The Actron CP9185 OBD2 handheld scanner, marketed as a versatile tool with OBD1 capabilities, recently underwent a thorough evaluation. This review dives into the scanner’s features, performance, and overall value, especially for users interested in both older OBD1 and newer OBD2 vehicles.
Unboxing the Actron CP9185 Kit
Upon receiving the Actron CP9185, the package included a soft case, instruction booklet, main cable, USB cable, and an OBD2 (16-pin) short adapter cable. Notably, a CD, which should contain software for PC connectivity and the full user manual, was missing from the test package. It remains unclear whether users are expected to download these resources online. Despite this omission, all other components were present and in perfect condition.
The purchase was made directly from Amazon for $175, a price that included shipping and seemed like a considerable deal compared to Actron’s direct selling price of $398 plus shipping. Interestingly, this favorable pricing on Amazon was short-lived, with subsequent listings appearing from various sellers at significantly higher prices, around $259 plus shipping and upwards. It appears the initial purchase may have been a particularly good bargain, especially considering that Advance Auto Parts reportedly lists the scanner at a regular price of approximately $150.
The scanner itself is equipped with a power button, but the display backlight only activates when an external 12V power source is connected. This power can be supplied either from the vehicle’s diagnostic link connector (DLC) in OBD2 compliant cars or via a DC adapter. For OBD1 vehicles, which typically do not provide power to the DLC, a separate power adapter is necessary to operate the scanner.
OBD1 Functionality: Surprisingly Robust
For users working on older vehicles, the Actron CP9185, when paired with the optional OBD1 adapter cables (CP9127, sold separately for around $35), demonstrates impressive capabilities. The CP9127 kit includes a 12-pin short adapter cable and a cigar-lighter power adapter, essential for powering the scanner on OBD1 systems. While the included 16-pin OBD2 cable is compatible with some 1995 F-body vehicles, the CP9127 adapter is required for 1994 models unless a custom adapter cable from the Actron’s 15-pin connector to the 12-pin DLC is fabricated. A 12V AC adapter is also necessary for 1994 models.
Testing on several F-body vehicles, including 1994/95 LT1, 1994/95 L34, and an 86 5.0L carburetor model, revealed seamless operation with the OBD1 adapter. The scanner provided at least three screens of live data, alongside current and historical diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for each vehicle tested. The field service feature, which grounds the field service pin on the DLC, also functioned correctly with the OBD1 cable.
However, the field service mode using the OBD2 cable is not fully compatible with 1995 vehicles due to the field service pin (pin 6) being relocated to pin 12 to accommodate CAN signals in later models. For 1995 models, engaging the field service mode via the OBD2 cable requires manually connecting pin 6 to pin 12 within the DLC.
OBD2 Performance: Underwhelming Capabilities
In contrast to its OBD1 performance, the Actron CP9185’s OBD2 functionality is less impressive. The diagnostic capabilities offered for OBD2 vehicles are comparable to much simpler and more affordable OBD2 code readers, such as the Autel Maxiscan MS310. These basic tools provide nearly the same level of functionality as the CP9185 for a significantly lower cost. For comprehensive OBD2 diagnostics, software solutions like OBDWiz, often bundled with inexpensive ELMScan-5 Compact adapters (around $25), offer a more feature-rich experience.
Limited Extra Functions and Features
The Actron CP9185 lacks support for advanced systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) modules. It also does not offer actuator tests, which are valuable for pinpointing component issues. The graphing capabilities are limited to low-resolution graphs for select OBD2 parameters only, with no graphing available for OBD1 data. Furthermore, the OBD2 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 notably short, sometimes less than 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 and interpretation.
Final Verdict: Best for OBD1, Consider Alternatives for OBD2
The Actron CP9185 scan tool is recommended primarily for users who specifically require a handheld device for diagnosing OBD1 vehicles, particularly those mentioned in the testing. Its OBD1 capabilities are robust and provide valuable data for older vehicles. However, for OBD2 diagnostics, the CP9185 offers little advantage over significantly cheaper and sometimes more feature-rich alternatives. For OBD2 users, exploring dedicated OBD2 scanners or software-based solutions may present a better value proposition.
