Actron CP9185 Elite AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner

by Actron

Product Features

• Designed to read, record, and review LIVE engine data
• Displays graphing data on screen and is updateable online
• Reads as well as erases generic and manufacturer specific DTCs and definitions
• Updateable via the internet
• Battery powered for review of vehicle data off vehicle

Product Details

Product Owner's Manual Manual [PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 10 x 5 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000T8UG52
• Item model number: CP9185
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,765 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive)
  • #38 in Automotive > Tools & Equipment > Diagnostic & Test Tools > Code Readers & Scan Tools

Product Description

Amazon.com

The CP9185 Elite Autoscanner from Actron, a leading manufacturer of automotive diagnostic tools, has the upgrades customers asked for. This feature packed unit offers DIYers and technicians the ability to read enhanced codes, graph engine data, record and playback live diagnostic information and the ability to print through a PC. The CP9185 is compatible with all 1996 and newer OBD II (On-Board Diagnosis II) compliant vehicles manufactured in North America, Asia and Europe and (with the purchase of optional cables) will cover most OBD I domestic vehicles. The unit is fully updateable, and can accomodate future vehicles, via the internet. The large easy-to-read liquid crystal display makes reading those diagnostic trouble codes and their descriptions a breeze. The scanner, with its patented technology, provides more functions than any other handheld diagnostic scanner at a comparable price on the market today.

The Actron CP9185 easily scans and retrieves DTCs. View Larger

While robust enough for professional technicians, the CP9185 is simple and easy to use. Just plug the scan tool into your cars data link connector (DLC), located in the drivers compartment, and let the unit do the rest. The extremely user friendly menu makes getting the information you need a snap. This code reader from Actron reads, displays and erases generic OBD II and manufacturer specific codes while reseting your check engine light.

Money-saving Monitor
It has been determined that a problem with you emission control system can affect your cars overall performance and fuel efficiency. The CP9185 gives you the ability to diagnose your cars problem in a few easy steps, giving you the option of fixing it yourself or finding the best repair price possible. Monitoring your vehicle's system can reduce your operating and maintenance costs while keeping you safe on the road, making the versatile CP9185 Elite Autoscanner from Actron a great investment.

What's in the Box
Actron Elite Autoscanner CP9185, OBD II Cable, USB Cable, 8-foot extension cable, cigarette Lighter Adapter and Manual/CD.

HARDWARE FEATURES	CP9125	CP9410	CP9175	CP9180	CP9185	CP9190
Detachable cable
Back lit display
USB cable included for online update
Soft carrying case
Blow molded storage case
SOFTWARE FEATURES	CP9125	CP9410	CP9175	CP9180	CP9185	CP9190
Updateable online
On-screen code definitions
Battery low indicator
Review data off vehicle
Code lookup on tool
Record and playback live sensor data
Print data
Display graphing data
Urgency Indicators
OBD II ENHANCED	CP9125	CP9410	CP9175	CP9180	CP9185	CP9190
1996 and newer GM, Ford and Chrysler enhanced DTCs
OBD II GENERIC	CP9125	CP9410	CP9175	CP9180	CP9185	CP9190
Read codes, pending codes and erase codes
MIL status (malfunction indicator lamp)
I/M readiness monitor status (emissions)
View freeze frame data (engine parameters at time of default
State OBD check
Displays vehicle information (VIN # and calibration ID)
View live engine data parameters (PIDS)
O2 monitor test
OBD II drive cycle mode
Manufacturer specific diagnostic trouble codes
PROTOCOLS	CP9125	CP9410	CP9175	CP9180	CP9185	CP9190
CAN (all 2008 vehicles are required to use this protocol)
Keyword 2000, ISO-9142-2, J-1850 (VPW & PWM)
OBD I CABLES	CP9125	CP9410	CP9175	CP9180	CP9185	CP9190
OBD I cables for ‘84-’95 GM, Ford & ‘89-’95 Chrysler vehicles

 indicates a feature available with purchase of optional cable(s).

Product Description

Actron CP9185 Elite AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner is designed to read, record, and review LIVE engine data. It reads as well as erases generic and manufacturer specific DTCs and definitions. This scanner is compatible with all vehicles and is upgradeable to domestic OBD I vehicle coverage. It displays graphing data on screen and is updateable online.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Only one problem, October 3, 2008

By 

R. Penny (New Braunfels, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Actron CP9185 Elite AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner (Misc.)

The CP9185 works exactly as expected with one exception. It does accurately provide the diagnostic codes for trouble-shooting and will clear (turn-off) the "Repair Soon" light if you wish. It seems to have an extensive built-in database that allows it to recognize most vehicles - both domestic and imported. The operation of the unit is straight-forward and simple. However, the internal database on the unit I received contains data only through model year 2002. Vehicles manufactured after that date would have required an update to the built-in database. Updating over the internet is one of the features that attracted me to this unit. The problem occurred when I tried to install the PC drivers that would allow the unit to communicate with my computer - something that is necessary to perform an on-line update. The drivers provided with the unit simply would not work - i.e., the PC would not recognize the drivers on the supplied CD as valid drivers for my CP9185. I am very familiar with computers and installing drivers for a unit like this is straight forward. I contacted technical support (in fact I spoke with them about 4 times) to try to work through the problem. Technical support personnel were friendly and responsive - I have only the highest praise for them - but they were unable to solve the problem. They finally told me that it appeared the CP9185 itself was defective in that it was probably identifying itself incorrectly to the PC - even though the unit appeared to work fine in every other respect. I have shipped the unit back for repair (my expense) and am told it will take 4-6 weeks for repairs to be completed. If it had not been for this problem, I would have rated the CP9185 as a full 5 stars. If and when the unit is returned to me in working order, I will update this review.
UPDATE - The unit did come back from the repair shop after about 2 months with a note stating that the unit had checked out as working correctly and there was nothing for them to fix. The repair shop note did not elaborate and there is no indication that they had ever tried to connect it to a PC despite that fact that I had included a very specific description of my problem. As far as I know, they simply checked the unit for stand-alone functioning. Of course, there is never any way to talk directly to the technician that did the work. Needless to say this is not the result I had hoped for. I have effectively given up and decided that I will have to live with a tester that cannot be updated. Clearly, this quite severely limits its usefulness in future years.

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Made to break, February 20, 2009

By 

Steve-D (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Actron CP9185 Elite AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner (Misc.)

The Actron p-9185 worked good when I first received it. But it always showed a low battery reading. The device came with an usb cable to do updates. When I tried to do the update with the software they provided with the device it went blank and would not turn on anymore. Now it is in the repair-shop to be fixed with the only explanation that my anti-virus may have caused this problem. With unsuccessful e-mails and phone calls to the repair shop I finally found out that they were three weeks behind in repairs. I still don't know when I'm getting it back.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars User friendly Scanner, January 23, 2008

By 

M. Vacek - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Actron CP9185 Elite AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner (Misc.)

I previously used an Auto Xray for pre 96 vehicles. The newer AutoXray and Actron are very comparable scanners but after calling the companies and researching I decided to go with the Actron because 1)Actron came with a usb hook up for computer link(AX needs an adapter for serial cable) 2)Liked the graph features 3)Better instructions 4)More info in the scanner on codes. Since I already had a capable scanner for the old vehicles I went with the 9185 to save a few bucks off of the 9190. The scanner did prove to be simple to use but can be hazardous if your looking at the live data while driving. A good scanner for the money.