Ultra Cool Gadgets

The Actron ABS BrakeScan is an innovative and affordable solution to brake repairs. Developed by the same experts that designed the first retail Check Engine Light reader and scan tool, the Actron ABS BrakeScan connects to most domestic vehicles 1996 and newer and allows you to diagnose Anti-Lock Brake problems on your own. The appearance of an ABS light on the dashboard typically signals an expensive trip to the mechanic. Actron arms do-it-yourself mechanics with tools previously only available to professional technicians. BrakeScan helps identify what parts are required to fix ABS-related problems, allowing you to avoid a trip to the mechanic’s shop.
In the event that you do need to visit your automotive professional, the Actron ABS BrakeScan gives you the information you need before you go. The BrakeScan’s robust code library is embedded right in the tool, and you can view necessary information on the large, backlit screen. Being empowered with this wealth of knowledge enables you to visit your auto technician with confidence.

Product Features

* Reads and displays ABS trouble codes
* Embedded code library conveniently shows code definitions on-screen
* Battery backup retains most recent vehicle scan
* USB connectivity keeps the unit up-to-date for future vehicles
* Compatible with all domestic vehicles 1996 and newer

Customer feedback:

1. This is to ABS what the other Code Scan tools are for your engine. It gives you historical codes and current codes so you can get a good over all picture of whats happening. You must have a basic understanding of ABS and the Sensors / Components that make up the system. If you do then this is the tool that will save you a fortune by not having to take your vehicle to a dealer! If you have no idea of how ABS works, keep taking your car to the dealer or learn fast so you can save! Only possible complaint some may have is that the tool will not reset the ABS light like you can with the Check Engine light with the other scan tools. Me personally, I want to see the historical codes so that I can ascertain if a problem is intermittant or not.

2. For the price, this is a pretty nice ABS scanner. You can’t find anything close to it’s price for your ABS problems. Plugs into the same OBDII port as your normal OBDII scanners so it’s simple to connect. Once it tells you what the problem is, it’s still up to YOU to know how to fix that problem. ABS scanners unlike OBD scanners, you can’t just erase the code(s). When you fix the problem, the ABS light should go off all on it’s own. All ABS systems Self test when you first turn the key on to check and make sure everything is working, of course it can pass that test and when you start driving then Pop the light on from something like a wheel sensor not sending the correct Data to the computer. Unplugging the battery is of last Resort. Doing so can on some cars screw up all the settings for the Engine to run right for example, and it will not Idle correctly and run smoothly until you take it out for a drive for 40 miles or so. This is also why it’s bad to replace your battery just before you go in for a Smog Check It can cause you to fail.

Battery Tender Plus is the most advanced charger/maintainer on the market specially designed for today’s sealed lead acid batteries. The Battery Tender Plus uses micro-processor technology in a four-stage charging profile to charge, improve, and float your battery so it is ready when you are. Constant current charging and regulated voltage patterns allow the battery to be recharged fully and safely without the fear of overcharging. Constantly monitors the battery without the damaging effects of trickle chargers- a trickle charger will eventually boil dry or overcharge a battery. Battery Tender Plus` voltage output compensates for temperature changes- providing additional protection. Initial charge brings battery to full charge at approximately 14.2V. After full charge is reached- converts to float charger and monitors battery at 13.2V. Although a constant charge is being applied to the battery- there is little or no current (approx. 10mA)

Product Features

* Temperature compensated for optimum charge voltage
* Automatically switches from full charge to float charging mode for top performance
* Reverse polarity protection to ensure user safety
* 10-year warranty
* Safe operation

Customer feedback:

1. Every time I want to fire up my old 71 Datsun (that’s Nissan for those of you younger than 30) 240 Z there’s a good chance that the battery has drained down and that I can’t start it! Looking around at car forums I read about this nifty little gadget….It’s like a battery trickle charger….sort of. Whereas it’s not recommended to keep a trickle charger hooked up all the time, this one has circuitry to limit the current and sense when the battery needs charging. It only charges at 1.25 amps which is easier on the battery.
I’ve had it on for a month now and it’s great. The first couple of days, the red light was on indicating charging. Since then it’s been on green and the car starts right up. I live in Houston where the heat and humidity can be just as brutal on batteries as the cold. I highly recommend this “tender” for those that have cars that stay unused for long periods.

2. I have a 4 year old Accord that, due to circumstance, only has about 4400 miles. Rarely driven…and what driving is done is mostly at night. Sat for a week once in very cold weather…dead battery. Ordered this. Hooked it up. 100% charge and the battery is very powerful once again.( had thought I would probably need a new one).
It’s very small size makes it extremely easy to use and store. And it will not overcharge, so you do not have to babysit the process. It’s LEDs glow red when charging. Green and red blink once 80% has been achieved. Solid green at 100%.
It did, in very cold weather, take a long time to establish a full charge on my almost completely discharged battery. The battery would have been usable in a few hours, but 100% took close to 18. Highly recommended.

