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

Product Information

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. All these modules (aka nodes) communicate with each other using a system known as CAN (Controller Area Network).

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. It also has permanent code retrieval, on-board monitor test (Mode 6, for additional component/system monitoring), reads fault code pending data, DTC code lookup function and lets you reset the oil change indicator. 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.

What OBD scanner do I need? OBD readers tested

As a "starter for 10" therefore, I would say it scores 20! Not least as it doesn't break the bank! (OMG - I'm sounding like a Yorkshireman?) Scan tool faults aren’t that common, I’ve never broken a tool yet, but I have worn out a few cable connectors. Here’s a list of scan tool problems and what you can do to fix them:

The product is supplied with an in-depth user manual which explains all the diagnostic codes and operation instructions. This test won’t work for all vehicles; it will depend on how the vehicle’s communication system is configured. Some systems may use a gateway module that limits the usefulness of probing the DLC. In such a vehicle, reading at a module harness is more valuable. 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. 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: 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.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. 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). Hard codes, on the other hand, are current static faults that are affecting vehicle system performance. These types of codes need to be repaired before they can be cleared from the computer module.

CAN employ a twisted pair of wires (one wire CAN high typically 3.5-2.5 volts oscillating and the other CAN low typically 2.5 – 1.5 volts oscillating) that loop the vehicle, connecting all the modules on the network. 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. So if the cheapest wired scanner – the Motorpower – is capable of scooping top honours, can the lowest-priced device in this test also achieve great things? The reader can also determine the malfunction indicator lamp status, review emission readiness status, retrieve VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on 2002 and newer vehicles that support Mode 9 and more.

The device will work with all OBD II certified vehicles from 2001 onwards (including CAN). Not compatible with motorcycles and hybrid & electric vehicles. This reader’s large colour display looks like it should be a touchscreen, but it’s not. However, the physical buttons make navigation a cinch.