Other Diagnostic & Electrics

About Other Diagnostic & Electrics

Modern vehicle diagnostics and electrical testing demand specialised tools that go beyond standard multimeters and code readers. This category assembles essential diagnostic and electrical equipment designed to help automotive technicians, mobile mechanics, and experienced DIY enthusiasts troubleshoot complex electrical systems, test specific components, and diagnose fault conditions that basic equipment cannot identify. From glow plug testers and injector testing equipment to automotive smoke machines and relay testers, these professional-grade tools enable accurate diagnosis of electrical faults, fuel system issues, and vacuum leaks.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes trusted brands like Sealey and Draper, offering both entry-level diagnostic tools for occasional use and professional-grade equipment built to withstand the demands of busy workshops. Whether you're testing lambda sensors, tracing wiring problems with cable ejection tools, or identifying EVAP system leaks with diagnostic smoke equipment, having the right specialised diagnostic tools can dramatically reduce troubleshooting time and improve first-time fix rates. These tools are designed to work with the 12v and 24v electrical systems found in cars, vans, HGVs, and agricultural machinery, making them versatile additions to any automotive toolkit.

Beyond basic fault code reading, this specialist equipment allows technicians to perform targeted component testing, simulate sensor signals, locate hidden leaks, and verify relay operation without component removal. Towbar socket testers ensure caravan and trailer connections meet legal requirements, whilst key fob testers diagnose remote locking issues quickly. For workshops handling everything from diesel starting problems to emission system failures, this category provides the professional diagnostic capability that separates efficient fault-finding from expensive guesswork.

Jargon Buster

Lambda Sensor (Oxygen Sensor)

A sensor that monitors exhaust gas oxygen levels to help the engine management system optimise fuel mixture. Testing these sensors requires specialised equipment to simulate their output signals and verify correct operation without lengthy road testing.

EVAP System

The Evaporative Emission Control system prevents fuel vapours escaping to atmosphere. Leaks are notoriously difficult to locate without diagnostic smoke machines that introduce visible smoke into the sealed system, revealing even tiny breaches.

Glow Plug

A heating element in diesel engines that aids cold starting by warming the combustion chamber. Faulty glow plugs are a common cause of starting problems, requiring proper testing to identify which plugs have failed without removing them.

Automotive Relay

An electromagnetic switch that controls high-current circuits using low-current signals. Relay testers check both the coil operation and contact switching without removing the relay from the vehicle, saving significant diagnostic time.

Test Probe

A handheld diagnostic tool that allows safe testing of automotive electrical circuits, typically incorporating voltage detection, continuity testing, and sometimes circuit loading capability in one device for 6-24v systems.

Key Fob Tester

A device that detects radio frequency signals from remote key fobs, helping diagnose whether the fob is transmitting properly at the correct frequency (typically 418-434MHz) or if the fault lies with the vehicle's receiver system.

Who Uses Other Diagnostic & Electrics?

• Independent garage mechanics diagnosing electrical and fuel system faults
• Mobile mechanics requiring portable diagnostic equipment for roadside and customer premises
• Vehicle technicians in main dealer workshops needing brand-agnostic testing tools
• Auto electricians specialising in complex electrical fault-finding
• MOT testing stations checking emission control systems and electrical safety
• Fleet maintenance teams maintaining commercial vehicle fleets
• Agricultural engineers servicing farm machinery and diesel equipment
• HGV workshops working on 24v electrical systems
• Serious DIY enthusiasts maintaining their own vehicles to professional standards
• Classic car restorers testing electrical systems during rebuilds
• Caravan and motorhome technicians testing towbar connections

How to Choose the Right Other Diagnostic & Electrics

Voltage Compatibility: Ensure the tool matches your vehicle systems – 12v for most cars and light commercials, 24v for HGVs and larger vehicles, or dual-voltage equipment if you work across different vehicle types. Some test probes offer 6-24v capability for maximum versatility across motorcycle, car, and commercial vehicle applications.

Specific Diagnostic Needs: Identify which systems you need to test most frequently. Glow plug testers are essential for diesel work, while lambda sensor testers and smoke machines are crucial for emission-related diagnostics. Injector testers help diagnose fuel delivery problems that might otherwise require expensive component replacement. Towbar socket testers are indispensable for workshops servicing vehicles with towing equipment.

