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. The reader requires no battery, it plugs straight into the vehicle’s connection point for it to power up. It is compatible with all petrol vehicles from 1996 and diesel vehicles from 2004 that are OBD II compliant (including CAN). 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. 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. 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 testedYour vehicle is stuffed with modules, each one tasked with a particular system to manage. Your ECU (Engine Control Unit) takes care of the engine, your TCM (Transmission Control Module) takes care of the tranny, and your BCM (Body Control Module) takes care of the vehicle accessories. You get the idea. 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. 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.

We plugged the readers into a selection of cars of different ages, including a 2008 Mazda 2 and 2014 Peugeot 208 with known faults that were generating a warning light. Wireless readers were connected via Bluetooth to an iPhone using the app suggested by the device’s instructions. Verdict 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: Most scan tools automatically communicate with the vehicle modules over the communication network. I’ll also assume your tool communicates with the vehicle modules and doesn’t respond with “No Communication” if it does see Scan tool faults below. You’re unlikely to find any information about your car’s OBD port in the vehicle’s handbook because manufacturers prefer their dealer networks to carry out diagnostic work (at potentially great expense to you!). Which OBD app is best for iPhone and Android?As with its bigger brother, Mode 6 gives you additional system monitoring and you can access information on the emissions control systems. 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. 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.

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 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. 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. 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. 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. Tool software – Ensure your scan tool has the latest and greatest software installed. Many tools offer free updates.

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?)

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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? ELM327 defines what specific items of information get transmitted. From the tens of thousands of possibilities. Your fault codes are live; this is the most common reason why your vehicle’s fault codes won’t clear. I’m assuming all is good with your scan tool; it powers up when you connect to the OBD port (if it doesn’t see “ Scan tool faults below”).