Actron CP9180 AutoScanner Plus Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability and O2 Monitor Test for OBDII Vehicles

Other products by Actron

Product Features

• Bilingual diagnostic code scanner easily retrieves trouble codes from your vehicle's computer to diagnose problems
• Compatible with all OBD II-compliant vehicles from 1996 to the present
• Large easy-to-read LCD screen displays DTCs and their descriptions
• Fully updateable via the Internet, so it will work with future vehicle models
• TrueLink Technology assures a fast and accurate diagnostic output

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.5 x 4.6 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000KG8KB0
• Item model number: CP9180
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (109 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #180 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive)

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  Automotive > Tools & Equipment > Diagnostic & Test Tools > Code Readers & Scan Tools

Product Description

Amazon.com

The Actron CP9180 OBD II AutoScanner Plus Diagnostic Code Scanner encompasses many professional features in an inexpensive scan tool. If you are new to diagnostic scanners, this handy tool connects to your vehicle, scans various parts of your car, truck or SUV, and retrieves a list of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and code definitions from your vehicle's computer. But even if you're a veteran to scanners and auto repair, you'll be impressed with the new functionality that Actron has added to the CP9180. This device not only scans your vehicle, it also allows you to freeze-frame live timing and pinpoint your vehicle's problem. Instead of having to recreate a scenario over and over again, you can now playback the timing to scrutinize all the data and make a clear diagnosis. Combine this with Internet connectivity and the ability to interface with a PC, and you have a powerful, professional diagnostic scanner in the palm of your hand. This device is compatible with all OBD II (On-Board Diagnosis II) compliant vehicles manufactured in North America, Asia, and Europe from 1996 to the present.

The Actron CP9180 easily scans and retrieves DTCs. View larger.

TrueLink Technology assures a fast and accurate diagnostic output.

The CP9180 is bilingual (Spanish). View other features.

In addition, the CP9180 is fully updateable via the Internet, so it is designed to accommodate future vehicles as well. The device features a large, easy-to-read backlit screen that shows the trouble code and its definition. And although you still have to fix the problem that your scanner detects, this device will deactivate the "check engine" light on your dash so you'll no longer be distracted while you drive. Every Actron scan tool and code reader incorporates CAN (Controller Area Network) and the patented TrueLink Technology which guarantees the tool will link to and communicate with every OBD II compliant vehicle. This assures a fast and accurate diagnostic output -- a key ingredient to an effective repair.

The CP9180 is simple and easy to use. The included OBD II cable provides both data and power connections, while the USB cable offers a quick and easy way to connect your scanner to your PC. In addition to connecting to the computer for Internet updates, you'll also appreciate the CP9180's USB connectivity because it makes printing DTCs and other information a breeze. Once the scanner is connected to your vehicle, the user friendly menu provides a variety of information in a snap. This device displays freeze frame data, O2 monitor tests, state emissions, and even records and displays live sensor data so you know what's happening with your vehicle as you make adjustments. Other features include an OBD II code library built right into the tool, an OBD II drive cycle mode, battery power so you can review diagnostic data even when the scanner is disconnected from your vehicle, and a bilingual (English, Spanish) mode.

Another important thing to remember is that all emission testing facilities will fail a vehicle that has the "check engine" light illuminated at the time of the test -- even if it is only lit to remind you of a past-due oil change or 60,000-mile tune-up. With this scanner, you can shut off the check engine light and pass the emissions test on your terms. The menu also alerts you of any pending DTCs and reads the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) status. By reading the MIL status the scanner gives insight into what might cause your "check engine" light to turn on in the near future. In this way, the scanner also provides some preventive measures to help you keep a close eye on your vehicle's systems. These functions, combined with the simple keypad used to read, erase, and navigate DTCs, make the CP9180 scanner a perfect solution for identifying problems with your vehicle and keeping you safe on the road.

What's in the Box
Actron CP9180 OBDII AutoScanner Plus diagnostic code scanner, OBD II cable, USB cable, soft case, and professional companion 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

Features and Benefits

• Read, record and review LIVE engine data
• Reads/erases generic and manufacturer specific DTCs and definitions
• Compatible with all vehicles 1996 and newer (OBD II)
• Freeze Frame Data (engine data at the time of the fault)
• Internet Updateable

The NEW CP9180 AutoScanner® Plus encompasses many professional features in an inexpensive scan tool. Compatible with ALL 1996 and newer OBD II compliant vehicles and CAN compliant.  Bilingual Tool - English and Spanish menu options.  Displays definitions for Generic and Manufacturer Specific DTCs.  Large, backlit screen.  OBD II code library built into tool with Generic and Manufacturer Specific Code definitions. Displays O2 monitor test. State OBD II Check (emissions). OBD II drive cycle mode. Battery powered for review of vehicle data off vehicle.  Vehicle information (includes VIN # and calibration IDs).

