Customer Reviews

Actron CP9580 Auto Scanner with CodeConnect Trilingual OBD II, CAN and ABS Scan Tool

5 star:		(76)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I was happy with my purcase of the Astron CP9580 UNTIL I tried to do the setup which would allow the AutoScanner Plus CP9580 to upload the units memory results to my PC and print them. I have an intermitent MIL and I want to keep a hard copy of the data for several weeks. The problem with the CP9580 occurred when I tried to install the PC drivers that come with their Scanning Suite 3.0. software which I had downloaded from the Actron (SPX Corp) web site. Installing the software driver enables the CP9580 to communicate with a PC via the USB cable provided with the unit. Communication with a PC is also a function necessary to perform on-line updates for the CP9580's internal database. M/S Windows XP Pro (SP3) did not recognize the drivers. I did finally coax Windows to install a generic USB/COM port driver but this driver did not work either. I am familiar with PCs and drivers thru my profession and this installing procedure is not rocket science when you have the correct driver. I contacted SPX technical support and I spoke with 3 individuals to work through the problem. Tech support was friendly but they were unable to solve the problem. I was finally told that the unit was "too new" for them to have drivers that work and they "might" have them by December (they did't say of what year). I have now read the reviews (back to 2008) of other Actron units, such as the CP9185, and this driver problem seems to be systemic with Actron code scanners. Do NOT buy this unit IF you need the data dump and print to the PC function or if you buy new cars often and need updates for the internal database.Actron CP9580 Auto Scanner with CodeConnect Trilingual OBD II, CAN and ABS Scan Tool

Hi,
I read just about every reveiw I could find on OBDll scanners. I was ready to buy the Innova 3160, but didn't like the part about charging $14.99 for repair info. Then I got a email for a discount on the Actron 9580, very good deal or call me cheap. So I bought the Actron 9580 with code connect with the software problems per every review I had read, but before I bought it I called Actron Tech support and was told that their was no problem. Well after about three hours of trying to down load their Actron Launch Pad with no luck, their is an issue. Then I find out that if their is not a Code Connect answer to the given code they charge you for the answer.
The scanner has worked fine on every car I have used it on, and is easy to use. Hopefuly they will get the software issue fixed so you can update your scanner and print out the info from the scanner.
But for the saving of a few bucks I wish I would have gone with The Innova 3160 for about fifty more dollars.

After looking at scanners for several years, I finally decided to buy this one because it seemed to have the most usable features (including live data, graphing, recording, etc.) and also had the unique "Code Connect" feature for reporting the most likely fixes that work for specific makes and models based on a large reported & verified repair database. I was not disappointed. So far, the "top reported fixes" for the detected trouble codes and vehicle model have been the ones which really worked on my own car and on friends' cars that I repaired. Although some reviewers claim that the Code Connect may not work well for certain car models which had very limited production numbers, it worked well for my repairs which included a Toyota Echo which was not a very common model.

Despite the fact that Code Connect is usually right on target with its fixes, a few of the fixes that come up would almost never work and look rather silly and unrelated to the trouble codes. I suspect that the reason may be some bad data that comes from incompetent or dishonest shops in the reporting data base. So if you sometimes see fixes that look ridiculous, don't be surprised - they probably ARE ridiculous.

Certain "cars" such as Jeep and SUV's are classified as trucks, so you may need to select truck on the scanner to find the make and model. The specific model list presently goes up to model year 2008, so you will need to select the generic "Global OBD II" on the menu for more recent vehicles or vehicles not on the list. Code Connect does not work for the generic Global OBD II selection, but you will still get the trouble codes with definitions.

Although powertrain (including emission) diagnostic trouble codes work for almost all domestic, Asian, and European vehicles, the ABS trouble codes will only come up for GM, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles 1996-2008. There is not much Code Connect fix info for ABS, but the ABS code definitions are usually enough to lead you to the problem. A few domestic vehicles are not ABS covered. You can check vehicle coverage by going to actron.com and selecting products, scan tools, Auto Scanner Plus 9580, and clicking the CP9580 ABS coverage chart link on the bottom of the page.

I recommend downloading and printing the User Manual which is over 100 pages and tells you much more than the Quick Start Manual included in the scanner package. You can get it on actron.com when you click customer service and then click user manuals.

