Scan tools can be one of the most important gadgets in any garage. They allow you to communicate with a vehicle’s computer and diagnose any number of issues, from a loose gas cap to a broken thermostat.
There are, however, many choices in the scan tool market. You can find basic code readers in the $30 range, and you can find advanced scanners in the $3,000 range, so you’ll want to do some research before spending your hard-earned cash.
Actron CP9575 Review
The Actron CP9575 is one of the most common scan tools on the market. It has numerous features, updateable software, and a decent price at around $100. For its cost, it’s certainly a good value, so let’s see if the Actron CP9575 is right for you…
What to Like About the CP9575
Back-lit Screen: One of the most common complaints of other scan tools is the difficulty of reading the screen. They can often be too dim or reflective, making reading the screens, particularly when working outside on a sunny day, difficult and frustrating. You’ll rarely have this problem with the Actron CP9575 scanner, thanks to the back-lit display, which provides information in a clear, bright, and easy-to-see fashion.
Live Data Freeze Frame Capability: When using the live data function, it can be easy to miss an important piece of information as data is continually fed into the scanner. With the freeze frame capability, you can ensure that you won’t miss something that could lead you to the root of the problem. You won’t be wondering if you missed something, and the freeze frame feature could save you the trouble of repeating the live scan process over and over again.
Speaks Your Language: The Actron CP9575 offers menus, manuals, and even definitions in three languages: English, Spanish, and French, making it one of the most versatile scan tools on the market. If you’re more comfortable working in Spanish, then this code reader should be one of your top choices.
Internet Updates Available: Like computer software and cars themselves, scan tools need to constantly be updated to stay in tune with modern technology and programs. The Actron CP9575 can be updated online, ensuring that you stay current with the latest codes and software. Updates can be performed through a cord that connects the scanner straight to your computer.
What Not to Like
Finicky Internet Updates: Since we just finished discussing the benefits of internet updates, we’ll jump right into one of the most common complaints about the Actron CP9575: many reviewers have found the internet update process to be difficult and frustrating.
Some complain that the manufacture’s website is not very supportive, while others have reported an excessive amount of time for the software to download. To be fair, downloading problems could be related to any number of issues, (bad computers, poor internet connection, human error, etc) but this has become one of the most common negatives for the Actron CP9575. If you hope to constantly update your scan tool, you may want to do some thorough research before purchasing this model.
Slightly Pricer than Others: At around $100, the Actron CP9575 is far from the most expensive scan tool you can purchase. That said, if you are simply looking for a basic code reader and not much else, you will certainly be able to find lower priced models. For example, the Autel MaxiScan MS310 can be purchased for about $20. So if you just want to simply read and clear code, you can easily get by with a more basic and cheaper model.
Final Thoughts on the CP9575
The Actron CP9575 Auto Scanner is a handy little tool for shops and garages that want a good value for all the features that come with it. It’s somewhere in the middle between stripped-down budget code reader and cutting-edge scan tool. So if you have never operated a code reader before, you may want to choose a cheaper, more basic model.
If, on the other hand, you have some experience working with check engine lights and reading codes and are ready for a more advanced diagnostic tool, this may be a great choice. Features like data freeze frame and internet updates make it a great option for thorough diagnosis, and the tri-lingual function makes it practical for many shops and garages across North America.