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ok so ive been in the market for a good code reader to use on my envoy and f250 and whatever else i might need to work on. ive been toying with the blue tooth type with a laptop or a small basic handheld. i want one that will read codes, clear codes, display live data such as coolant temp, tranny temp and all the pertinant stuff.

i havent decided on one yet but for christmas my dad goes and drops a load on a actron cp9185 and wants me to learn how to use it to work on our stuff, but i am getting mixed reveiws online about drivers not avail and a few other issues.

i also used it a little bit today and found that its displaying alot of diff stuff that i dont quite understand and the user manual is no help at all.

my questions is ...

has anyone had experience with this unit
is there a better one for less money that does what i need
should i try to figure it out or try to convince my dad he spent more money than he should have and return it for a diff one


thanks

 

While I don't own that peticular scanner, here is some insight.
All live data may not be able to be seen on every make you attach it to as determined by the mfger programming and version.
Only high end units that may have different ways and offers more programs could be that advanced.
Next, unless you have the system limits for live data for each different make and know the abbreviations they use, you can have a hard time telling what is and is not unless the scanner indicates an out of limit reading for you.
Some data is displayed in decimal, some in Hex code, some in percentage you need to recognize.
The best ones allow the program to be addressed in an attempt to do a function and see the result but most often only a dealer has that level or a big shop.
For example, my scanner will read enough live data to be usefull for trouble shooting 90% of the time on these fFords.
The same scanner on a Chrysler product drowns you in data.
This is the difference between what is offered between makes and years.
Why i'm not sure.
At a dealer, the techs usually only have to work with Ford and some other makes given to someone with more experience on other makes on a daily basis so they get good at it.
You have a learning curve to climb, then ask for a big raise after you get there. Most dealer tech are schooled every year as the new models come out.
Be sure you understand the PCM programs up to 2003 have been superceides by the CAN system so the Scanner has to handle the system to which it is attached.
Sorry it's not easier.
Now you see where owners are at here, that just ask a question and have no knowledge or tools.
Hope the insight was a little helpfull.
"Me gets the feeling Dad thinks things are much simpler than they really are".
Good luck.

 

How much do those scanners cost?
Can you connect a cable from the Scan port directly to a Lap-Top?
Is there a Lap-Top program for doing the Cable/USB port option?

I don't work on Fords commercially, so I don't NEED this, but if it wasn't too expensive, I might get one if the Lap-top program and USB port cable would work without buying a Scanner.