You do not need the computer software download at all unless you want to transfer car diagnostic information from the scanner to your computer to save it or print it. Software program updates for the CP9580 unit itself are not yet available at the time of this review, so don't try to get it. Although there are reports that the software package does not install on 64 bit and Windows 7 systems, it seems to work fine on Windows Vista and earlier systems. Go to the Actron web site and click updates. Scanning Suite 3.0 is the one to download for the CP9580 even though the CP9580 is not yet listed on the web page as one of the supported scanners.

After you install the scanning suite and you want to use print capture (also called print data on the CP9580 scanning tool) to transfer scanner data to your computer, you could have a problem because the USB port instructions are unclear when you click on print capture. You need to select a com connection port on the computer drop down menu such as com1, com2, com3, com4,...etc. even though you are using a USB rather than a serial port. To find the port number, connect the CP9580 to a USB terminal using the provided cable, and select the print data menu on the CP9580 so that "print data" appears on the top of the scanner display. Then go to control panel on your computer and select device manager. Click the + on the "ports" in the device manager list to get the com number for SPX (Actron). After you transfer vehicle data from the scanner to your computer, you can click edit on the print capture document which puts the information in Windows Notepad text format for editing, saving, copying, printing, etc. If you save the notepad itself, select save as and select an existing known folder, or it may disappear into a nonexistent scanning suite location.

Although I have used the print capture to see how it works, I have not found it necessary to use for my repair work. The stand-alone CP9580 works fine.

I did call customer technical support one time, and found the representative to be knowledgeable and friendly.

Update January 2011. Actron updated their website a little so that Scanning suite 3.0 is now listed as supporting the CP9580. However, it still will not work on 64 bit or Windows 7 systems. They say that a 64 bit & Windows 7 version will be available very soon, but it is still very late considering how long the new Windows operating system has been out. Actron also added CP9580 printing (print capture) instructions which are similar to my instructions above, except that they go to Device Manager by right clicking computer (my computer) instead of using Control Panel classic view. Software program updates for the CP9580 unit itself are not expected for a long time. I can understand that at least a couple of years of repair data are needed to get meaningful Code Connect information, but they really need to update ABS information sooner for the vehicles not yet covered on the scanner.

Almost wrote this one off after reading the 2 other reviews pointing out pc driver problems. The price was right so I thought I'd give it a try anyway. I needed to identify the ABS trouble codes for my 2002 Explorer and this told me what I needed to know. Was looking at the Equus 3160 but didn't like the idea of connecting to the PC with a serial port or buying USB converter. I downloaded the Scanning Suite 3.0 software from the Actron website and installed on my VISTA based PC. I connected via the supplied USB cable which also powers the unit. The unit does not load the driver until you request to print data from the handheld menu screen. Note the com port displayed when the driver is loaded the 1st time. Mine was 6. From the scanning suite take the print capture option and set to correct com port. Report data is sent to a print capture screen that can be printed or copied and pasted to another program like MS Word and saved. Tool update feature also appears to work although no updates are currently available. Burn date in the unit was 7/20/10 so it hasn't sitting on a shelf very long. So far I'm pleased. Make sure your vehicle is compatible before you buy.

My ABS code is displayed below. Other data was omitted. Problem hasn't been fixed yet but I'm going to start by checking the speed sensor

DTCs (Codes)

C1233 ABS $28

Wheel Speed Left Front Input Signal
Missing

FREQ REPORTED FIX
1-Replaced Antilock
Brake System (ABS)
Control Module

There's a boatload of code scanners to choose from so the question one might ask is: "Which one?" The answer, after two days of research and a follow-up day of research after ordering this unit, in the short, this one. Why? Because it hits the middle ground between price and features smartly.

First things first, all of the units I checked out had many various negative reviews. To me, negative reviews are very telling as what to expect. The point, all the code checkers have negative reviews, not just this one. I let negative reviews be my guide to the positive reviews, not the other way around.

Second: Over the last few days, I've had several contacts with SPX's (Actron) customer service to ask sales and tech related questions before buying. My experience, to a one, each interaction was a positive one. A positive consumer attitude might have something to do with this point as the folks answering the phones are human also.

Third: I asked a customer service rep about warranty issues regarding online Amazon receipts and was told there's no problem with warranty returns using an online Amazon receipt.

Fourth: I asked about available software compatible with Win 7/64 and was told that Win 7/64 software was expected a couple of months out. Time will tell on that point. If you're XP/2000/Vista, 32bit compliant, you'll be good to go.

(As of 14SEP2011, Win 7/64 drivers ARE available)

actron.com/downloads/

Fifth: I easily scanned, found and corrected (erased) the error code which caused me to buy this unit in the first place; 2000, Dodge Durango.

