Comments on: OBD-II Actron 9135 Scanner Review

By: radimus

radimus — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 18:56:54 +0000

Terry, do you have a link on the MAC Tools MiniScanner. It’s not listed here:

http://mactools.com/Mac/Mac+Products/Catalog/Electronics/Scan+Tools

By: kps

kps — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:57:34 +0000

Chaser, I have a Scangauge II. I’ve never had occasion to read trouble codes with it, but the gauge functions work as advertised. (I’d still rather have dials, though.)

By: Terry

Terry — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 16:17:43 +0000

Hello! I use scanners every day on the job(Mazda Shop Foreman/Master Tech)
SAVE YOUR MONEY!!
1st–make sure if you get a scanner it will read CAN(Controller Area Network) vehicles. Many dont, and most all cars since ‘03 use them.
2nd–Go to MAC tools, and get their MiniScanner!!
This small tool is powered by the vehicle(no battery), reads CAN cars, reads codes, gives code definitions, will clear codes, gives Freeze Frame Data(a snapshop of engine operating conditions when code was set), will identify the vehicle’s VIN#–and will give code definitions. All for–get this–$59!!!
With all the scanners I have including the $10K Mazda IDS system, I always use this MAC scanner for quick easy code work.
Terry

By: beetlebug

beetlebug — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 14:26:10 +0000

Nice review. I almost bought a scanner in the past. This may convince me to take the plunge.

By: GS650G

GS650G — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:13:49 +0000

Don’t look at used cars without one. I scanned a truck I was interested in buying and found no codes. Took it for a test drive and tested it again. Turns out the transmission had a problem. The trans probably didn’t break just then, more likely the owner ( who bragged about working on his own vehicle) saw the code, cleared it, and acted incredulous when I pointed it out.

Always check it before and after a test drive. You might not find all troubles but if it is serious enough you should. Another nice feature of the OBD-II is the ability to tap into the ecu while operting the vehicle, some units display readings from sensor and whatnot.

By: drbob

drbob — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:19:47 +0000

Works great with my iPhone too!

Actron’s code lookup site:

http://www.actron.com/code_lookup.php

By: The Comedian

The Comedian — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:16:26 +0000

Hence the “Gotta Have It” rating of just three stars.

I have this scanner’s big brother, the Actron 9180, that if you shop really hard doesn’t cost that much more, and provides quite a bit more functionality without the cost of pro-level tools.

By: guyincognito

guyincognito — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:45:52 +0000

Yes these are good, but the best part is that they are free! Just go to almost any auto parts store and borrow one. Sometimes they will even plug it in for you and tell you what the code means.

By: Chaser

Chaser — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:33:13 +0000

Any idea how this compares to the ScanGuage II? I know the ScanGuage is more of a permanent hook-up and it can read mileage, temps, etc. but I haven’t tried either device.

By: lprocter1982

lprocter1982 — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:12:08 +0000

Cool. I think I’ll be adding this to my Christmas wish list…

By: radimus

radimus — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:36:53 +0000

Actron’s code lookup site:

http://www.actron.com/code_lookup.php

Works pretty well on a Blackberry’s web browser as well. It should work fine on Windows Mobile devices as well.