The Actron CP9180 AutoScanner Plus OBD 2 Diagnostic Code Reader is often seen as a handy tool for car owners. However, when you compare consumer-grade code readers like the Actron CP9180 to professional or factory-level scan tools, the difference in capability is stark. It’s similar to comparing a bicycle to a Lexus; both are vehicles, but their performance and features are worlds apart.
Generic code readers, including the Actron CP9180, can be limiting when trying to efficiently and effectively diagnose and repair modern vehicles. These tools primarily provide basic OBD2 code numbers and a minimal amount of data, and the data refresh rate can be quite slow. On today’s complex vehicles, a consumer-level tool like the Actron CP9180 may only offer a fraction of the data and functionality available with a professional-grade scan tool—possibly as little as one-tenth.
One significant limitation is the lack of bi-directional controls in most consumer scanners such as the Actron CP9180. Bi-directional control allows technicians to command the car to perform specific actions for diagnostic purposes. For instance, a professional tool can command the EGR valve to open, force a transmission to shift gears at a certain speed, or activate components like wipers or the horn to verify their operation. These capabilities are generally absent in tools like the Actron CP9180. Furthermore, features like ECU programming and module flashing, essential for software updates and more complex repairs, are beyond the scope of consumer-level scanners.
It’s important to understand that On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII), the system that the Actron CP9180 and similar scanners access, is mandated to standardize diagnostic trouble codes and primarily focuses on emissions-related issues. OBDII’s main purpose is to illuminate the check engine light when it detects a fault that increases tailpipe or evaporative emissions beyond 1.5 times the federal standards or if it senses damage to the catalytic converter or other primary emissions control components. Therefore, issues not directly related to emissions, such as problems with steering assist, will likely not trigger codes detectable by basic consumer OBD2 readers like the Actron CP9180. These systems operate outside the emissions-focused scope of OBDII, meaning an Actron CP9180 won’t necessarily reveal problems in these areas.
In conclusion, while the Actron CP9180 AutoScanner Plus OBD 2 Diagnostic Code Reader and similar consumer tools can be useful for reading basic emissions-related fault codes, they have significant limitations compared to professional diagnostic equipment. For comprehensive diagnostics, bi-directional controls, and non-emissions related issues, especially in modern vehicles, professional-grade tools are essential. Understanding these limitations is crucial for anyone relying on consumer OBD2 scanners for car repair and maintenance.
