The Actron CP9185 OBD2 scanner has been around for a while, marketed as a versatile handheld device capable of diagnosing both OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles. Recently, I got my hands on this scanner to put it through its paces and see if it lives up to the hype, especially considering the advancements in automotive diagnostic tools. This review is based on my hands-on experience with the Actron CP9185, focusing on its features, performance, and overall value for today’s car owners and DIY mechanics.
Unboxing the Actron CP9185 and First Impressions
The Actron CP9185 comes neatly packaged in a soft case, which is great for storage and portability. Inside, you’ll find the scanner unit itself, an instruction booklet, a USB cable, a main diagnostic cable, and a short OBD2 (16-pin) adapter cable. Interestingly, my package was missing the CD that’s supposed to contain the full user manual and PC connectivity software. This might be a point to consider if you’re expecting physical media, although software downloads are common nowadays. Purchased online, the price point seems to fluctuate, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 OBD2 Scanner kit displayed with soft case, scanner, cables, and manual, showcasing the complete package contents.
The scanner itself feels robust in hand. It features a power button, but the backlight for the display only illuminates when it receives external 12V power. This power can be supplied either from the vehicle’s OBD2 port or via an external DC adapter, a crucial point, especially when dealing with older OBD1 vehicles that don’t typically provide power through the diagnostic connector.
Diving into OBD1 Diagnostics with the CP9185
One of the key selling points of the Actron CP9185 is its backward compatibility with OBD1 systems. To test this, I also acquired the optional OBD1 adapter cable kit (CP9127). This kit includes a 12-pin adapter cable and a cigarette lighter power adapter, essential for powering the scanner on OBD1 vehicles.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 cable adapters, including OBD2 standard cable and optional OBD1 adapter kit CP9127, highlighting connectivity options.
I tested the CP9185 on a range of OBD1 vehicles, including 94/95 LT1 and L34 F-bodies, and even an older 86 5.0L carbureted model. The results were surprisingly impressive. Using the OBD1 adapter, the scanner successfully connected to all vehicles, providing access to live data streams and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). The amount of data available for these older systems was more extensive than I anticipated, with multiple screens of live engine parameters and both current and historical DTCs. The field service mode, activated through the OBD1 cable, also functioned correctly, which is a valuable feature for diagnosing certain OBD1 issues.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 displaying live engine data parameters on a 1994 LT1 engine, showcasing OBD1 diagnostic capability.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 showing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) retrieved from a 1994 LT1 engine during OBD1 scanning.
OBD2 Performance: Where the CP9185 Falls a Bit Short
Moving on to OBD2 diagnostics, the performance of the Actron CP9185 is less remarkable. While it performs the basic functions of reading and clearing codes and displaying live data, it doesn’t offer a significant advantage over much cheaper OBD2 code readers available on the market. In fact, for standard OBD2 functionality, tools like the Autel Maxiscan MS310, which costs considerably less, offer comparable features. Even budget-friendly options paired with software like OBDWiz can provide a similar or even more comprehensive OBD2 diagnostic experience.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 OBD2 interface screen displaying menu options for vehicle diagnostics and system checks.
Limited Extra Features: ABS, SRS, and Advanced Functions
The Actron CP9185 lacks support for advanced diagnostic functions that are increasingly common in modern scan tools. It does not offer capabilities for accessing ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) or SRS (Supplemental Restraint System/Airbag) modules, nor does it include actuator tests for component-level diagnostics.
The graphing feature, intended for visualizing live data, is quite basic and suffers from low resolution. Furthermore, these graphs are only available for a limited set of OBD2 parameters and are not supported at all for OBD1 data. The inability to pause or rewind these graphs for closer examination further limits their usefulness. Data logging is available for both OBD1 and OBD2, but recording times are very short, often under 20 seconds, and the data update rate is slow, making it less practical for capturing dynamic vehicle issues.
While PC connectivity is advertised, its functionality is restricted to transferring logged data, and even this is limited to text format, which is not ideal for in-depth data analysis.
Final Verdict: Who is the Actron CP9185 For?
The Actron CP9185 OBD2 scanner presents a mixed bag of performance. Its strength clearly lies in its OBD1 diagnostic capabilities. If you work on older vehicles and need a handheld tool to access OBD1 data and perform basic diagnostics, the CP9185, especially when paired with the OBD1 adapter kit, is a viable option. However, for purely OBD2 diagnostics, it struggles to justify its price point. Cheaper alternatives offer comparable OBD2 functionality, and modern scan tools in the same price range often provide far more advanced features, including ABS/SRS diagnostics, bidirectional controls, and more user-friendly interfaces.
Recommendation: Consider the Actron CP9185 primarily if you require reliable OBD1 scanning. For OBD2-centric needs, exploring more modern and feature-rich scan tools might be a more worthwhile investment.
