Customer Reviews

Actron CP9575 Auto Scanner Trilingual OBDII and CAN Scan Tool

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

What a great product . Pulls codes quickly with a modest description of code. In addition, it shows various sensor data(rpm, voltage, positions, temps, loads, etc...)and other various on board data that would normally require you to go to a professional shop for. I bought this actron since I was having a problem with my rear O2 sensor in one of my vehicles, which was consistently pulling 2 codes for that sensor. Initially i was resetting it hoping it was a glitch, since i wasn't in any mood to buy a rear O2 & lift the car to replace it. Well luckily with the scanner, i observed that the voltages were stagnant under all conditions. Now this was strange since the voltages dictate the exhaust temperature. The front O2 was showing varying voltages under different loads. well, to make a long story short it turns out that the sensor wiring was frayed requiring an easy splice.

The advantage of knowing on board sensor data is far better than just pulling codes... My recommendation, if you don't mind getting you hands dirty, spend a few extra bucks and get a model that can pull live sensor data like this model. Plus, it's a great show and tell for all you car buddies.

As for updating data via PC, i have yet try that.

I have had a similar experience to that of other user's who had connection problems. I downloaded the Actron Scanning Suite software and tried to update the tool. This is a mistake - I would highly recommend you do not load this software on your PC. It does not work properly with Win XP (unsigned drivers, for one). The software wound up permanently disabling my scanner. The people at Actron are no help - their only advice was to return the unit now that the Scanning Suite software had disabled the device. The software is essentially poorly written from both a user interface and a hardware connection point of view - terrible systems engineering here. It's like something written in the mid-1980's by beginning programmers. I'll try again using the scanner but will *never* try to use this software again. I suspect Actron is well aware of this weakness but doesn't know how to fix the problem - surprising ineptitude for such a large company. Of course, Amazon is great with their return policy.

Works no every car I tried it on 1996 HHR, 1997 Dodge Caraven, 2008 Honda Civic, 2006 Ford Mustang GT, 1996 VW Jetta. Connected in a timely manner and read the codes no problem. The live data feature separates it from a basic reader and is very useful to diagnose how the engine is is functioning.
Bottom line is it's worth the money and it does what it claims, as advertised.

I ordered the wrong scanner/code reader and I was going to return it, but decided to keep it. For the limited ability I have to understand how to use it, it works well. I will obtain a book/help in understanding how to apply this tool, though I really wish that the manufacturer had made a more comprehensive manual. Also, the cord is short, which makes it a bit uncomfortable to use unless I am leaning forward, close to the dash.

In winter temperatures the cheap cable is very stiff and because it's looped when stored it's difficult to straighten out. The cable is a short 28 inches long, that's only enough to plug it in and lay it on the floor or hold it at your knees. I ordered an extension so I can lay it on the seat or dash which is important if you're working under the hood and need to frequently check the scanner results. Or maybe you'd like to be able to have your passenger hold it while you're driving.

CP9575 works as advertised, and I had no problems with using it in my 2000 Saturn. However, according to the Actron website, it came with an outdated software version which can be updated with software from their 'site. NOT TRUE! So if you buy one be prepared to use it as it came, the Actron "Scanning Suite v3.0" doesn't install properly (I have a Dell laptop w/Win XP Pro SP3). Many installation errors, most noticeably a file named "btn32a20.ocx" that will NOT register. upon rebooting PC, it goes into a never-ending attempts to reload itself - very bad! I know PC's and even manually attempting to register this file with command line entries and failed. The software is useless since it can't install, and if you read reviews, the drivers have problems seeing / recognizing the device anyways (I never got even that far). Also, they don't tell you what USB cable is needed (USB-A to mini-B, BTW), nor do they include it in the package (they should!). Also, they do not support any OS other than Win XP and 2000 (no ME, Vista, nor Win 7). Also forget tech support - nice people, but they can't fix thier company's crap software! Unless you're willing to use "as is" (which is fine - the device works), stay away from this company's products! Only consider buying one if you find one ultra-cheap at a swap meet.

I purchased the Actron CP9575 from Sears for $119.00 to pull codes from my 1999 BMW 528iT. I was able to retrieve a P0500 DTC (which is an SAE standard DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) for the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) and reset the CEL (Check Engine Light) by clearing it. This is what I expected from the tool. I am interested in how it will deal with the OEM DTCs specific to BMW. It allows the selection of make and model when it encounters an OEM DTC and--thankfully--I don't have any to test it with (yet).