Kit includes:

• CP9180 handset
  
• OBD II cable
  
• USB cable
  
• Soft Case
  
• Professional Companion CD

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

110 of 111 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Tool, March 8, 2007

By	R. Levasseur - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Actron CP9180 AutoScanner Plus Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability and O2 Monitor Test for OBDII Vehicles (Misc.)

I got this scanner and am initially pleased with the capabilities of it as a diagnostic tool. There are, however, some things you need to be aware of. Some of the advanced monitoring functions do not work on all cars. For example, the vehicle identification data does not work for pre-2000 vehicles (but then, I did not need that function anyway). I was able to pull the DTC's from my car, see what it meant (I had one DTC that turned on the CEL), then I was able to read what the sensors were seeing at the time of failure, as well as a great deal of engine data from the "Freeze Frame Data" function. The live sensor data function works partially for my car, again, this is a function that may not work on older cars. The advertisement leads one to believe that this will work for all cars - be aware of this. It can print the results using the USB cable that comes with the unit. The printing function can be enhanced by copying the displayed data into the clipboard and pasting it into an editor program (like Notepad). I found this to be a better way to print the results. The software on the CD is VERY basic - not much help with the codes. There is a LOT more data available on the internet.

The tool is easy to use and easily connects to and from different cars. Some of the advanced diagnostic data that it will capture is not easily understood unless you get some detailed instructions from the car manufacturer. There is a good wikipedia with the PID codes for those who want more information to go through (look up OBD-II PIDS).

53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is good. Just what I expected., September 18, 2007

By	Bud - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Actron CP9180 AutoScanner Plus Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability and O2 Monitor Test for OBDII Vehicles (Misc.)

I am not an expert, but I researched these quite a bit and have used other cheaper OBDII readers before. This has nice advanced features like freeze frame capture and real time sensor monitors. The advanced features are probably only useful if you know what the readings should be, so this is not a beginner's tool. This seems to be in the "sweet spot" of these products before the prices go up exponentially with higher-end models. It supports the newest CAN bus. This is a good tool for the advanced home mechanic.

I give it only 4 stars because unlike the Equus products, there is no "quick view" summary screen when you first hook it up. It is also a little slower to connect and retrieve data. The display is not as clear as the Equus model and the menus also take a lot more clicking on buttons to navigate the various menus/levels, BUT you can see more lines of data that way once you're there compared to the Equus product. A minor irritation is that although it is USB, it is not real USB. It is some kind of serial over USB and installs a bunch of drivers that assign an old-fashioned COM port. I was trying to avoid that with the equivalent Equus product which is very similar. A final nit is that the case supplied is some generic case and no way fits the tool. It is about 3X too big so the tool and cables sort of flop around inside.

Other recommendations: You can get better/more detailed code info off the Internet. If all you want to do is pull codes or reset them to spare yourself from getting ripped off at the dealer, then there are cheaper products that will do that. If you want to diagnose things yourself, then this is a good choice.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Performs as advertised, May 21, 2007

By	Shade Tree Mech (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Actron CP9180 AutoScanner Plus Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability and O2 Monitor Test for OBDII Vehicles (Misc.)

No, this thing won't fix your vehicle for you. But, it does tell you what code is making your Check Engine Light come on. That information, and some research in a shop manual or on the web (or by asking the right friend), can lead you to a faulty component without paying a dealer $75 or more just to scan your computer and tell you what code(s) are set. Two or three problems solved and your purchase is paid for.

I have used a professional scan tool (Matco) that a mechanic friend lent me. This product is not as ruggedly built; but, I'm not going to be using it day-in day-out like my friend does with his scanner. The Actron unit is certainly rugged enough for the do-it-yourselfer. The supplied case will protect it from being knocked around in your tool box. The case is big enough to hold the scanner, OBD cable, USB cable, owners manual, and the CD that has the software.

Functionally, it does everything the professional unit does and then some.

Reading the stored code told me that I had a "long term fuel trim" fault. The Record Data function allowed me to record six different engine conditions while driving, view them on my PC, copy them into an e-mail, and send them to my buddy to analyze.

After looking at the data, he said to clean my mass air flow sensor. That took 10 minutes, and half a can of brake cleaner. Result, my truck runs better, and the check engine light doesn't come on anymore.

I figure I have the unit half paid for already.