Chrysler vehicle

Introduction

Innova Corporation provides not only OBD2 scan tools, but also scan tools for diagnosing OBD1 vehicles. These include the 5410 (Detachable cable), 5510, 5512, 5610 and 3160RS, 3170RS, 5160RS scan tools. This article explains how to use Innova scan tools to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in Chrysler vehicles which use the OBD1 system.

The OBD1 Extension Cable & Chrysler Adapter are sold separately. Only the 5512 and 3170RS models come with the Adapter kit that has an OBD1 extension cable & OBD1 adapters included in a soft pouch.

Live data and all the advanced features these specific models offer only apply for OBD2 vehicles, and not OBD1 vehicles.

Procedure

To begin, it's important to understand that OBD1 is a first-generation automotive diagnostic system that was introduced in the early 1980s to help mechanics and vehicle owners identify and troubleshoot engine-related issues by providing DTCs that correspond to specific faults in the engine or emission control system. The design and capabilities of OBD1 systems vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the vehicle. Make and model also affects the shape and pin layout of the Data Link Connector (DLC). For example, Chrysler uses two types of DLC for their vehicles:

Type 1, is a female connector located on the left side of the engine compartment near the Power Distribution Center (PDC). Almost old vehicles of Chrysler use this DLC type. Please refer to the image below for a visual depiction.

Type 2, is a male connector located under the instrument panel on the right side of the driver. A small number of Chrysler models have Type 2 DLC, but they are also compatible with Type 1 DLCs. Please refer to the image below for a visual depiction.

Step 1 - Connect the Innova Scan Tool to the vehicle

NOTE: Make sure you put AA batteries in your scan tool to power it on before reading any OBD1 vehicles. For OBD2 vehicles, AA batteries are not required.

INNOVA provides the Chrysler OBD1 Adapter that is only compatible exclusively with Type 1 DLC.

To use the Innova scan tool for reading or clearing DTCs, it is necessary to establish a connection between the tool and the vehicle through the Chrysler OBD1 Adapter, as demonstrated in the image.

If the vehicle has both Type 1 and Type 2 DLC, it is advisable to prioritize the use of Type 1 DLC when conducting a diagnosis on the vehicle. Follow the instruction in the provided image to connect with the vehicle.
The scan tool requires three 1.5V batteries for power.

There are only a few Chrysler vehicles that are equipped solely with Type 2 DLC:

1993-1995 Chrysler Concorde
1994-1995 Chrysler LHS
1994-1995 Chrysler New Yorker
1993-1995 Dodge Intrepid

To make the Chrysler OBD1 Adapter compatible with the Type 2 DLC, a pin-jumping process is necessary. The chart provided demonstrates the correct method for jumping pins between the Chrysler OBD1 Adapter and Type 2 DLC. Please note that only pins 2, 5, and 6 of both the Chrysler OBD1 Adapter and Type 2 DLC need to be connected together.

Please note that for proper linkage between the Chrysler OBD1 Adapter and the Type 2 DLC, use the female blade crimp terminal as depicted in the picture.

Step 2 – Read DTCs in the vehicle

After establishing a connection between the vehicle and the scan tool, the DTCs stored in the vehicle's system can be both read and erased. The scan tool will retrieve the necessary information from the vehicle and present a menu for selecting the range year of the vehicle on its display.

Once the user selects the range year, the scan tool will initiate the scan and display any DTCs that may be present in the vehicle.

Step 3 – Erase DTCs in the vehicle

To erase the DTCs, simply select the Erase button, as shown in the image below. After that, select Erase DTCs to erase DTCs.

Upon completion of the erasing process, the scan tool will automatically perform another scan of your vehicle to check for any other DTCs stored in the vehicle.