Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)First of all, my background is as an electronics technician and engineer. I have designed electronic control circuitry for textile mills that used the same principles found in automotive computers. I got fascinated by automotive computers when my local dealership was unable to fix a problem that caused the check engine light to repeatedly come on.
Before buying a scanner, I read everything I could get my hands on, about automotive computers and looked very closely at the different scanner choices available.
Nothing prepared me for what this scanner actually does. The main 3 automotive manufacturers all build some diagnostics into their computers.
This scanner will let you take advantage of any other onboard diagnostics that exists. If you own a Ford product, the onboard computer and this scanner will perform a very impressive range of diagnostics that nobody else has mentioned in their reviews, and product descriptions don't describe, such as a 'wiggle test' to see if you have a bad connector between a sensor and the onboard computer, checking the spark plugs and spark plug wires and overall cylinder performance. It will activate individual solenoids, to diagnose that kind of problems. It will help diagnose air conditioning problems, overloading of the transmission, and many other situations that were much more than I was led to expect by reading the product descriptions and reviews. I must make it clear that Ford products seem to be the only ones listed as having such a wide range of diagnostics, although GM and Chrysler additional diagnostics were described. This Scanner seems to be able to work with whatever diagnostics are available.
I had planned to connect it to each of my vehicles and take sensor readings before I had problems, to help me spot anything out of range when a problem occurred. It turns out that I didn't need to. It already has normal ranges for just about any make and model of car or light truck, including Asian or European.
I was blown away. Tell this scanner what make and model you are connecting it to, and already has a wide library of information available to compare with what you are seeing, tell you if anything is out of range, and make use of whatever onboard computer diagnostics are available.
Finally, the Amazon price seems to be the low price anywhere. You can easily pay $400 for this scanner, elsewhere. Also, I compared it with the Snap On $800 shop scanner and the only thing the Snap On does, which this doesn't, is display very specific diagnostic steps necessary to pinpoint problems. That, however, is the same information you can get from other places, and much of it is for free.
This is an excellent choice for anyone.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Actron CP9145 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability for OBDII Vehicles
Is your car's check engine light on? If it is, your car is trying to tell you something and the Actron CP9145 Super AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner speaks its language. Use this scanner to unlock the information stored in your car's computer. Whenever your check engine light is on, the device can pinpoint the problem so you can fix it fast and be on your way.
The scanner allows you to easily retrieve, read, and erase OBD II trouble codes, as well as display and read live vehicle data for a faster diagnosis. With optional cables, you can also retrieve OBD I codes and live data for 1984-95 Ford and GM models, and 1989-95 Chrysler models. This sophisticated, yet extremely user-friendly tool includes the CP9145 base unit and can be used on OBD II compliant cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. from 1996 to present. Plus, the tool is fully upgradeable, accommodating future vehicles.
The CP9145 is built tough for both shop and road test use. It also features a large, easy-to-read liquid crystal display that shows the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their definitions. And although you still have to fix the problem, the scanner will deactivate the "check engine" light on your dash so you'll no longer be distracted while you drive. The scanner is easy to connect to your vehicle, and a user friendly menu provides a variety of information in a snap, including live engine data parameters (PIDs). Built-in help screens help you interpret the data, and you can view freeze frame data, which provides a "snapshot" of the vehicle's operating conditions at the time of the fault. Meanwhile, an internal 9-volt battery stores the latest test results for later review.
Use the Monitor Status and I/M readiness (Inspection/Maintenance) function to determine if your vehicle is ready for an emissions test. I/M Readiness is an excellent function to use prior to having a vehicle inspected for compliance with a state emissions program, so you'll have a good idea if your vehicle will pass the standards.
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.
The scanner comes with CD software that contains 5,000 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and their descriptions.
What's in the Box Super AutoScanner CP9145, OBD II cable, 8-foot extension cable, manual/CD-ROM with over 5,000 code definitions, and soft carrying case.
Manufacturer Warranty One-year limited warranty.
