Streetwize - OBDII Vehicle Diagnostic Reader, OBD2 Reader, Automotive Engine Fault Code Reader | Engine Management Code Reader | Code Manual Booklet | Fault Clearer (SWOBD)

Product Information

A technician may describe soft codes as historical anomalies or intermittent codes that don’t affect vehicle function. A scan tool commonly won’t communicate because one faulty module pulls the whole system down. A damaged circuit is common too, but not as common as a failed module.

Out of the box, Draper’s cheaper OBD reader here has a rather annoying beep on every button press. Fortunately this can be turned off in the system set-up menu. What’s more, the tool gives live vehicle data readings and there’s a “Code Lookup” feature that provides a clear explanation of the diagnostics codes.A simple yet effective OBD reader, the Laser 7728 doesn’t show live data or have freeze frame, and the screen’s small size means there’s lots of button-pressing involved.

Free Delivery is not available for Over-Sized parcels, such as Exhausts, Radiators & Headlamps - For details on these items please see the 'Oversized Items' section below. An OBD reader has traditionally taken the form of a handheld diagnostic computer that communicates with your car’s brain to diagnose fault codes, among other things. You can pay as little as a tenner for an OBD scanner and as much as hundreds of pounds – with the latter offering a multitude of features – but whichever you choose, they should all have the same minimum requirements, and be able to: OBD scanners have become an essential part of the home mechanic’s toolkit, with the ability to read engine fault codes crucial to diagnosing and repairing modern cars and vans. Which OBD app works best on your phone and Bluetooth scanner will be a matter of trial and error for you. What OBD scanner do I need? OBD readers tested

Order Approval

Experience has shown me it’s best to look for clues and ask some questions if needed before testing components. I’ll look for signs of recent accident damage, water leaks, heavy corrosion, or recent works carried out on the vehicle. Draper has a good reputation for making products that stand the test of time, and we have no reason to doubt this code reader's staying power; at the time of testing it was one of the pricier offerings here, but deserves its Haynes Recommended award. No batteries are required to operate the diagnostic tool. Just connect it to the OBD II connection point to power it up. The tool is compatible with petrol vehicles from 1996 onwards and diesel vehicles 2004 onwards. Please ensure the vehicle is OBD II compatible.

Made for all kinds of users, from professionals to home mechanics, this industry standard OBD II reader pinpoints why the vehicle’s engine light is showing. Compare perhaps with a telephone as a box or device that transfers voice information from one person to another. If the person speaking on the other end of the phone is talking a different language to yours, you still need something extra at your end to interpret that language and present it in a form you can use. Such as a clever brain that can translate that other language into English for example? While total communication loss is rare, it’s more usual for one module to go down, and the other working modules report its loss by setting a fault code. The product is supplied with an in-depth user manual which explains all the diagnostic codes and operation instructions.

What OBD scanner do I need? OBD readers tested

Industry-recognised diagnostic code reader that is suitable for all kinds of users, including roadside mechanics, garage mechanics and home mechanics. Please note: The reader will not be able to read codes for airbags and braking systems. OBD II readers only read emissions and engine management systems codes in 99.9% of OBD II compliant vehicles.

It has all of the features of the other offerings in this test and displays monitor and I/M readiness status (which provide insight into the car’s emission control systems), O2 sensor info and evap system tests capabilities (mostly concerns US models with a charcoal canister to trap and store fuel vapours). Wireless readers are smaller and generally cheaper, but need a connection to a smartphone or tablet. Wired readers are more convenient, easier to use with gloves and grimy hands, but usually provide less information. We tested both.Scan tool plug connector fault – I’ve worn out a few of these guys; they work hard and wear out. The tool’s plug spades can become bent or worn, which causes a poor connection or no connection. Wiggling the plug in the OBD port usually lets you know it’s time to change the cable.