Actron 9145   

If you like to make repairs to your vehicles on your own or would at least like a heads up about what repairs are going to take place in the garage, you should consider getting an OBD II scanner.  One of the better models on the market today is the Actron 9145.  This is a great scanner that is easy enough to use, so even if you have not used one in the past you’ll learn quickly.  It is also a relatively affordable unit and will provide you with all of the information that you need about your vehicle. 

The Actron 9145 is an OBD II scanner.  This unit is a great option if you have a vehicle that was made from 1996 on, although you can buy addition cables that will allow you to use the unit with older vehicles that used the OBD I system.  This unit is very easy to use and will even allow you to interpret any results with ease, even the first time you use it you will feel like you are getting somewhere. 

The Actron 9145 has many great features.  For instance, it can not only read but erase OBD II trouble codes that are stored in the PCM, including pending codes.  You can also read and erase GM, Ford, and Chrysler OBD II codes that are specific to the manufacturer, which is helpful when you have these vehicles.  You can also buy optional cables to read OBD I codes from older GM, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles. 

Additional features that are liked include the ease of use and ability to quickly hook the unit up to the vehicle.  The larger LCD screen makes it easy to read the diagnostic trouble codes and their definitions.  There is no guess work associated with this great display.  You can also use this unit to turn off the check engine line. 

The Actron 9145 has a very easy to use menu.  The menu will allow you to easily see whether or not the vehicle is ready for an emissions test.  In addition, the unit will indicate and immediately fail a vehicle that has its check engine light on.  You will also receive alerts of pending diagnostic trouble codes. 

When you purchase the Actron 9145 you will receive the base unit, the OBD II cable, and eight foot extension cable, a CD-Rom and manual that lists over 5,000 code definitions, as well as a soft carrying case.  The benefits of this unit are that the unit is very simple to use.  There is OBD I and OBD II software built right in.  The tests even store in the unit so that you can review them later, if desired.