Actron CP9135 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with On Screen Definitions for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles

I ordered my ACTRON T9135 and it arrived promptly like most things from Amazon. I did a little research and this model is now discontinued, hence I think the substantial discount on the price. Nonetheless, my vehicle is an older truck (1999 Lincoln Navigator 4x4) and I did not think it would be an issue with having a discontinued model and I was right.

I received my scanner and quickly hooked it up to my truck's computer (service engine soon light was on) and I was able to read 4 error codes. I was experiencing a very rough idle and I hesitated taking it to the dealer or Midas (more expensive than the dealer) where they wanted $100 bucks to pull the codes and turn light off, crazy stuff I though and I hate having the "ripped off" feeling.

I don't consider myself a mechanic, but rather a very occasional Saturday mechanic, but I like to some tinkering with stuff, so I was not too afraid to try and troubleshoot this one on my own (I always learn something when I take this approach).

I must say that having the code and a brief description of the error was a great little feature to have built right in to the unit. Other scanners don't have the built in description of the error code, but rather a website you can reference the code. That's is fine, but there is something to be said for instant knowledge, right there and then on the scanner's screen.

I took the codes back to my laptop and did a little more research using the forums that come up when you Google around. Two codes indicated I had two malfunctioning oxygen sensors and given that my truck as almost 140K miles, it seemed logical. I went to my local auto parts store and got a couple of downstream O2 sensors, btw I later found them to be about 20% cheaper on amazon.com, but while the problem got better when I replaced them, I still has a rough idle. The other two codes made reference to a "lean mixture" condition and after doing more Google searches I found that I probably had a vacuum leak or a dirty MAF. I turned out to be a broken vacuum hose that runs from the PVC valve to the top of the engine. I replaced the hose and the car runs like new! I erase the codes again and I have not sent the service engine soon light come on yet.

Keep in mind that the scanner will likely not give you the fix, but rather in most cases point you in the right direction, you will have to research a little to resolve the issue. Nonetheless, I could not have solved the problem without it. Spend the money and get the tool, you will feel empowered and not so helpless when you see the service engine soon light. The scanner's screen display menus will help you along, they are very helpful and you will likely not need to even read the manual. It's very intuitive and no batteries required,it will get its power from the cord once you hook it up to the car's computer.

Good luck.

LegFlex
Seattle, WA

A great deal.

At this price if you use it once to reset your alert/alarm, it has paid for itself. I have a new diesel truck and I get those nuisance lights which drive you crazy because you have no idea whether they are real or not. So far I have used this thing three times to perform resets of misleading sensors.

I did have to send back the first one they sent me because the characters were chinese. But they shipped me the new one first and a box to ship the old one back. They were also very quick to ship.

I would have given this five stars, but mine was dead on arrival (DOA). Operating these devices is very simple. You just plug it into the OBDII receptacle under your dash and it should instantly display the opening menu. Mine did not, so rather than return it, I removed the four assembly screws and opened it up. I was looking for a cold solder or disconnected wire. What I found was that the processor chip was simply not seated in its socket. I gently pressed it in and closed the case. Problem solved.

This unit is a good value overall. Of all the code readers to choose from, this one has the ideal features for a home user and it is hard to beat for around $65. Don't let the fact that mine was DOA deter you. These things are very simple devices, and an unseated component is one of the more common causes for this sort of out-of-the-box failure for any electronic device. I would not have made it part of this review, but for the hope that it might save someone else the hassle associated with returning items through Amazon.

Recently my check engine light came on in my 2002 Toyota Highlander. This has been the third or fourth occurance since purchasing the vehicle as new. The Auto Scanner accurately diagnosed the code and saved me $89.95 in diagnostic fees at the dealership. The service writer still tried to pressure me into having the diagnostics run, but I stood firm and refused the service. Having the scanner is a real confidence booster when taking your vehicle in for service.

Bought the reader a month ago, use it regularly as I'm still fighting trouble codes on my 2000 VW
The code descriptions are very basic, you could easily find them (descriptions) online or at an Autozone, so now I think it would have been a good idea to buy the smaller, pocketable model, with the very basic features, thus saving $30 and storage space in your car.
As of the reader itself - it works perfectly, menus are intuitive and convenient.. the only reason I'm giving 4 stars - my personal doubts if extra functionality worths extra $30 and a bigger size.