We’ve all experienced problems with our vehicles at some point in our lives. Perhaps your car isn’t running well or the dreaded Check Engine light seemed to come on for no apparent reason. Of course, taking your car to the dealer requires “scanning” your vehicle’s computer to diagnose the problem, which usually results in a fee of at least $100, and that’s before they fix anything. Actron™, the world’s leader in ODBII diagnostic tools, now offers a suite of tools to assist you in diagnosing your vehicle, right from your own garaged.

Scan Tool
A Scan Tool can be used to read and erase trouble codes, display, record and play back LIVE diagnostic data and perform other tests allowed by the vehicle maker. Actron has scan tools that cover vehicles 1982 to present depending on required coverage.

Code Reader
A Code Reader can be used to read and erase diagnostic trouble codes as well as other additional features depending on the tool. These tools work on all vehicles 1996 and newer.

Code Scanner
A Code Scanner reads diagnostic trouble codes generated by the vehicle's system. Codes are displayed on the vehicle's dashboard and/or identified through audio prompts. These products work with 1981-1995 vehicles.

Actron Scan Tools and Code Readers are designed to communicate with cars and light-duty trucks which comply with US emission standards.

Actron AutoScanner Plus with CodeConnect
Actron’s flagship scan tool is the new AutoScanner® Plus with CodeConnect™. Compatible with 1996 and newer vehicles, AutoScanner Plus (Product Number CP9580) is a trilingual OBDII, CAN and ABS Scan Tool delivering live engine data in English, Spanish and French. This new generation scan tool can also record, graph and play back real time data as well as read and erase generic and manufacturer specific trouble codes.



The neat feature of Actron’s AutoScanner Plus is CodeConnect. CodeConnect is a comprehensive database containing three million verified solutions for trouble codes that cause the check engine light to illuminate. In other words, not only does the AutoScanner Plus find the trouble codes, but it also tells you how to fix the problem.



Actron’s AutoScanner Plus displays trouble codes and prioritizes troubleshooting with the Top Reported Fixes specific to a vehicle’s make, model, year and engine. With the simple push of a button, the AutoScanner Plus ‘connects’ you with the most probable solutions to the vehicle problem.



With more information and more code definitions than competitive products, AutoScanner Plus provides do-it-yourselfers and professional technicians with the information they need to fix vehicles faster. All the information is contained within the tool, however, you can connect the AutoScanner Plus to your home computer with the included USB cable and update the built-in information as more vehicles and troubleshooting tips becomes available.



The new scan tool also includes domestic ABS code coverage for 1996-2008 domestic vehicles, and it reads and displays all 9 modes of global OBD II data. In addition, the AutoScanner Plus software displays emissions status, MIL status, all 15 I/M monitors, VIN information, live engine and Freeze Frame data.



The Actron AutoScanner Plus, and their other scan tools, are available in auto parts stores around the U.S.

By Matt D'Andria