Customer Reviews

Actron CP9175 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with Freeze Frame Data for OBDII Vehicles

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Prior to 1998 you could use the MIL (Multifunction Indicator Light) codes on your dash. This tool accomplishes the same thing plus a lot more. In these days of computerized cars it's a necessity if you wish to fix your own vehicle. Don't expect this tool to tell you exactly what went bad and what part to replace. You need to have a working knowledge of automotive mechanics, and a service manual of the vehicle is a great help (almost a must). This tool will steer you in the right direction.
Example; My car's transmission quit dead in the road without any prior warning. Do I take it to a dealer and spend much $$$ $2400 or so for a rebuild? Not yet. My scanner said "Gears #1,2,3,4 had the wrong gear ratio." Huh wot?? Well, after examining my service manual,I determined that a sensor that measures input and output speeds must be bad. I bought the sensor for $16.50 and fixed it. By the way, I'm not an auto mechanic. I'm a diemaker.

I purchased this device with high expectations after reading reviews by several persons, only to discover it does not work on several OBD II equipped Japanese vehicles I've connected it to. It attempts a search of the vehicles' computer but the end result is an error message on the scanner's display screen. I just tried it again on my brother-in-law's 2005 Toyota Matrix only to get the same result.

Even more disappointing is the lack of software updates for CP9175 which has also been noted by other reviewers who've purchased the device.

Does what it's supposed to do. Seems well made. Probably could get by with a less expensive model. I used it to diagnose an SES message on my 2003 GMC Sonoma 4.3. O2 sensor failure according to the code generated. Bought a new sensor at AutoZone and installed. Pretty much broke even cost-wise from what a shop would charge. Will come in handy next time the SES light comes on.

My daughters engine light came on in her 2002 Camry. She took it to the Toyota dealer and they said the catalytic conver was bad. The repair would cost $1100.
I purchased the Actron code scanner to verify what the dealer was telling her. The error code indicated her catalytic converter was below the operating threshold. I orderd a catalytic conver from the internet and replaced it in just over an hour. I reset the engine light with the CP9175 and she was back in business.
Not long ago the engine light came on in my 1998 Camry, I took it to the dealer and was charged $590 to replace the oxygen sensor. If I had known what was wrong I could have ordered the part from the Internet for $120 and and it would have taken all of 15 mins to replace.
Make sure the code scanner you buy will reset the engine light (this model will). The error code read out by the CP9175 is very basic, but that's all that is needed. It will let you know what sensor/area is causing the engine light.

The scanner works great and the messages are understandable.

The "Internet update" does not exist - vaporware. How can they sell a cable without having the drivers available?? Dunno.

I've used this Actron CP9175 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with Freeze Frame Data for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles, on a 2001 Lincoln towncar and a 1999 BMW Z3. In both cases, the device performed flawlessly, and I'm very pleased with the ease of use.

VIP wanted 133.99 for this unit. I had time so I purchased it here with super saver shipping. Took 4 business days to get it. (FAST)

Successfully determined the cause of the check engine light on my daughter's 2003 Corolla thereby saving the $90.00 charged by Toyota to hook up and retrieve codes. Voila! Paid for!
It's nice to be able to know with certainty what system is malfunctioning.
Look up the code online and now you've got enough info to begin zeroing in on the failing components for test or replacement.
The CP9175 also operated perfectly on my 99 Buick Regal and my wife's 2004 Honda Accord.
Now a "CHECK ENGINE" light doesn't necessarily mean a big bill.
I save money next time I need to use it!

This scanner has paid for itself already. I used it to correctly diagnose several problems -- even contradicting a dealer's diagnosis (they later admitted I was right) with a faulty O2 sensor.

True the codes are obscure--this isn't the scanner's fault, but rather the automotive manufacturers'. For whatever reason (i.e., greed), they choose to create proprietary codes that only their "high tech" scanners can turn into meaningful text. To combat this, the power of teh internets come to the rescue! I've plugged whatever code into my favorite search engine and come up with the answer every time.

For the one guy who said this scanner was junk because it didn't keep the check engine light off, my advice is to dispense with trying to "fix" your car by yourself and just take it to a mechanic. The SCANNER'S PURPOSE IS NOT TO TURN OFF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. The purpose _IS_ to help you figure out what is wrong with your car. If the problem isn't fixed, the light will keep coming back on again and again.

** THE DOWNSIDE: The cable had a warning label that concerned me and would make me think twice about purchasing this over a similar scanner. According to the label, the connecting cable has lead in the coating, and the user is warned to "Wash your hands after handling." Why there is lead in a cable is beyond me. I'm concerned that my kid might come in contact with the scanner and either rub his eye or touch his fingers to his mouth--VERY BAD! Of course, I keep all my dangerous tools locked up, but now this is one more thing.

If you have the need to see what is happening under the hood by tapping into your car's computer, then this item would serve you well. It is very well made; comes with a good book explaining codes and how to use the device, and Actron's support is superb (I had a question when I got it; emailed them and they got back to me within hours!). The unit reads codes, erases false codes, including that 'check engine light' icon that comes on for no reason every once in a while, and it even will review your car's emissions before going to inspection. For the price of the unit, it's just a great find.

This is a great scanner for reading and deleting generic codes. The freeze frame data is also helpful for diagnosing issues. Be aware that this scanner will not read manufacturer specific codes. You may want to shop around for another scanner that includes the manufacturer specific codes. You can find some online that are similar in price that include this ability.