The Actron CP9180 OBD II AutoScanner Plus Diagnostic Code Scanner encompasses many professional features in an inexpensive scan tool. If you are new to diagnostic scanners, this handy tool connects to your vehicle, scans various parts of your car, truck or SUV, and retrieves a list of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and code definitions from your vehicle’s computer. But even if you’re a veteran to scanners and auto repair, you’ll be impressed with the new functionality that Actron has added to the CP9180. This device not only scans your vehicle, it also allows you to freeze-frame live timing and pinpoint your vehicle’s problem. Instead of having to recreate a scenario over and over again, you can now playback the timing to scrutinize all the data and make a clear diagnosis. Combine this with Internet connectivity and the ability to interface with a PC, and you have a powerful, professional diagnostic scanner in the palm of your hand. This device is compatible with all OBD II (On-Board Diagnosis II) compliant vehicles manufactured in North America, Asia, and Europe from 1996 to the present.
In addition, the CP9180 is fully updateable via the Internet, so it is designed to accommodate future vehicles as well. The device features a large, easy-to-read backlit screen that shows the trouble code and its definition. And although you still have to fix the problem that your scanner detects, this device will deactivate the “check engine” light on your dash so you’ll no longer be distracted while you drive. Every Actron scan tool and code reader incorporates CAN (Controller Area Network) and the patented TrueLink Technology which guarantees the tool will link to and communicate with every OBD II compliant vehicle. This assures a fast and accurate diagnostic output — a key ingredient to an effective repair.

Product Features

* Bilingual diagnostic code scanner easily retrieves trouble codes from your vehicle’s computer to diagnose problems
* Compatible with all OBD II-compliant vehicles from 1996 to the present
* Large easy-to-read LCD screen displays DTCs and their descriptions
* Fully updateable via the Internet, so it will work with future vehicle models
* TrueLink Technology assures a fast and accurate diagnostic output

Customer Feedback:

1. I am not an expert, but I researched these quite a bit and have used other cheaper OBDII readers before. This has nice advanced features like freeze frame capture and real time sensor monitors. The advanced features are probably only useful if you know what the readings should be, so this is not a beginner’s tool. This seems to be in the “sweet spot” of these products before the prices go up exponentially with higher-end models. It supports the newest CAN bus. This is a good tool for the advanced home mechanic.

2. No, this thing won’t fix your vehicle for you. But, it does tell you what code is making your Check Engine Light come on. That information, and some research in a shop manual or on the web (or by asking the right friend), can lead you to a faulty component without paying a dealer $75 or more just to scan your computer and tell you what code(s) are set. Two or three problems solved and your purchase is paid for.
I have used a professional scan tool (Matco) that a mechanic friend lent me. This product is not as ruggedly built; but, I’m not going to be using it day-in day-out like my friend does with his scanner. The Actron unit is certainly rugged enough for the do-it-yourselfer. The supplied case will protect it from being knocked around in your tool box. The case is big enough to hold the scanner, OBD cable, USB cable, owners manual, and the CD that has the software.

The Battery Bug – Starting Battery Monitor (SBM) provides real-time information on the health of your car battery or other engine starting battery. Testing your battery at EVERY start, it tracks your battery’s changes with age and use so you won’t be left stranded with a dead battery. As your battery gets older and nears the end of its life, the Battery Bug will alert you with an audible alarm that your battery should be replaced. Additionally, the Battery Bug display shows remaining battery life %, present battery voltage, and alternator/charging voltage.

Product Features

* New patented monitoring technology for engine starting batteries
* Tests battery at EVERY start
* Audible alarms for “Replace Battery” and “Low Charge”
* Display shows remaining battery life and battery voltage
* Rugged case – installs in minutes

Customer feedback:

1. I just tried the battery bug for the first time this weekend. It appears to work as advertised.
You attach it to the battery terminals and it gives you a count down while it boots up. It then gives you the battery’s voltage output (volts). Then you start up the vehicle and it gives you a per centage rating of your battery. the bug flashes between percent and the batteries output voltage. When the vehicle is turned off, the bug continues to flash between the startup percentage and the battery’s output voltage. I tried it on a month old truck and the percentage was 100%, as expected. I tried it on a Jeep which is only run in the summer but the Optima battery is kept charged and it gave an 88% rating. The batter was about 3 and a half years old under Phoenix (hot desert) use.

2. Took me 2 minutes to install. Anyone can read and understand what it displays. Know I know my 5 year old battery is still reliable and don’t have to worry about when it would fail. Even with having road service the BatteryBug is worth the peace of mind knowing that I won’t need to call them. Need to put one on my wife’s car for my peace of mind.