Actron CP9185 Elite AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner

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.

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.

Buy Actron CP9185 Elite AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner Now

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.

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Two years ago I purchased the Actron Elite AutoScanner CP9185. I used it once to trouble shoot a problem with one of my cars. Today I tried to use the unit to trouble shoot a hard start problem with another car and it would not power on. A call to technical service indicated that something must have shorted out during storage and I would need to send the unit in for repairs. Because the unit is now out of warranty I must pay shipping both ways (estiamted at $20). Cost to repair the unit is $76 per hour plus parts. If I want an estimate for repair costs that is $60.00. If I send the unit in for repair and the esitmated repair cost is higher than I want to pay, I have spent $80 and still have a unit that doesn't work. Lowest possible repair cost is $96 assuming no parts are needed and the work can be done in less than an hour. This is just too much money to spend on a unit that breaks during storage.

Needless to say I am very disappointed with the quality of the Actron Scanner. I have learned my lesson, I will never purchase another Actron (SPX Corporation) product.

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This device is exactly as advertised.

I have used this on both cars 1999 Mitsubishi and Saturn. Some of the more advanced diagnostics my be passed the weekend DIY but a quick search on the internet and you will quickly be up to speed.

Usb cable is of a good quality, serial cable is heavy duty.

Software update is easy but takes a few minutes to do.

Internally memory is limited, you may need to download often if you use the record feature. My brother is a mechanic by trade and says that $219 my be a little expensive but the construction is durable and it will save you money on the trouble codes versus doing it at a garage.

The unit is pretty thin

Con: I would like this to be a little shorter and it would be nice with a hard case or at least a soft case with a compartment made to hold it securely. The included case is a fabric clam shell (good quality fabric and stitching)

I would recommend this only if you want advanced diagnostics.

This is not for people who just want to search and clear codes, for that I would recommend the 9135 or lesser expensive unit.

Actron CP9135 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with On Screen Definitions for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles

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