Originally released in April 2015, the Actron CP9185 scan tool aimed to bridge the gap between older OBD1 and newer OBD2 vehicle diagnostic systems. Marketed as a versatile handheld scanner, it promised comprehensive diagnostics for a range of vehicles. After putting the Actron CP9185 to the test, here’s a detailed breakdown of its features, performance, and whether it lives up to the hype as a go-to scan tool.
Unboxing the Actron CP9185 Kit
The Actron CP9185 typically comes in a kit that includes a soft carrying case, an instruction manual, a CD, a main diagnostic cable, a USB cable for PC connectivity, and a short OBD2 (16-pin) adapter cable. Interestingly, my package was missing the CD, which was a slight inconvenience as the full user manual is usually provided on it. It’s unclear if users are expected to download software from the Actron website instead. Despite the missing CD, all other components were present and in good condition.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 scan tool kit unboxed, displaying the scanner, cables, and carrying case.
Purchased directly from Amazon for around $175 (a price that seemed to be a limited-time deal, as it quickly jumped to $259+ from other sellers and is listed at $398+ on Actron’s official site), the initial price point was attractive. It’s worth noting that Advance Auto Parts also lists this tool around the $150 mark, suggesting fluctuating prices are common.
The scanner itself features a power button, but the display backlight only activates when connected to an external 12V power source. This power can be supplied either from the vehicle’s DLC (Data Link Connector) in OBD2 cars or via an external DC adapter, which is necessary for OBD1 vehicles as they typically don’t provide power to the DLC.
OBD1 Capabilities: A Strong Point
To test the OBD1 functionality, the CP9127 OBD1 adapter cable kit was purchased separately for approximately $35. This kit includes a 12-pin short adapter cable and a cigar-lighter power adapter, crucial for powering the scanner on OBD1 vehicles.
Image alt text: Actron CP9127 OBD1 adapter cable kit with various connectors and power adapter for older vehicles.
For 1995 F-body cars, the standard 16-pin OBD2 cable included with the CP9185 works. However, for 1994 models, the CP9127 adapter is essential unless you are capable of creating a custom adapter cable from the Actron’s 15-pin connector to the 12-pin DLC. A 12V AC adapter is also needed for 1994 vehicles.
The OBD1 performance of the Actron CP9185 is surprisingly robust. Testing on 94/95 LT1, 94/95 L34, and an 86 5.0L carbureted F-body car showed successful connections and data retrieval across all. Each vehicle provided at least three screens of live data, along with current and historical Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). 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.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 scan tool displaying live engine data parameters on an OBD1 vehicle.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 showing detailed OBD1 sensor readings and diagnostic information.
Image alt text: Close-up of the Actron CP9185 screen during an OBD1 diagnostic session.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 performing system checks on an older OBD1 vehicle.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 displaying numerical sensor values during OBD1 diagnostics.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 user interface showing menu options for OBD1 diagnostics.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 screen showing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) retrieved from an OBD1 system.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 displaying detailed diagnostic trouble code information on an OBD1 vehicle.
For 1995 OBD1 cars using the OBD2 cable, the field service mode might not function correctly out of the box due to pin configuration changes for later CAN signals. To enable field service mode on a 1995 model with the OBD2 cable, you would need to manually connect pin 6 in the DLC to pin 12.
OBD2 Performance: Lacking Advanced Features
Unfortunately, the OBD2 capabilities of the Actron CP9185 are less impressive. In testing, the OBD2 functionality appeared to be no more advanced than much cheaper alternatives like the Autel Maxiscan MS310 (http://www.amazon.com/MaxiScan-trade-Reader-AULMS310-Category/dp/B005KOZ25Y). The basic code reading and live data functions are present, but it doesn’t offer significant advantages over entry-level OBD2 scanners. Software like OBDWiz, often bundled with inexpensive ELM327 adapters like the $25 ELMScan-5 Compact, provides a comparable, if not superior, OBD2 diagnostic experience at a fraction of the cost.
Limited Extra Functions
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 component issues. Graphing capabilities are limited, low-resolution, and only available for certain OBD2 parameters—OBD1 parameters lack graphing entirely. Even the OBD2 graphs are hampered by the inability to pause or stop them for closer examination, despite the manual suggesting a “rewind” feature, which was not found to be operational during testing.
Data logging is supported for both OBD1 and OBD2, but the recording duration is very short, often under 20 seconds, and the data update rate is slow. PC connectivity is available but restricted to transferring logged data, and even then, the data is only exported in a basic text format, limiting in-depth analysis.
Final Verdict: Best for OBD1, Consider Alternatives for OBD2
The Actron CP9185 scan tool serves a niche purpose effectively. Its strength lies in its robust OBD1 diagnostic capabilities, making it a valuable tool for owners of older vehicles, particularly those requiring handheld operation. However, for OBD2 diagnostics, the CP9185 doesn’t offer enough advanced features to justify its price compared to more affordable and equally capable or even superior alternatives on the market.
Recommendation:
If your primary need is a handheld scan tool for diagnosing OBD1 vehicles, especially older GM models, the Actron CP9185 is a worthwhile investment. However, if your focus is mainly OBD2 diagnostics, or if you need advanced features like ABS/SRS scanning, actuator tests, or comprehensive data analysis, you would be better served exploring other scan tools that offer more for the money. For basic OBD2 code reading and live data, simpler and cheaper tools will likely suffice, and for advanced OBD2 and beyond, professional-grade scan tools or software-based solutions might be more appropriate.
