As a seasoned auto repair expert at techcarusa.com, I recently put the Actron CP9185 handheld OBD2 scanner through its paces to see if it lives up to its reputation as a versatile diagnostic tool for both OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles. Marketed towards users needing both OBD1 and OBD2 capabilities, this scanner promises to bridge the gap between older and newer vehicle diagnostic systems. After thorough testing, here’s a detailed breakdown of my experience.
The Actron CP9185 arrives in a comprehensive package, which includes a soft carrying case, an instruction manual, a CD (though mine was missing), a main diagnostic cable, a USB cable for PC connectivity, and a short OBD2 (16-pin) adapter cable. Purchased directly from Amazon, initially at a surprisingly low price of $175, the price quickly fluctuated upwards, suggesting I might have caught a temporary deal. The standard retail price from Actron is significantly higher, around $398, and typical online prices settle around $259 and up.
The scanner itself features a power button but requires an external 12V power source to illuminate the display backlight. This power can be supplied from the vehicle’s OBD2 port or via a DC adapter. This is particularly relevant for OBD1 vehicles, which typically do not provide power through their Data Link Connector (DLC), necessitating an external power source for those applications.
OBD1 Diagnostic Capabilities: A Strong Point
To explore the OBD1 capabilities, I acquired the optional OBD1 adapter cable kit (CP9127). This kit, priced around $35, includes a 12-pin adapter and a cigarette lighter power adapter. For 1995 F-body vehicles, the standard 16-pin OBD2 cable is compatible. However, for 1994 models, the CP9127 or a custom-made adapter cable from the 15-pin Actron connector to the 12-pin DLC is necessary. A 12V AC adapter is also required for 1994 models.
Testing on a range of OBD1 vehicles, including 1994 and 1995 LT1 and L34 F-bodies, as well as an 86 5.0L carbureted engine, the Actron CP9185 performed admirably. It successfully connected to all tested vehicles using the OBD1 adapter, providing at least three screens of live data along with current and historical Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). The field service mode, which grounds the field service pin on the DLC, functioned correctly with the OBD1 cable. It’s worth noting that for 1995 OBD1 cars using the OBD2 cable, the field service mode may not function correctly due to the pin 6 signal being relocated to pin 12 to accommodate later CAN signals.
OBD2 Performance: Underwhelming Features
Unfortunately, the OBD2 functionality of the Actron CP9185 is less impressive. In my testing, the OBD2 capabilities were comparable to much cheaper, basic OBD2 code readers like the Autel Maxiscan MS310 (http://www.amazon.com/MaxiScan-trade-Reader-AULMS310-Category/dp/B005KOZ25Y). These budget-friendly tools offer nearly the same features for a fraction of the cost. For comprehensive OBD2 diagnostics, software solutions like OBDWiz, often bundled with inexpensive ELMScan-5 Compact adapters, provide a more feature-rich experience.
Limited Additional Functions
The Actron CP9185 lacks support for advanced systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) or SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) modules. It also does not offer actuator tests. While it provides graphing for some OBD2 parameters, the resolution is quite low, and this feature is absent for OBD1 data. Furthermore, the graphs cannot be paused for detailed examination, and the advertised “rewind” function for graph recordings was not found to be operational.
Data logging is available for both OBD1 and OBD2, but the recording duration is limited, sometimes capturing less than 20 seconds of data, and the data update rate is slow. PC connectivity is possible, but its utility is restricted to transferring logged data, and even then, only in a basic text format.
Final Verdict: Best for OBD1, Consider Alternatives for OBD2
In conclusion, the Actron CP9185 handheld OBD2 scanner is a worthwhile purchase primarily if you require a portable tool specifically for diagnosing OBD1 vehicles. Its OBD1 capabilities are robust and effective. However, for OBD2 diagnostics, its performance does not justify its price point. Cheaper, simpler OBD2 scanners offer similar functionality, and for more advanced OBD2 needs, software-based solutions provide greater depth and features. If your focus is mainly OBD2, exploring alternatives might be a more cost-effective and feature-rich approach.
