For DIY mechanics and car enthusiasts, having a reliable OBD2 scanner is essential for diagnosing vehicle issues efficiently. The Actron CP9185 OBD2 handheld scanner is marketed as a versatile tool capable of handling both OBD1 and OBD2 diagnostics. Having put this scanner through its paces, we’re here to provide an in-depth review, weighing its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right tool for your garage.
First Impressions: What’s in the Box?
The Actron CP9185 arrives in a package that includes a soft carrying case, an instruction booklet, a CD (though mine was missing), the main connection cable, a USB cable, and a short OBD2 (16-pin) adapter cable. The absence of the CD, which supposedly contains the full user manual and PC connection software, was a slight disappointment. However, the physical components were all present and in good order. Purchased directly from Amazon for $175, it seemed like a good deal, especially considering the fluctuating prices online, sometimes reaching upwards of $259 or even the official Actron price of $398. It’s worth noting that prices can vary, and it’s always wise to shop around for the best deal.
Image: Actron CP9185 scanner kit unboxing showcasing included components such as the scanner, cables, and case.
Image: Close-up of Actron CP9127 OBD1 adapter cable and various connectors for older vehicle diagnostics.
The scanner itself has a power button, but the backlight for the display only activates when it receives 12V power from an external source, either the vehicle’s OBD port or a DC adapter. This is a crucial point, especially for OBD1 vehicles which typically don’t supply power to the diagnostic link connector (DLC), necessitating an external power source for those applications.
OBD1 Functionality: A Strong Point
For owners of older vehicles, particularly those with OBD1 systems, the Actron CP9185, when paired with the optional OBD1 adapter cables (CP9127), shows significant promise. The CP9127 kit, priced around $35, includes a 12-pin adapter cable and a cigarette lighter power adapter, essential for powering the scanner on OBD1 vehicles. While the standard 16-pin OBD2 cable works for some later OBD1 implementations like the 95 F-cars, earlier models like the 94 require the CP9127 or a custom-made adapter cable due to the different connector types.
Testing the OBD1 capabilities on several vehicles, including 94/95 LT1 and L34 F-bodies, and an 86 5.0L carbureted vehicle, revealed impressive functionality. The scanner successfully provided live data across at least three screens, along with current and historical Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for each vehicle. The field service mode, activated via a dedicated feature that grounds the field service pin on the DLC, also functioned correctly with the OBD1 cable. However, it’s worth noting that for 95 OBD1 vehicles using the OBD2 cable, the field service mode may not work due to changes in pin assignments to accommodate CAN signals in later models.
Image: Actron CP9185 displaying live engine data parameters during an OBD1 diagnostic session on a 1994 LT1 engine.
Image: Actron CP9185 menu interface showing options for OBD1 diagnostics and vehicle system checks.
Image: Actron CP9185 displaying system status indicators for an OBD1 vehicle during diagnostic testing.
Image: Actron CP9185 showing sensor readings in real-time during OBD1 diagnostics, highlighting engine performance metrics.
Image: Actron CP9185 monitoring specific engine parameters on an OBD1 vehicle for detailed analysis.
Image: Actron CP9185 in the middle of an OBD1 diagnostic test, displaying ongoing data acquisition.
Image: Actron CP9185 presenting a real-time data stream from an OBD1 system for live monitoring and diagnostics.
Image: Actron CP9185 displaying Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) retrieved from an OBD1 vehicle system.
OBD2 Performance: Room for Improvement
Unfortunately, the OBD2 performance of the Actron CP9185 is less impressive. In tests, its OBD2 functionality was found to be comparable to much cheaper scanners, such as the Autel Maxiscan MS310. These basic, more affordable tools offer nearly the same capabilities as the CP9185 in terms of OBD2 diagnostics. For comprehensive OBD2 diagnostics, software like OBDWiz, often bundled with inexpensive ELMScan-5 Compact adapters, provides a far more feature-rich experience at a lower overall cost.
Limited Extra Features
The Actron CP9185 lacks support for advanced systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) or SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) modules. It also doesn’t offer actuator tests, which are valuable for pinpointing certain types of faults. While it does offer graphing capabilities, these are limited to certain OBD2 parameters, absent for OBD1 data, and suffer from low resolution and the inability to pause or rewind for closer examination, despite the manual suggesting otherwise.
Data logging is available for both OBD1 and OBD2, but recording times are very short, sometimes under 20 seconds, and the data update rate is slow. PC connectivity is possible, but its utility is restricted to transferring logged data in a basic text format, limiting in-depth data analysis on a computer.
Final Verdict: OBD1 Specialist, OBD2 Adequate
The Actron CP9185 OBD2 & CAN scanner carves out a niche for itself primarily as a handheld tool for diagnosing older, OBD1 vehicles. Its OBD1 capabilities are robust and provide valuable data and functionality for these systems. However, for OBD2 diagnostics, its performance is underwhelming, especially when considering its price point. More affordable and equally capable, or even more feature-rich, OBD2 scanners are readily available.
Recommendation:
If your diagnostic needs frequently involve OBD1 vehicles, the Actron CP9185 with the OBD1 adapter kit is a worthwhile investment. However, if your focus is primarily on OBD2 vehicles, you can find more cost-effective and feature-rich options on the market. Consider this tool for its specific strength in older vehicle diagnostics, but explore alternatives for modern OBD2 and CAN based systems.
