The Actron CP9580 scan tool is a powerful diagnostic tool that provides access to a wealth of information about your vehicle’s systems. Understanding the data it provides is crucial for effective troubleshooting and repair. This manual delves into the various parameters displayed by the CP9580, explaining their meaning and significance.
Decoding Your Vehicle’s Data with the Actron CP9580
The Actron CP9580 scan tool displays a comprehensive list of data points, each offering insights into different aspects of your vehicle’s performance. Let’s break down some of the key parameters:
Engine and Transmission Parameters
- 4WD Signal & 4WD Low Signal: Indicate whether the transfer case is engaged in 4WD or 4WD low, respectively.
- A/C Compressor Cycling Switch, A/C Relay Command, A/C Sec. High Press. Switch, A/C Request Signal: These parameters provide information about the status of the air conditioning system, including the compressor cycling switch, relay command, high-pressure switch, and A/C request signal.
- Air Fuel Ratio: Displays the ratio of air to fuel, crucial for combustion efficiency. A typical ratio is around 14.7:1.
- CMP Sensor High to Low & CMP Sensor Low to High: These counts represent the transitions of the camshaft position sensor signal voltage, helping diagnose sensor or timing issues.
- Clutch Pedal Switch: Indicates whether the clutch pedal is depressed or released.
- Cold Start Up: Shows if the engine is undergoing a cold start based on engine coolant temperature (ECT) and intake air temperature (IAT).
- Current Gear: Displays the current gear of the transmission.
- Cycles of Misfire Data: Counts the number of misfire tests performed during 200 engine revolutions.
- Desired and Actual EGR Position: Shows the commanded and actual position of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, crucial for emissions control.
- Desired Idle Speed: The target engine speed at idle, set by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
- DTC Set This Ignition: Indicates if a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) has been set during the current ignition cycle.
- ECT and IAT Sensor: Displays the engine coolant temperature and intake air temperature, respectively.
Fuel System Parameters
- Desired and Actual IAC Airflow and Position: These parameters detail the airflow and position of the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve, which regulates engine idle speed.
- Engine Load: Represents the calculated load on the engine, based on engine speed and mass air flow (MAF) sensor readings.
- EVAP Purge and Vent Solenoid Command: Shows the status of the evaporative emission system solenoids, responsible for purging fuel vapors.
- Fuel Level Sensor, Fuel Tank Level Remaining, Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor: Provide information on fuel tank level and pressure.
- Fuel Trim (Short Term and Long Term): Indicate adjustments made to fuel delivery to maintain the correct air/fuel ratio. These values can help diagnose rich or lean running conditions.
Other Important Parameters
- Generator F- and L-Terminal Signal: Indicate the status of the generator’s field and lamp circuits.
- HO2S (Oxygen Sensor) Readings: Display the voltage output of the oxygen sensors, essential for fuel control and emissions monitoring.
- Knock Retard: Shows the amount of timing retardation applied by the PCM to prevent engine knock.
- Loop Status (Open/Closed): Indicates whether the fuel control system is operating in open or closed loop mode.
- MAF and MAP Sensor: Display readings from the Mass Air Flow (MAF) and Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensors, critical for determining air intake and engine load.
- MIL Command: Shows whether the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or “check engine light” has been commanded on.
- Misfire Counters (Current and History): Track misfire events on individual cylinders.
- Spark Advance: Displays the degrees of spark advance commanded by the PCM.
- TP Sensor: Shows the throttle position as a percentage or voltage.
- Vehicle Speed Sensor: Displays the vehicle speed.
- VTD (Vehicle Theft Deterrent) System Status: Provides information on the status of the anti-theft system.
Utilizing the Actron CP9580 for Diagnostics
By understanding these parameters and how they relate to your vehicle’s systems, you can leverage the Actron CP9580 to effectively diagnose and resolve a wide range of automotive issues. This knowledge empowers you to perform more informed repairs and maintenance.
