code readers

**0rion** · 06-14-2010, 08:33 AM

the actron cp9180 I have lets you read sensor data in real time.

**LSX01MUSTANG** · 06-15-2010, 01:12 AM

Originally Posted by 0rion

the actron cp9180 I have lets you read sensor data in real time.

I'm trying to get one of these from Advance Auto, but they are sold out right now.

**Wesman** · 06-15-2010, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by LSX01MUSTANG

I'm trying to get one of these from Advance Auto, but they are sold out right now.

Won't be getting any more either. Its a discontinued item, which is why they are currently 50% off. All the stores I've checked have been out, as well as all local warehouses.

**bigrondownhiller** · 06-15-2010, 06:31 PM

you might still be able to order one online.

**LSX01MUSTANG** · 06-21-2010, 01:16 AM

Got one!! Found it locally by searching the Advance Auto parts website after the store closest to me said there were none locally.

**pajeff02** · 06-21-2010, 04:21 PM

A friend that works at Advance gave me a copy of their upcoming sale flyer -- Actron's new CP9580 is in it for $229.99. This unit includes ABS code scanning as well. I may have to upgrade...

**Cutlass** · 06-21-2010, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

A friend that works at Advance gave me a copy of their upcoming sale flyer -- Actron's new CP9580 is in it for $229.99. This unit includes ABS code scanning as well. I may have to upgrade...

That looks like about the same scan tool I bought from Matco Tools. Overall I don't really like it. Now mind you I'm pretty picky about these kinds of things. Here is my complaints:
1)The cable has a tag on it that says the cable contains lead and is known to cause cancer. It also says wash your hands after each use. Am I super worried about it...no. But WTF

2)It only works on Domestic ABS. I thought it worked on all ABS when I bought it. My bad
3) Its a little slow and clunky to navigate and retrieve data or codes.
4) The data refreshes too slowly for me but its comparible to most scan tools in this price range

But I have used it several times and it gets the job done in the end and obviously I'm not gonna spend $3000 for a scan tool.

**pajeff02** · 06-21-2010, 06:01 PM

^^ Good to know. Thanks Cutlass!

**casperss** · 06-22-2010, 06:17 PM

Oh I've sold several of those Cutlass. did you check out the MD1052 scan adviser? IMHO it's a better unit although abs and srs are limited like yours. If you want a realy good one check with your dist. and see if he has one of the mono chromatic Pro scan plus units. p/n MD10008AM these were selling for $899. I still have one left that i use as a demo. it looks like this without the meter and the color screen.

**Cutlass** · 06-22-2010, 06:57 PM

yeah I don't mean to rip on your products. Overall I'm ok with this scan tool. I've played with a few scan tools/code readers in this $50 to $300 price range and I can't understand why all of them are so slow. I can scroll through my crappy cell phone menu twice as fast as these scan tools.
I'll take a look at that $900 one but I'm not sure I'm ready to spend that much.

**OhTwo** · 07-04-2010, 06:46 PM

OK, late with my info - I have HPTuners for my T/A and have the cp9180 that I picked up a while back just to have something easier than having to have a laptop when someone needed a code checked/cleared. I just picked up one of those bluetooth obd devices and using free software on my droid phone it has read codes on 6 different cars of people I work with. It's not a replacement for anything nice but it's very small - about 2x2x1and I always have my phone with me so I can connect to it.

**pajeff02** · 07-04-2010, 07:06 PM

What is a "bluetooth obd device"? I have never heard of such a thing.

**OhTwo** · 07-04-2010, 10:12 PM

Look on the internet... ebay or dealextreme.com sell them. It plugs into your car's obd port but uses bluetooth to transmit rather than a cable. It's not as fast as my other units but much smaller and easier to clear codes when connected to my phone via bluetooth.