[big gear head]

I need to get a OBD2 scanner. I'm looking at the Actron CP9580 at almost $200. Is this worh the money, or is there a better scanner in this price range? I want more than just a code reader. I want information from the sensors and other usefull information, along with suggestions on what the problem might be. Thanks for any help.

[LATECH]

The shop I am at has a similar actron scanner. They do have a lot of functions. In my opinion they are worth the 200 bucks hands down. I have a MTG 2500 snap on and I am looking to get something with much more up to date software.But at least with the actron you can get live data, monitor status,pending codes, current and history codes. I see the one you are looking at also has ABS and is trilingual.

[LATECH]

the code connct feature sounds nice, I have been doing diagnostics for a long time and generally diagnose with codes and live data, followed by pinpoint or pinout testing.
Knowing that a code is just a place to start helps. I like alldata for performing diagnostics.The wiring diagrams are good and more importantly the DESCRIPTION of the code and what it MEANS is important.
I am sure and I see it here all the time, that someone goes to autozone and has the code read and buys the "part" and puts it on only to find the code re-appears. Some codes are very specific like a code that has the words circuit failure or circuit shorted or open. Tends to make you think it is in the wiring you know.Others are more ambiguous and take a little deductive and logical reason and elimination, along with pinpoint testing and specification checking like vacuum and pressure etc. But then you probably allready know this, I was just rattling on figuring maybe some of the Others here could gain something from it.

[big gear head]

Thank you very much for your input. Seems like you have a lot of experience with this, and if you think this tool is good then I may go ahead and get it. I'm not made of money (although my kids think I am), so I still have a '96 Olds 88 for a family car and I've been having problems with it lately. The idle is very high when the weather is cold, but it idles fine when the weather is warm. It's been doing this for about 3 or 4 years. I need to fix that and now the check engine light has come on. I need something that will give me enough information to get the car running right again, and I would also like to be able to use it for other jobs in the future. Someday I'm going to replace this car, and I want the scanner to work with later models too. I've got an old Tech something scanner that works on '80s model stuff, but it's no good on OBD2 stuff.

[LATECH]

your very welcome gear head.
My mtg 2500 has software for a few other things also like airbags(srs) transfer case diagnostics, ABS,transmission contriols Some models also have bi directional controls wich allow me to turn things on and off , like trans solenoids and evap solenoids , which is a big help in diagnostics
I have been wanting to get a new scanner. I was looking at one that does EVERYTHING and it is not an OTC or a Snap on. It updates online and you can download software for every car made in the world.I wont mention the name but in my opinion it is hands down a better scanner for jap and euro cars than the snap on or OTC.
I am sure the actron you listed will work well for what you are doing.

[Mr.NutCase]

I Would go with best one you can afford
So you want PID's? ABS?
What years car are you working on?
2008 and up are CAN.......

Snap On too,
Matco has some small unit

And X-rAy something...