Many car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics rely on affordable and effective scan tools for vehicle diagnostics. The Actron scan tool, often available at retailers like AutoZone, is a popular choice. These tools are generally praised for their functionality, offering features like live data and trouble code analysis, even rivaling more specialized software in some aspects. One user, satisfied with their Peak Scan tool and PA Soft for BMW diagnostics, decided to try an Actron CP9580A purchased from AutoZone due to an attractive sale, aiming to use it on their truck and explore its capabilities on their BMW.
Initial impressions of the Actron tool were positive, especially considering the price. The tool provided detailed information and even suggested common fixes for trouble codes, proving useful for general vehicle maintenance and diagnostics. However, a potential issue arose when attempting to use this Actron scan tool with a BMW. While the tool itself is capable, a minor physical incompatibility with some BMW OBDII ports can lead to a frustrating situation.
The problem lies in a small bar present on the OBDII connector of certain Actron scan tools. This design element, intended to enhance connection security in many vehicles, can become a hindrance with specific BMW models. The OBDII port in some BMWs features a plastic pin designed to slide into a slot on standard OBDII connectors. However, the bar on the Actron connector obstructs this pin, preventing proper engagement and, more critically, making removal extremely difficult once connected.
In a firsthand account, a user experienced this exact issue. Upon plugging the Actron 9580A into their BMW’s OBDII port, the connector became firmly stuck. The plastic pin on the BMW port became lodged in the hole of the Actron plug, creating a mechanical lock. Attempts to remove the tool proved futile, leading to a stressful forty-minute ordeal. The user was forced to partially disassemble the under-dash panel and detach the OBDII port itself to gain enough leverage and visibility to finally dislodge the Actron connector, using tools to carefully pry them apart.
To prevent this frustrating and potentially damaging situation, a simple modification is recommended for Actron scan tools intended for use with BMWs. The solution involves removing the obstructing bar on the Actron OBDII connector. This modification allows the BMW OBDII port’s plastic pin to slide freely into the slot as intended, ensuring a secure connection without the risk of the tool becoming trapped.
By performing this minor alteration, users can confidently utilize their Actron scan tools, purchased from AutoZone or elsewhere, with their BMW vehicles. This proactive step ensures compatibility and avoids the headache of a stuck OBDII connector, allowing for seamless diagnostics and maintenance. While the Actron scan tool remains a valuable and cost-effective tool, especially for DIYers, BMW owners should be aware of this potential compatibility issue and implement the simple fix before use.
