When searching for the best OBD2 scanner, you’re always going to come across the Actron CP9580A Enhanced. It’s easy to use, robust and packed with nifty features. But as always, the best OBD2 scanner is subjective to your personal requirements. So, let’s explore exactly what this Actron scanner has to offer!
Price wise, the Actron CP9580A Enhanced is typically available for around $230, or less on Amazon. With many more expensive OBD2 scanners available on the market, how does the Actron scanner stand up against them?
As it turns out, it’s hard to beat when it comes to bang for the buck! In fact, it’s one of the best OBD 2 scanners in this price range. Most impressively, it boasts advanced features such as a lookup library, record and playback data, and real-time data graphs.
Technical Specifications of Actron CP9580A AutoScanner
Technical Specification |
Actron CP9580A AutoScanner |
|---|---|
| Compatibility: | OBD2 (1996 and newer) vehicles |
| Display: | Backlit color LCD screen |
| Live Data: | Yes |
| Freeze Frame Data: | Yes |
| Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): | Yes, reads and clears DTCs |
| Emissions Readiness: | Yes, checks I/M readiness status |
| ABS & SRS Codes: | Yes, for select vehicles |
| Battery & Charging System Test: | No |
| Oil Light Reset: | No |
| Updateable: | Yes, via USB connection |
| Languages: | English, Spanish, French |
| Vehicle Coverage: | Domestic, Asian, and European vehicles |
| Power Source: | Vehicle’s OBD2 port |
| Diagnostic monitor test: | Yes |
| Freeze frame data: | Yes |
| Batteries: | 4 AAA batteries required |
| Vehicle Convergence: | All 1996 and Newer import and domestic Vehicle (OBDII & Can) |
| Read and erase DTCs: | Yes |
| Record and playback LIVE engine data: | Yes |
| DTC lookup library: | Yes |
| View vehicle emissions data: | Yes |
| Reads and displays VIN: | Yes |
| Displays O2 monitor test: | Yes |
| I/M Readiness Monitors: | Yes |
| Vehicle information: | Yes |
| Dimensions (HxWxD): | 10.5 x 7.4 x 1.9 inches |
| Weight: | 1.65 lbs |
Advantages of Using the Actron CP9580A AutoScanner
Whether you’re fixing your car or taking it to a mechanic, this Actron scanner will save you time and money. You can detect issues before they become costly problems and even pinpoint the likely causes.
Advanced Code Lookup Library– This is the most useful feature of the Actron scanner. Not only can it read information to identify a code, but it will also diagnose the problem and return potential solutions.
Reads a Wide Variety of Codes – The Actron CP9580 can also read the notorious ABS codes (Anti-Lock Brake System). Not all OBD2 scanners can facilitate this, but it’s essential if you wish to reduce expensive ABS repairs.
Extensive Advanced Features
The Actron CP9580 has many features, especially compared to other scanners in this bracket. Features include:
- Drive cycle mode
- Freeze frame data
- Print data support
- State OBD check
- Trouble codes memory
- Live data graph
- Record and play back data
- CodeConnect
You may not immediately have a use for all these features, but it’s incredibly handy to have them all within a single device. You’ll be ready to handle these jobs at any given time.
Considerations Before You Buy an Actron CP9580A Enhanced AutoScanner
Always check your vehicle’s compatibility before purchasing, not all features work on all cars. Cars are continually evolving and adding new. As a result, OBD2 scan tools can’t always keep up.
If you want to use the ABS feature, make sure you research compatibility with your vehicle. It usually works fine for almost all cars from 1996 to 2010 for Ford, GM and Chrysler vehicles. Then from 1996 to 2009 for Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and Nissan vehicles.
Furthermore, you may need to ask yourself if you need all the advanced features.
Otherwise, it may be wiser to choose a more affordable option. Ask yourself, how often will you use the data export features? Will you ever need to record data and replay it?
Actron CP9580A Review Conclusion
The Actron Enhanced scanner is ideal for car enthusiasts or anyone needing an easy-to-use scan tool with advanced features. Its price is very well justified by the multitude of functions and all out performance.
Most notably, the advanced code library is essential for diagnosing issues efficiently. The outstanding versatility of this scan tool makes it worthy of your toolbox! Want extraordinary features for an ordinary price? Get the Actron CP9580A Enhanced.