Actron CP9125 Pocket OBD2-Positive Reviews and Shortcomings

Last Updated on January 25, 2025

With more than 40 years of experience, Actron offers different scanners for different people. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level scan tool, a mid-range scanner, or a professional automotive diagnostic scanner, you will find what you’re looking for at Actron. With this in mind, we’ll be looking at the Actron CP9125 C pocket scan tool. It is a very basic scan tool, just like the Actron CP9660. Read this Actron CP9125 review to know more about this scanner.

The Actron CP9125C pocket scan is an entry-level scan tool suitable for DIYers, car owners, and startup mechanics. This is because it only performs basic functions, but it is very reliable. It can read and turn off the check engine light. Alternatively, you can use it to diagnose trouble codes from the onboard computers of most vehicles manufactured from 1996 and newer.

Actron CP9125 Pocket Scanner-Most Asked Questions

• Can this scan tool be updated?

As small and cheap as it is, this diagnostic code reader can be updated for future use on the latest vehicle makes and models. So, you won’t have to buy a new code reader, but just update it to have the latest software.

• Is the CP9125 scanner compatible with the Subaru Impreza car?

Yes, this scanner works on this car model.

• Can you diagnose a 1998 BMW M3?

Actron CP9125 works on car models manufactured after 1996. So it is compatible with the vehicle.

• Actron CP9125 C vs. CP9125: Is there any difference?

No, both scanners are the same in features and design.

• Can you use it for your motorcycle?

No, it is only designed for cars and light trucks.

• Is the scanner good for the Toyota RAV4 2001?

Some users claim that the scanner will not connect to this particular car model.

• Does the Actron CP9125 show which cylinder misfires?

It can detect an engine misfire but doesn’t show any further details about the cylinder.

Actron CP9125 C-How We Review This Pocket Scanner

It is small and compact, making it ideal for everyday carry. Additionally, it is very easy to use by simply connecting the 16-pin connector cable to the OBD2 port and diagnosing different problems.

Related article: Which scanner should you buy between Innova and Actron?

Moreover, the automotive scanner can be updated via the internet and comes with a one-year limited warranty. With such a device, you will save time and money spent visiting the mechanic by tackling the most basic issues on your car.

Technical Specifications:

Features	Actron CP9125 Scanner
Works:	All 1996 and newer import and domestic OBD II and CAN vehicles
Display MIL status:	Yes
Indicates the number of DTCs pulled:	Yes
Displays emission status:	Yes
Special Features:	Includes OBDII 16-pin connector, Includes software with 5,000+ trouble codes, Works for most cars and light trucks since 1996
Update Option:	Yes
Weight:	2.3 pounds
Dimensions:	10.3 x 6.3 x 2.3 inches
Warranty:	One year (12 months)
Price:	Check Today’s Price

Easy to use

Being an entry-level scan tool, you don’t need any knowledge to start using the Actron cp9125 C pocket scan tool. If you have any challenges, just check out the user manual. The information will be displayed on the screen, and the buttons will be well-labeled.

Extensive vehicle coverage

This is an amazing diagnostic coder, as it is compatible with a wide range of vehicles. It works on most 1996 and newer cars and light trucks that are OBD2 compliant. Some of the popular car brands that you can use this device are Subaru, GM vehicle, Ford, Toyota, Honda, BMW, Nissan, etc. But you cannot use this Obd tool for BMW.

Sturdy construction

Regardless of being a small and compact scanner, the CP9125 C code reader is sturdily constructed to last longer. It features a hard plastic casing, and it is lightweight. It is also drop resistant.

Basic functions

If your aim is to read codes, erase codes, turn off the check engine light, and display emissions status, then this is the scanner for you. It performs basic functions but not special or advanced functions. So you can check the technical specifications of the Actron Elite Autoscanner CP9690, which offers more advanced features. But overall, It will save you money spent on the mechanic to read and erase error codes.

Backlit display

This user-friendly gadget will allow you to read and erase error codes in different light conditions. Thanks to the backlit display that illuminates the screen even in dark conditions.