Details: The quick start manual is quick and dirty. I was up and running in minutes, not hours.
............Batteries are not included. You'll need four AAA batteries on stand-by if you want to use this unit immediately on arrival.
............The comprehensive, downloadable manual (pdf) is a hundred and eighteen pages. Wow!
............The unit scans many vehicles for Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) error codes.
............The unit comes with a six foot tether that's easily connected/disconnected but it don't come with no case. Bummer. Of course, for seventeen additional dollars plus shipping, you can buy a soft case from SPX. But they're currently out of stock. I used an available case I had hanging around the house to give this unit the protection a piece of high-tech gear of this kind deserves. Works great and saves money. The six foot tether is long enough so one can use the unit while sitting in the driver's seat. The code scanner a past mechanic used, had a two foot pigtail and he was stuck under the steering column on a hot sweaty day with me feeling guilty as if I were abusing my mechanic.
..........You can't download and install available software (Scanning Suite) if you're running Win 7/64. Double bummer.
..........Restating, not compatible with Win 7/64. Supposedly compatible with 32bit OS such as XP, 2000 or Vista. I write supposedly as I haven't check out compatibility issues with any 32 bit OS's.
..........Unit looks good so it has a high cool factor.
..........I recommend getting an inexpensive copy of OBD-II & ELECTRONIC ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS TECHBOOK (Haynes Techbook) to augment this piece of gear's instruction set.
..........I also, recommend getting a Cable Extension, J1962m to J1962f, 15ft (144203) if you're wanting to scan from the engine compartment. I ordered one that arrived today.

If you're wanting a code scanner to keep you away from mechanic/dealership pricing, that hits the middle ground between being a full featured unit that's not, by comparison, overly priced (yes, this is a bit of a pricy unit), my opinion, this is the unit you want. Remember to offset the price of this unit against legitimate mechanic fees (they have to pay their utility bills also) and the convenience of being able to scan, clear and correct error codes yourself via parts replacement. And if you let friends and family members know you have one of these babies, your popularity index will immediately go through the roof.

A final thought, if going on a roadtrip, I highly recommend throwing this unit into your bugout bag as when the "check engine" light comes on, you won't have to worry about what the light is trying to tell you as you can immediately pull over and find out what's up. Very cool.

Hope the above helps.

As a stand alone unit, this thing is awesome!!! ABS/TRAC lights rolled up on my 2000 300M, and after a bit of research on the internet, I figured that if I could locate the problem, I would be able to fix it. Plugged it in,,,left rear wheel speed sensor signal diagnotic came up...removed the tire....pulled the sensor....noted some build up of "moon dust"...no evidence of oil or grease from a seal....cleaned with a toothbrush...re-assembled and cleared the diagnostic and all is back to normal. A twenty minute job and the unit has paid for itself. I didn't have "Code Connect" for this problem,since it was pretty straight forward, but having it is a DEFINITE ADVANTAGE for the DIY'er....IMHO worth the extra money.

HOWEVER....Nothing is as frustrating as screwed up software. I haven't attempted to install the software, based on the reviews of not only this unit, but other Actron products whose users are very disappointed with the software offered. I personally don't feel that I would see much of a use for it anyway. For now, I'll watch and wait. Hopefully, Actron will realize that they could leave Equus in the dust with a bit more effort from their software developers.

NOTE: If purchasing for the ABS functions, be sure that your vehicle will be covered.

The Takeaway....This scanner is head and shoulders above it's competition...the software not so much.

As others have noted, it reads codes. I bought it for the graphing feature but apparently it does not send graphs to your PC---only raw data. And getting it to send data to a PC is terribly complicated. Here is what I figured out (for a Windows XP PC):

How to Connect Actron CP9580 Auto Scanner to a PC -

Download the Scanning Suite 3.0 software from[...]website and install on your PC. (There is a Windows 7 driver available now.)

After you install Scanning Suite, you can use "Print Capture" in the Scanning Suite on your PC (and the "Print Data" selection on the CP9580 scanning tool) to transfer saved scanner data to your computer.

You will have a problem because the USB port instructions are unclear when you click on "Print Capture". Here is step by step what you must do:

Connect the CP9580 via the supplied USB cable which also powers the unit.

The PC does not load the driver until you click the "Print Data" icon on your PC.

You must select a COM connection port on the computer drop down menu such as COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4,...etc. even though you are using a USB rather than a serial port.

