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. The product is supplied with an in-depth user manual which explains generic diagnostic codes and operation instructions. 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: 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).

It all depends what app or other software you are using to receive the data and display that data in a meaningful way. Also depends what sort of data (which data items of the tens of thousands possible) it is that you want to read. 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. 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. Industry-recognised diagnostic code reader that is suitable for all kinds of users, including roadside mechanics, garage mechanics and home mechanics.

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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?

A scoping tool works best for capturing glitches in network systems. But we’ll work with just a DVOM as most will have access to a voltmeter.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. 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. 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?) 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

An advanced OBD II vehicle diagnostic reader that comes with a TFT colour display. Suitable for all kinds of users including roadside mechanics, garage mechanics and home mechanics. 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). If you wanted to passively read engine or other systems fault codes for example, you would still need some other software app (and a suitable piece of hardware to run it on), to receive the transmitted data, interpret the fault codes and then display those in some way in a human readable form. “Torque” and “Torque-lite” are a pair of apps that also run on Android smartphones to accept and display a limited number of fault codes, with some interpretation what those mean. There are others. 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. 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.

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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.

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

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. Your 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. 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”). The device will work with all OBD II certified vehicles from 2001 onwards (including CAN). Not compatible with motorcycles and hybrid & electric vehicles. 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