Actron CP9690 Trilingual Professional-Grade OBD2 / OBD1 Scanner Review

The Actron CP9690 uses three main languages (English, Spanish, French).

The scanner can work with vehicles made between 1996 and 2013 like GM, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Hyundai, Toyota. Furthermore, CP9690 also supports OBD1 and CAN protocols.

Detailed Review of Actron CP9690

Actron CP9690 Trilingual OBD I/OBD II Elite

4.5 / 5

The scanner can work with vehicles made between 1996 and 2013 like GM, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Hyundai, Toyota.

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Outstanding Features and Functionalities

A Great Interface

The first impression of the CP9690 is its nice interface. Generally, the vehicle performance and diagnosis data it generates is easy to understand and actionable. Users can even record, playback, and graph live engine data.

Broad Protocol and Vehicle Coverage

The Actron CP9690 OBD2 offers lots of versatility to vehicle owners. For instance, the scanner can help diagnose issues facing a selection of vehicles made from 1984 to 1995.

Also, unlike many scanners, this version also supports vehicles made in 2013. The support for OBD2, OBD1, and CAN protocols is also a huge plus.

Many Features

The Actron CP9690 has plenty of features. That makes the device’s user-friendliness quite commendable since both beginners and pros can use this device. Additionally, its compact size makes it easy to carry around.

Strengths of THE ACTRON CP9690

Compatibility

The Actron CP9690 offers compatibility with many car brands and diagnostic protocols. The car brands that this device can work with include the following (about ABS and SRS Airbag support):

• Ford
• Chrysler
• Honda
• Nissan
• Toyota
• Hyundai

The gadget is also one of the few that support the older OBD1 protocols such as:

• GM
• Ford
• Chrysler
• Toyota

Functionality

The Actron CP9690 allows car owners to get trilingual support. Additionally, support for ABS and SRS Airbags is available for most cars made from 1996 to 2013.

The CP9690 can also work with many newer and imported domestic vehicles using OBD2 and CAN protocols. Other features include the capacity to record, playback, and even make graphical representations of live engine data.

Interface

Physically, the scanner has nine buttons and a color screen that displays engine information. The device is easy to use, thanks to the intuitive user interface it offers its users.

Recording, playing back, and viewing graphs of live engine data is also very easy with this device.

Others

There is an optional battery backup feature for the scanner when off the vehicle. Without a connection to the vehicle, the battery kicks in. Also, you can update the device via a USB port.

Shortcomings of THE ACTRON CP 9690 

Compatibility

Like many other scanners, manufacturers specially made it for American cars. Therefore, users who need to use this scanner on their foreign cars might run into compatibility problems. Fortunately, such issues are in the minority.

Functionality

The Actron Cp9690 OBD2 functions quite impressively. However, users must understand what the device displays to benefit from what it has to offer.

Actron CP9690 vs INNOVA 3120 vs Innova 3150F Comparison Chart

	Actron CP9690 Check Price	INNOVA 3120 Check Price	Innova 3150F Check Price
Customer Rating	4.5 / 5	4.4 / 5	4.4 / 5
Price
Product Dimensions	4" x 11" x 13.5"	2.5" x 15" x 10.5"	10.2" x 8.2" x 1.5"
Item Weight	3.63lbs	2lbs	1.45lbs
Pros	Contains built-in library with code definitions; Color LCD screen; Can Perform ABS and Airbag Diagnosis; Compatible with most OBDI and OBD2 (1984-2013) GM,Ford,Chrysler,Honda,Nissan,Toyota, Hyundai vehicles; Offers live engine data.	Innova 3120 can perform both OBDI and OBDII functions; Free upgrades and updates plus a 1-year warranty; Shows over 20 diagnostic information in a single view.	Saves you time and money visiting the mechanics; Can clears SRS and ABS warning lights; Compatible with several models of vehicles.
Cons	Customer service is not really good.	Cannot read or clears ABS and Airbag (SRS) codes; No live data.	May not compatible with some cars; Not easy to use for beginners; The website is rather confusing.
Bottom Line	Actron CP9690 scanner is definitely one to consider if you want a tool that can diagnose the engine, ABS, and SRS.	Innova 3120 perfectly suits average car owners, beginners, and DIYers.	Innova 3150f is excellent for experienced DIYers or enthusiasts who prefer Bluetooth Connections.
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Who is it Built For?

Car enthusiasts who still cling to car models from the 80s and the early nineties will find it quite useful. It supports the OBD1 protocols these cars use.

Even so, beginners will find using The Actron CP9690 a delight, thanks to its simple user interface and an intuitive display. Additionally, professional mechanics will love how accurate this scanner is at diagnosing engine problems.

The Actron CP9690 is a professional-grade scanner.

The Bottom line

It is hardly surprising that few OBD2 scanners can live up to the performance of The Actron CP9690. The CP9690 can be used on specific car models that most other scanners do not support.

Some of the other key features include the ample color screen, the ability to graph live engine data and send the data it records to your computer. So yes, The Actron CP9690 OBD2 Scanner is worth every penny.