Actron Autoscanner Review : Best Price

Product Description

Item #: AXRCP9180.

Features & Benefits

• Displays and records live sensor data
• State OBD II Check (emissions)
• Reads codes on all 1996 and newer vehicles including CAN
• Displays freeze frame data – engine data at the time of the fault
• Bilingual tool: English and Spanish options

The NEW AXRCP9180 AutoScanner® Plus encompasses many professional features in an inexpensive scan tool. Compatible with ALL 1996 and newer vehicles (OBD II), the AutoScanner Plus includes the following additional features: large, backlit screen, updateable via the internet, OBD II code library built into tool, displays O2 monitor test, OBD II drive cycle mode, battery powered for review of vehicle data off vehicle, PC compatible with ability to print and vehicle information (including VIN number and calibration IDs). Scan Tool includes CP9180 handset, OBD II cable, USB cable, professional companion CD all packaged in a soft case.
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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #62 in Automotive
• Brand: Actron
• Model: CP9180
• Released on: 2007-01-30
• Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

• Bilingual diagnostic code scanner easily retrieves trouble codes from your vehicle’s computer to diagnose problems
• Compatible with all OBD II-compliant vehicles from 1996 to the present
• Large easy-to-read LCD screen displays DTCs and their descriptions
• Fully updateable via the Internet, so it will work with future vehicle models
• TrueLink Technology assures a fast and accurate diagnostic output

Amazon.com
The Actron CP9180 OBD II AutoScanner Plus Diagnostic Code Scanner encompasses many professional features in an inexpensive scan tool. If you are new to diagnostic scanners, this handy tool connects to your vehicle, scans various parts of your car, truck or SUV, and retrieves a list of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and code definitions from your vehicle’s computer. But even if you’re a veteran to scanners and auto repair, you’ll be impressed with the new functionality that Actron has added to the CP9180. This device not only scans your vehicle, it also allows you to freeze-frame live timing and pinpoint your vehicle’s problem. Instead of having to recreate a scenario over and over again, you can now playback the timing to scrutinize all the data and make a clear diagnosis. Combine this with Internet connectivity and the ability to interface with a PC, and you have a powerful, professional diagnostic scanner in the palm of your hand. This device is compatible with all OBD II (On-Board Diagnosis II) compliant vehicles manufactured in North America, Asia, and Europe from 1996 to the present.

The Actron CP9180 easily scans and retrieves DTCs. View larger.

TrueLink Technology assures a fast and accurate diagnostic output.

The CP9180 is bilingual (Spanish). View other features.

In addition, the CP9180 is fully updateable via the Internet, so it is designed to accommodate future vehicles as well. The device features a large, easy-to-read backlit screen that shows the trouble code and its definition. And although you still have to fix the problem that your scanner detects, this device will deactivate the “check engine” light on your dash so you’ll no longer be distracted while you drive. Every Actron scan tool and code reader incorporates CAN (Controller Area Network) and the patented TrueLink Technology which guarantees the tool will link to and communicate with every OBD II compliant vehicle. This assures a fast and accurate diagnostic output — a key ingredient to an effective repair.

The CP9180 is simple and easy to use. The included OBD II cable provides both data and power connections, while the USB cable offers a quick and easy way to connect your scanner to your PC. In addition to connecting to the computer for Internet updates, you’ll also appreciate the CP9180′s USB connectivity because it makes printing DTCs and other information a breeze. Once the scanner is connected to your vehicle, the user friendly menu provides a variety of information in a snap. This device displays freeze frame data, O2 monitor tests, state emissions, and even records and displays live sensor data so you know what’s happening with your vehicle as you make adjustments. Other features include an OBD II code library built right into the tool, an OBD II drive cycle mode, battery power so you can review diagnostic data even when the scanner is disconnected from your vehicle, and a bilingual (English, Spanish) mode.

Another important thing to remember is that all emission testing facilities will fail a vehicle that has the “check engine” light illuminated at the time of the test — even if it is only lit to remind you of a past-due oil change or 60,000-mile tune-up. With this scanner, you can shut off the check engine light and pass the emissions test on your terms. The menu also alerts you of any pending DTCs and reads the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) status. By reading the MIL status the scanner gives insight into what might cause your “check engine” light to turn on in the near future. In this way, the scanner also provides some preventive measures to help you keep a close eye on your vehicle’s systems. These functions, combined with the simple keypad used to read, erase, and navigate DTCs, make the CP9180 scanner a perfect solution for identifying problems with your vehicle and keeping you safe on the road.

Customer Reviews

Good Tool
I got this scanner and am initially pleased with the capabilities of it as a diagnostic tool. There are, however, some things you need to be aware of. Some of the advanced monitoring functions do not work on all cars. For example, the vehicle identification data does not work for pre-2000 vehicles (but then, I did not need that function anyway). I was able to pull the DTC’s from my car, see what it meant (I had one DTC that turned on the CEL), then I was able to read what the sensors were seeing at the time of failure, as well as a great deal of engine data from the “Freeze Frame Data” function. The live sensor data function works partially for my car, again, this is a function that may not work on older cars. The advertisement leads one to believe that this will work for all cars – be aware of this. It can print the results using the USB cable that comes with the unit. The printing function can be enhanced by copying the displayed data into the clipboard and pasting it into an editor program (like Notepad). I found this to be a better way to print the results. The software on the CD is VERY basic – not much help with the codes. There is a LOT more data available on the internet.

The tool is easy to use and easily connects to and from different cars. Some of the advanced diagnostic data that it will capture is not easily understood unless you get some detailed instructions from the car manufacturer. There is a good wikipedia with the PID codes for those who want more information to go through (look up OBD-II PIDS).

Performs as advertised
No, this thing won’t fix your vehicle for you. But, it does tell you what code is making your Check Engine Light come on. That information, and some research in a shop manual or on the web (or by asking the right friend), can lead you to a faulty component without paying a dealer $75 or more just to scan your computer and tell you what code(s) are set. Two or three problems solved and your purchase is paid for.

I have used a professional scan tool (Matco) that a mechanic friend lent me. This product is not as ruggedly built; but, I’m not going to be using it day-in day-out like my friend does with his scanner. The Actron unit is certainly rugged enough for the do-it-yourselfer. The supplied case will protect it from being knocked around in your tool box. The case is big enough to hold the scanner, OBD cable, USB cable, owners manual, and the CD that has the software.

Functionally, it does everything the professional unit does and then some.

Reading the stored code told me that I had a “long term fuel trim” fault. The Record Data function allowed me to record six different engine conditions while driving, view them on my PC, copy them into an e-mail, and send them to my buddy to analyze.

After looking at the data, he said to clean my mass air flow sensor. That took 10 minutes, and half a can of brake cleaner. Result, my truck runs better, and the check engine light doesn’t come on anymore.

I figure I have the unit half paid for already.