Build Quality and Durability: Professional workshop use demands robust construction that can withstand daily handling, accidental drops, and exposure to automotive fluids. The Draper Expert and Sealey professional ranges available from Tooled-Up offer superior build quality compared to budget alternatives, with reinforced cases, quality test leads, and clear LED indicators that remain visible in bright workshop conditions.

Ease of Use: Clear LED indicators, intuitive controls, and straightforward operation reduce diagnostic time. Tools with built-in instructions or quick-reference guides are particularly valuable when using specialised equipment infrequently. Look for devices with clearly labelled connection points and colour-coded results that eliminate interpretation errors.

Storage and Portability: Mobile mechanics benefit from compact, case-stored equipment that protects tools during transit, while workshop-based technicians might prefer larger units with extended capabilities. Cable management tools and connector separators should come in organised kits to prevent loss of individual pieces and speed up component access during complex wiring work.

Popular Accessories

• Multimeters and automotive-specific digital meters for general electrical testing
• Circuit testers and power probes for quick voltage checks
• Wire strippers, crimpers, and terminal tools for repair work following diagnosis
• Test leads, crocodile clips, and probe extensions for accessing difficult connections
• Electrical contact cleaner and protective sprays
• Heat shrink tubing and professional electrical tape for repairs
• Wiring diagrams and technical reference materials
• Workshop lighting and inspection lamps for visibility during testing
• Tool storage cases and organisers for diagnostic equipment
• Battery support units to maintain vehicle memory during electrical work

Safety Information

Always disconnect the vehicle battery before working on electrical systems unless active testing requires power. Be aware that some components, particularly ignition coils and injectors, can produce dangerous high voltages even in 12v systems. Wear appropriate eye protection when using smoke machines, and ensure adequate workshop ventilation as some diagnostic procedures involve exhaust gases or fuel vapours.

When testing glow plugs or other high-current components, ensure connections are secure to prevent arcing or short circuits. Never probe airbag system wiring without proper training and equipment, as inadvertent deployment can cause serious injury. The Tooled-Up range includes tools designed with safety features such as insulated probes and protected test leads, but personal protective equipment remains essential.

Follow HSE guidance on working with vehicle electrical systems, and always consult the vehicle manufacturer's technical information before attempting complex diagnostic procedures. Hybrid and electric vehicles operate at dangerous voltages (typically 200-400v) requiring specialised high-voltage training – standard 12v/24v diagnostic tools are not suitable for high-voltage battery systems. Ensure adequate workshop insurance covers diagnostic work, particularly when using smoke machines that introduce substances into sealed vehicle systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these diagnostic tools on hybrid or electric vehicles?
Most tools in this category are designed for conventional 12v/24v automotive systems. Hybrid and fully electric vehicles operate at much higher voltages (typically 200-400v for the traction battery) and require specialised high-voltage diagnostic equipment and appropriate training. Always check tool specifications and vehicle compatibility before use. The 12v auxiliary systems on hybrids and EVs can usually be tested with standard equipment.

Do I need a smoke machine if I have a code reader?
Code readers identify which system has triggered a fault code, but they cannot pinpoint physical leaks in EVAP systems, intake manifolds, or vacuum lines. Smoke machines reveal the exact location of leaks that would otherwise take hours to find through pressure testing or visual inspection, making them invaluable for emission-related fault diagnosis and dramatically reducing workshop time.

How do I know if a glow plug or the wiring is faulty?
A dedicated glow plug tester measures the current draw and resistance of individual glow plugs, allowing you to identify failed plugs without removal. This saves considerable labour time and prevents unnecessary component replacement when the fault lies in the wiring or control circuits. Testing before removal is standard practice in professional diesel diagnostics.

Are professional diagnostic tools worth the investment for DIY use?
If you maintain multiple vehicles or work on diesel engines regularly, professional tools quickly pay for themselves by avoiding misdiagnosis and unnecessary parts replacement. A single avoided injector replacement can cover the cost of testing equipment. However, occasional users might find basic test equipment sufficient for their needs. Consider how frequently you'll use specialised tools before investing in professional-grade equipment.

Can automotive relay testers check relays while installed in the vehicle?
Many modern relay testers can test relays in-situ by connecting to the relay socket, checking both coil operation and contact switching without removal. This significantly speeds up diagnosis, particularly when dealing with intermittent faults or testing multiple relays in fuse boxes with limited access. Some testers also verify the socket wiring integrity, identifying supply or earth faults that might cause relay malfunction.