The device itself is in a bright orange, plastic case that appears to be ABS or some other high impact plastic. The cable is long enough for my use but may be too short for others (an extension cable is easily found, if needed). The display has good backlighting and high contrast which is adjustable. Bus-power means it doesn't need batteries, which is very nice for a tool that will be used episodically with (one hopes) large idle intervals.

I chose the CP9575 because I hoped to get something that was in the middle of the range of reader/scanners. I think that's what I've got. I avoided the iPod/iPhone based devices because while they have more functionality for about the same price, I imagined trying to use them with greasy nitrile gloves on... this four button device I can toss in the tool box is a much more attractive proposition.

Overall I believe this was a wise purchase and, if like me, you would like to be able to watch some realtime data as well as pulling DTCs, I think you too will find this tool a good choice.

I have used a lot of scan tools, everything from $12,000 Snap-On units to $25 E-bay garbage.

Let me tell you - this is neither of those tools, BUT:

If you want, easy to use, easy to understand, quick link, and CAN and Early OBDII capable - this is your tool.

Great for times when you just need to get a code, check what monitors have run - or get a little more in depth with real time data. Its a little laggy, but its NO WORSE then any other scan tool out there - fact is the OBDII standard is just slow with real time data. Its quicker then our OTC Genisys unit - its about as fast as a Snap-On Solus scanner when it comes to data updates.

Shows freeze frame data as well - along with monitor status updates (as you drive).. self powered off the OBD II socket.

Id I had one only gripe - it would be that the buttons are a little too sticky - and they get stuck in the case. But for $99, self power, real time data, decent screen, and up-datable - I'm not complaining at all.

I have scanned:

2001 Audi A4, 2005 Nissan Xterra, and a 2009 VW Rabbit with it so far.

Its small and light - backlit screen. Well worth the money saved from dragging out the bigger units, or a laptop to the car.

I bought this guy to retrieve a DTC that came on recently. It worked as expected. The user interface is simple and easy to understand. If you can find your way to this review using your web browser, you will have no problem operating the device. A minor physical annoyance is that the buttons could be easily trapped in their own housings after being depressed (so called sticky button).

You may have read a lot of comments about the negative experience of updating the software of this device here, but I want to share my positive experience.

The CP9575 comes with software version 5109. According to Actron's website, at the time of this writing, the latest version is 4346. I am not sure why they numbered the newer version with a smaller version number, but it is what it is.

I simply downloaded and installed the Scanning Suite 3.0 from Actron's website. You should basically follow the "Actron Scanning Suite 3.0 Installation Instructions" found in Actron's website. A couple of points may be worth noting:

(1) It is known and stated clearly that the Scanning Suite 3.0 does not work in 64-bit OS. I am sure if you are savvy enough to buy such a device, you should know what kind of OS you are running. The platform where I successfully performed the software update is XP Professional SP3 32-bit.

(2) I read in a review under the other model, CP9580, that the default installation directory (destination) did not work. The default destination prompted by the installation wizard is "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Scanning Suite\Actron\". I don't know if that indeed does not work, but to avoid any potential trouble, I changed the installation directory to "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Actron".

After the installation of the Scanning Suite, you should follow the "CP9575 Update Instructions" found in their website. A lot of users have commented that their devices were not recognized by the OS when they were first plugged in. I did not have this problem. I did, however, receive a few "the software has not passed the Windows Logo Testing for XP compatibility" messages during the installation of the Scanning Suite and the first time attaching the device to the USB port. Just click "Continue Anyway" to install the software drivers. My CP9575 was successfully recognized as a new device and XP successfully installed the correct drivers for it. Of course, you should plug in your device ONLY AFTER you install the Scanning Suite 3.0 software.

Some users also said you have to take note of the COM port number, but I did not do that either. The software updating function in the Scanning Suite automatically located my device.

That's it, and my CP9575 is now running version 4346, although I don't notice any difference.

I've used this product twice so far; once on a 2003 Nissan Altima and once on a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer. It worked great both times. It does what it's supposed to do and it is easy to use. It quickly diagnoses the problem and provides an error code. Highly recommended.