Customer Reviews

Actron CP9135 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with On Screen Definitions for OBDII Vehicles

5 star:		(128)
4 star:		(39)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

The engine in my 2000 Ford F-150 Supercab started dying frequently, the dreaded "check engine" light came on and I did not want to take another $$$ trip to the dealers service department. So I do a little research on OBD and bought an Actron CP9135 OBDII AutoScanner at an excellent price. Plug it in, retrieve the "P1507" code, which translates to "Idle Air Control System Underspeed Error (Ford)". I check the IAC sensor and discover it's not plugged in right. I fix this connection and the problem disappears! If you have a modern (post 1996) vehicle and you do a little of you own auto work (turn a wrench now and then) you need this OBD box. Actron makes an excellent product at a very good price. (If you have an check engine light on - you need a OBD box!)

I bought this becasue my Ford constantly pops it's Check Engine light. Considering the visit to the dealer is around 3/4 of a bill each time, I figured this would equal two trips to the dealer.

It does a nice job of reading the codes and resetting. It also does a nice job of monitoring the sensors. What it will not tell you is exactly how to fix your problem in many cases. I am an ex-service manager (from the pre-techno era) and reasonably accomplished mechanic. Even I have to do research after collecting the code. Determine WHY you have a particular sensor reading. Different things can trip the same sensor.

This is a well built tool to help you in your diagnosis. It is not the automatic answer machine some people may assume it to be.

I think this tool should sell for under a bill. That detracts one star.

The Actron CP9135 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with its on screen definitions allows the user to determine why the "Check Engine" warning light is on. It also lets the user know if the onboard diagnostic computer (OBDC) has collected enough data to allow the vehicle to pass inspection. After the cause of a fault has been corrected, the vehicle must be driven long enough for the computer to log sufficient data. Bringing a car for inspection without complete data in the computer will result in the car being rejected (at least in Massachusetts).

The Actron CP9135 is no longer being sold by the manufacturer. Newer models with more capability are now available - but they are much more expensive. I am very happy with my purchase. It provides me with the information I need to maintain my cars, and I was able to buy it through Amazon.com at a reasonable price. The CD which accompanies the scanner contains a wealth of information about error codes, but it is not used interactively with the scanner. The Actron CP9135 has no computer download (or upload) capability. Upgrades require a chip replacement. Whether or not these exist now or will be available in the future I do not know.

In summary, the Actron CP9135 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner is a good buy if you want better insight into your vehicle's diagnostic status, and you like having your own tools. In eastern Massachusetts any AutoZone store will check your error codes for free, so owning your own scanner is a luxury, not a necessity.

Autozone loans these out for free and runs your car through one of these for free, but I think it's great to own your own. Mechanics charge like $60 to read your computer code, and another $60 to erase it. It's better to just do it yourself with this lil machine. Takes less than a minute to erase your code!

good scanner but does not retrieve codes for Brake (ABS) or Air Bag (SIR) systems.

With the blend of features and the price point of this unit, you will not find a better deal. Assuming your looking at these reviews you probably fall in to two main groups. 1. Someone who is having issues with their vehicle and 2. Someone who is really into cars or working in automotive towards being a mechanic. If you fall in the first group and just want to know why the check engine light is on, you can go to a major auto parts chain like Advance or AutoZone and they will tell you why in an attempt to sell you the parts to fix it. No sense spending money on a scanner if thats all you want. If you want the power of knowing and not have to go out of the way then consider a pocket scan which is cheaper. For most people you will need to subscribe to Alldata or Chiltons online, or buy a book like Autodata's diagnostic trouble codes to solve some of the problems with your vehicle. The scanner won't do it for you or put it in laymans terms. This scanner is more for group 2, this does the i/m readiness test for emmissions as well and is a solid entry level scanner. If you work in the field I would suggest getting a unit with enhanced obd capability if you can afford it.

The dreaded "check engine" light came on. Rather than have the garage check out my car, replace a lot of stuff and charge me major bucks, I decided to buy the Actron CP9135 OBDII AutoScanner. The scanner indicated an oxygen sensor problem. I reset the error and decided to have my car evaluated professionally, if the problem returned. Many weeks later and the "check engine" light has not come back on. I think I got a bad batch of gasoline. The Actron CP9135 has paid for it's self and it's very easy to use.

I had a check engine light problem with my car. I purchase the meter and it was able to determine the problem via the code. I was able to fix the problem with 1/4 of what the dealer charges. The meter saved me hundreds of dollars. Highly recommend it!

Overall I like the Actron CP9135. Easy to use, fast access to the codes that your car is producing, and let's you know if you're ready for the emissions test. Of course now that I have it, I'm sorta wishing I had a model that allowed the next level of diagnostics - either allowing real time monitoring (CP9145) of the conditions or a snap shot (CP9175) capability which provide more background for diagnosing the problem. I guess it's all detective work - and the code itself is part of the puzzle - but more information is better. Still - for the money the Actron CP9135 does a nice job of getting to the codes, and erasing them if need be. So for basic capabilities - this is a good unit. For more advanced diagnostics, take a look at some of the higher end units.

I am surprised that the other reviewer of this product actually expected the code scanner to fix the problem, My advice? Read the product description and you'll know all it is a DIAGNOSTIC CODE SCANNER" and not a 'DIAGNOSTIC CODE SCANNER PLUS MECHANIC IN A PLASTIC BOX". It'll help you if you want to repair your own vehicle.