Affordable

Despite having wonderful features, the Actron cp9125 pocket scan tool is favorably priced. It will help you to check codes and clear check engine lights. This is better than taking your car to the mechanic for such services.
Check Price

Warranty& Updates

The best part of all is that you can update this gadget over the internet. So, you can be assured that it will function on the latest vehicle models by simply updating its software.

On top of all the great features that it offers, this code reader comes with a one-year warranty.

Setbacks of the Actron CP9125 Scanner

Displays limited information – if you’re a professional mechanic looking for a professional diagnostic scanner, then look elsewhere. This scan tool doesn’t come with advanced functions, and that’s why it is suitable for beginners and DIYers who only want to read codes and turn off the check engine light.

Related article: Autel VS Actron: Comparison between two popular OBD scanner brands

Short cord – another shortcoming of using this Actron scan tool is that it comes with a short cord. This limits your movement as you won’t be able to diagnose the car from outside. You can only use the scanner while seated in the driver’s seat.

Compatibility problems – before buying this code reader, you should get in touch with Actron and detect if the scanner is compatible with your car’s make and model or not. This will help you to prevent wasting money on a scan tool that isn’t compatible with your vehicle.

Comparison table for Actron CP9125 vs Actron CP9660 Scanner

Feature	Actron CP9125	Actron CP9660
Type	Basic PocketScan Code Reader	Advanced Diagnostic Code Reader
Display	Small, simple LED display	Larger, backlit LCD screen
Ease of Use	Extremely user-friendly, single-button control	User-friendly with more advanced features
Vehicle Compatibility	Works with OBD-II compliant vehicles (1996+)	Covers OBD-II, CAN, and enhanced OBD-II vehicles
Features	Reads and clears trouble codes; basic diagnostics	Reads/clears codes, live data, freeze frame, and I/M readiness
Size and Portability	Compact and portable	Slightly larger, still portable
Data Display	Displays error codes only	Displays error codes, definitions, and live data
Code Definitions	Requires manual lookup or reference	Built-in code definitions for easy reference
Price	Budget-friendly	Slightly more expensive
Software Updates	No software update capability	Supports updates via USB connection
Best For	Beginners or DIYers looking for basic diagnostics	Intermediate to advanced users needing more comprehensive diagnostics

Alternative Of Actron CP9125:

Actron CP9660 OBD2 Scanner

• Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
• Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Works: All 1996 and newer vehicles
• Reads ABS and OBD II generic codes: Yes
• Live data vehicle sensor: Yes
• Reads and displays all available I/M monitors for emissions: Yes
• Freeze Frame Data: Yes
• Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Yes
• Switch and Relay inputs in real-time: Yes
• Reads Codes: Yes
• Reads ABS Codes: Yes
• Erases Codes: Yes
• LCD Readout: Yes
• Warranty: One year (12 months)

Actron CP9670 OBD2 Scanner

• Dimensions: 10.20 x 6.50 x 1.50 inches
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Works: 1996 and newer vehicles
• Check Engine Light: Yes
• Live data information: Yes
• Language Support: English, Spanish, French
• Views Freeze Frame Data: Yes
• State OBD check(emissions): Yes
• Record and Playback of Live Data: Yes
• Read and display VIN: Yes
• I/M Monitors: Yes
• Update Option: Yes
• Powertrain and ABS Vehicle Coverage: Yes
• Battery System Monitor: No
• Read & Erase DTCs: Yes
• Get transmission codes: Yes
• Warranty: 12 months

Final thoughts

Generally, the Actron CP9125 C scan tool is a nice code reader for startup mechanics and DIYers. It performs most of the basic functions of a scanner, and it is easy to use. All you need is to connect it to the OBD2 port and start diagnosing your car. Also, the tool is cheaper than other models, including Actron CP9695 or Actron CP9670 Pro AutoScanner.

Furthermore, the CP9125 C pocket scan tool can be updated over the internet to have the latest software that can be used to diagnose the most recent car models. With a wide vehicle coverage of most 1996 and the newer vehicle makes and models, this is a code reader that you can rely on.