For automotive enthusiasts and DIY mechanics, having a reliable OBD2 car scanner is indispensable. Recently, the Actron CP9185 OBD2 handheld scanner caught our attention, promising a blend of OBD2 capabilities with some OBD1 functionality. After thorough testing at carw.store, here’s our in-depth review to help you decide if this tool deserves a spot in your garage.
The Actron CP9185 arrives in a comprehensive package, including a soft carrying case, an instruction booklet, a USB cable, a main cable, and a short OBD2 16-pin adapter cable. Interestingly, our package was missing the CD, which should contain the full user manual and potentially PC connection software. This omission might necessitate downloading files online for users intending to connect the scanner to a computer. Purchased directly from Amazon for $175 (a price that seems to fluctuate significantly, with typical prices around $259 or even Actron’s direct price of $398), the initial unboxing suggested a promising piece of equipment, neatly and securely packaged.
Functionally, the scanner features a power button, yet the display backlight remains unlit unless an external 12V power source is connected. This power can be supplied either from the car’s OBD2 port or via a DC adapter. This is particularly relevant for OBD1 vehicles, which typically do not supply power to the data-link connector (DLC), requiring an external power adapter for operation.
Delving into OBD1 Functionality: A Standout Feature
To explore the OBD1 capabilities, we acquired the optional OBD1 adapter cables (CP9127), priced at approximately $35. This kit includes a 12-pin adapter cable and a cigar-lighter power adapter, essential for powering the scanner on OBD1 systems. It’s worth noting that for some later OBD1 models like the 1995 F-cars, the standard 16-pin OBD2 cable is compatible. However, for older models such as the 1994, the CP9127 or a custom-made 15-pin to 12-pin adapter is necessary, along with a 12V AC adapter.
Our evaluation spanned across several classic vehicles, including 1994 and 1995 LT1 and L34 F-bodies, and even an 86 5.0L carbureted model. The Actron CP9185 performed admirably across all, successfully retrieving live data and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from these OBD1 systems. Impressively, it displayed at least three screens of live data for each vehicle tested. The inclusion of a field service feature, which grounds the field service pin on the DLC, functioned correctly with the OBD1 cable. However, it’s important to note that this feature does not operate as intended for 1995 OBD1 cars when using the OBD2 cable due to the relocation of the field service pin signal.
OBD2 Performance: Falling Short of Expectations
Unfortunately, the OBD2 performance of the Actron CP9185 was less impressive. In our tests, the functionality offered was comparable to much simpler and more affordable OBD2 code readers, such as the Autel Maxiscan MS310. These basic tools perform nearly all the fundamental OBD2 functions of the CP9185, but at a significantly lower price point. For comprehensive OBD2 diagnostics, software solutions like OBDWiz, often bundled with budget-friendly adapters like the ELMScan-5 Compact, offer a more feature-rich experience for a fraction of the cost.
Limited Extra Functions and Capabilities
The Actron CP9185 lacks support for advanced systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) modules. Actuator tests, commonly found in more advanced scanners, are also absent. Graphing capabilities are rudimentary, with low-resolution graphs available only for select OBD2 parameters and no graphing support whatsoever for OBD1 data. Even the OBD2 graphs are hampered by the inability to pause or rewind for detailed examination, despite the manual suggesting a “rewind” feature.
Data logging is available for both OBD1 and OBD2 systems; however, the recording duration is severely limited, often capturing less than 20 seconds of data. Furthermore, the data update rate is noticeably slow, making real-time analysis challenging. PC connectivity is possible, but its utility is restricted to transferring logged data, and even then, only in a basic text format, limiting in-depth data analysis and visualization.
Final Verdict: Niche Tool for OBD1 Enthusiasts
The Actron CP9185 OBD2 car scanner presents a mixed bag. Its strength undeniably lies in its robust OBD1 capabilities, making it a viable option for owners of older vehicles requiring diagnostic tools. However, its OBD2 functionality is underwhelming, especially when compared to cheaper and sometimes more capable alternatives readily available on the market.
Recommendation: We recommend the Actron CP9185 primarily to users who specifically need a handheld scanner with reliable OBD1 support. For users primarily concerned with OBD2 diagnostics, there are more cost-effective and feature-rich options to consider. While the Actron CP9185 attempts to bridge the gap between older and newer vehicle diagnostics, its OBD2 performance doesn’t justify its price for modern vehicle owners.