To find the COM port number, with the CP9580 connected to the PC's USB terminal using the provided USB cable, select the "Print Data" on the CP9580. "Print Data" should appear on the top of the CP9580 display.

Next go to Control Panel on your computer by selecting Start-->Settings-->Device Manager-->Administrative Tools-->Computer Management-->Device Manager.

Click the + on the "Ports" in the Device Manager list to get the COM port number for SPX (Actron). It will look something like this: "SPX Virtual COM Port (COM 8)" NOTE THE COM PORT NUMBER. YOUR COM PORT NUMBER WILL NOT NECESSARILY BE 8.

Make sure the CP9580 is connected via the USB cable, and on the CP9580 make sure that you have selected "Print Data" and highlighted "Print All".

On your PC, in Scanning Suite, click "Print Capture".

Scanning Suite on your PC will tell you to select a COM Port. Select the one you identified above, then "Next" then click "Finish".

Now on the CP9580 with "Print All" highlighted in the "Print Data" screen click "Enter" on the CP9580.

The data will populate on the PC screen.

You can copy and paste it to a text editor and save it or print it.

I did not follow the suggestions of the previous reviewers. I bought this CP9580 and I really liked it. It worked well when I connected to the car and found the code. Even the codeconnect was very convenient. Went to my PC, installed Suite 3.0 and the drivers. I connected the CP9580 and my PC did not see the unit. I uninstalled the program and the drivers at least 6 times. Did not work on windows XP (netbook). I installed the drivers and the program on my Windows vista 64 PC and as expected did not work. So I installed it in another PC windows vists 32 bit and did not work. I wrote to Actron asking if they have a solution and did not get an answer after a week.
I gave up and returned the unit. You need a PC connection to update this unit. Also if you want to dump data or print data you need a PC connection. I will give Innova 3100 a try.

If that unit CP9580 is not capable of troubleshooting ABS on your popular GM or Ford make of a vehicle,
it is NOT worth the money, since engine troubleshooting can be done with anything else,
even with those obd ii scanners for $20 to 50 bucks.
If the unit is supporting your vehicle ABS, it is a different story, it is well worth to buy it.
And certain popular models have been left out by the manufacturer of this scanner - are not supported.
That is because ABS system is a money maker for dealers and car OEMs.
this type of general description: "ABS code read/erase capability for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles",
is something prospective buyer should not take at its face value, but verify that his/her popular brand of vehicle is supported
by this CP9580 ABS scanner.

good luck!

I am quite pleased with the Actron CP9580L, especially since this particular scanner came with a hard case AND at a cheaper price than without the hardcase (still trying to understand this pricing anomoly).
The scanner does everything as advertised. The only reason I did not give it 5-stars is the fact that it only supports up to model year 2008 and nowhere have I found when updates will be available and IF I will have to pay for the updated database. I was, however, able to update the firmware to the latest version at no charge. Also, this unit did not include a USB cable, however, it is just a standard USB A to mini B, and I have several lying around.

I struggled with the software for a couple hours but finally got it to work on my PC with Windows XP, service pack 3. Here's how:

First, download the "Actron_ScanningSuite_Ver3_Install.exe" from [..]. Be patient. Their servers are very slow. This 50MB file took nearly 30 minutes.

Next, before you attempt to install, go to START> CONTOL PANEL> SYSTEM> HARDWARE> DRIVER SIGNING and click "IGNORE-Install the software anyway and don't ask for my approval". The Actron drivers have not been 'blessed' by Microsoft and, in my case, would not install completely until I changed this setting.

Next, install the Scanning Suite software and just follow all of the installation prompts.

Now, when you run the software and request a hardcopy print or tool update, it will ask you what COM port to use. Mine was COM9 and I determined this by first choosing "PRINT DATA" from the AutoScanner menu, and heard the familiar Windows ding-dong sound telling me the USB device is active. Now go to START> CONTOL PANEL> SYSTEM> HARDWARE> DEVICE MANAGER> and click the + sign for PORTS and look for the port assignment "SPX Virtual Com Port".
Choose that port number and press "PRINT DATA" on the Actron. The data should appear in the text box, allowing you to print a hard copy to your local printer.

The unit firmware upgrade also worked the same way except that (on the AutoScanner)you need to choose "System Setup"> "Program Mode". The Scanning Suite software will then querry your unit and, if neccesary, start updating your firmware from the Actron website. As of this review, the latest firmware version was 5923.