Originally released in April 2015, the Actron CP9185 OBD2 scanner is marketed as a versatile tool for both OBD2 and some OBD1 vehicle diagnostics. As an automotive repair expert at cardiagnosticnearme.com, I decided to put this scanner through a thorough test to see if it lives up to the hype, especially for today’s car owners and enthusiasts.
Unboxing the Actron CP9185 Kit
The Actron CP9185 OBD2 scanner comes neatly packaged in a soft case, accompanied by an instruction booklet, a CD, a main diagnostic cable, a USB cable, and a short OBD2 (16-pin) adapter cable. Interestingly, my package was missing the CD, which reportedly contains the full user manual and necessary PC connection software. This omission might necessitate downloading these resources online. Aside from the missing CD, all components were present and in excellent condition.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 OBD2 scanner kit unboxing showcasing the handheld scanner, cables, case, and manual, essential components for automotive diagnostics.
Purchased directly from Amazon for $175 (including shipping), the price seemed like a bargain. However, this deal was short-lived. Soon after, the price and the original seller vanished, replaced by multiple vendors offering the same kit for significantly higher prices, ranging from $259 upwards, plus shipping. Actron themselves list this scanner for $398 plus shipping, highlighting the fluctuating market prices for diagnostic tools. It’s worth noting that Advance Auto Parts appears to offer this scanner at a consistent price point of around $150, suggesting potential price variations depending on the retailer.
The scanner itself features a power button, but the display backlight only activates when an external 12V power source is connected, either from the vehicle’s OBD port or via a DC adapter. This is particularly relevant for OBD1 vehicles, which typically do not supply power to the data link connector (DLC), requiring an external power adapter for operation. OBD2 compliant vehicles, however, provide power directly through the DLC.
OBD1 Diagnostic Capabilities: Surprisingly Effective
To explore the OBD1 capabilities of the Actron CP9185, I acquired the optional OBD1 adapter cables (CP9127), priced at approximately $35. This adapter set includes a 12-pin short adapter cable and a cigar-lighter power adapter, essential for powering the scanner on older vehicles. It’s important to note that for 1995 F-body vehicles, the standard 16-pin OBD2 cable is compatible. However, for 1994 models, the CP9127 adapter is necessary unless you possess the expertise to fabricate a custom adapter cable converting the 15-pin Actron connector to the 12-pin DLC connector. Furthermore, a 12V AC adapter would also be required for 1994 models when using OBD1.
Image alt text: Actron CP9127 OBD1 adapter cable set, including various connectors and power adapter, expanding the compatibility of the CP9185 scanner to older OBD1 vehicles for comprehensive car diagnostics.
My evaluation of the OBD1 functionality involved testing on several F-body vehicles: a 1994 and 1995 LT1, a 1994 and 1995 L34, and an 86 5.0L/carb. Impressively, all vehicles were successfully diagnosed using the OBD1 adapter. Each vehicle provided at least three screens of live data, along with access to both current and historical Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). The scanner’s field service feature, which grounds the field service pin on the DLC, functioned correctly with the OBD1 cable. However, this feature does not operate as intended on 1995 OBD1 vehicles when using the OBD2 cable. This is because the field service pin 6 signal was relocated to pin 12 to prevent interference with later models’ CAN signals. For 1995 models, engaging the field service mode via the OBD2 cable would necessitate manually connecting pin 6 in the DLC to pin 12.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 OBD2 scanner displaying live engine data on a 1994 LT1 vehicle during OBD1 diagnostics, illustrating real-time vehicle performance monitoring.
Image alt text: Multiple screens of OBD1 diagnostic data being displayed on the Actron CP9185, showing comprehensive vehicle information for a 1994 LT1 engine analysis.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 OBD2 scanner interface showing various OBD1 data parameters for in-depth car diagnostics, providing users with detailed engine performance metrics.
Image alt text: Clear live data readings presented on the Actron CP9185 screen during OBD1 scanning, offering real-time insights into the vehicle’s operational status.
Image alt text: Actron CP9185 displaying OBD1 diagnostic results, enabling users to quickly assess vehicle health and identify potential issues.
Image alt text: User-friendly interface of the Actron CP9185 OBD2 scanner during OBD1 diagnostics, designed for ease of use in automotive troubleshooting.
Image alt text: Navigating through the OBD1 diagnostic menus on the Actron CP9185, showing the scanner’s menu structure for accessing vehicle data and functions.
Image alt text: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) displayed on the Actron CP9185 screen during OBD1 scanning, assisting mechanics in identifying and resolving vehicle problems.
OBD2 Performance: Basic and Underwhelming
Unfortunately, the OBD2 performance of the Actron CP9185 is less impressive. The functionality offered for OBD2 diagnostics is quite basic and, frankly, disappointing. The results obtained are comparable to those from a much simpler and more affordable OBD2 scan tool, such as the Autel MaxiScan MS310. This basic Autel scanner replicates nearly all the OBD2 functionalities of the CP9185 but at a significantly lower cost. For a more comprehensive OBD2 diagnostic experience, software solutions like OBDWiz, often bundled with inexpensive ELMScan-5 Compact adapters, offer a far richer feature set.
Limited Additional Functions
The Actron CP9185 lacks support for crucial systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) modules. It also does not offer actuator tests, limiting its capabilities for in-depth system analysis. While it provides graphing for some OBD2 parameters, the resolution is notably low, and this feature is absent for OBD1 parameters. Even the OBD2 graphs have a significant drawback: they cannot be paused for detailed examination. The user manual mentions a “rewind” function for graph recordings, but this feature proved to be elusive in practical testing.
Data logging is supported for both OBD1 and OBD2 systems; however, the recording duration is severely restricted, often capturing less than 20 seconds of data. Furthermore, the data update rate is sluggish, making real-time analysis challenging. Connecting the scanner to a PC is possible, but its utility is limited to transferring logged data, and even then, the data is only available in a plain text format, hindering more sophisticated data analysis.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effective OBD1 diagnostics, especially for older GM vehicles.
- Provides live data and DTCs for OBD1 systems.
- Portable handheld design.
- Included soft case for storage and protection.
Cons:
- Underwhelming and basic OBD2 functionality.
- Comparable OBD2 features available in much cheaper scanners.
- No support for ABS or SRS modules.
- No actuator tests.
- Low-resolution and limited OBD2 graphing with no pause function.
- Short data logging duration and slow update rate.
- Limited PC interface and text-based data transfer.
- Missing CD with manual and software in the tested package.
Recommendation
The Actron CP9185 OBD2 scanner is a niche tool. It is only recommended if you specifically require a handheld scanner for diagnosing older OBD1 vehicles. For OBD2 diagnostics, it simply does not offer enough advanced features to justify its price point, especially when more capable and cost-effective alternatives are readily available. For general OBD2 car diagnostics, consider more modern scanners or software-based solutions that provide broader functionality and better value.
