Autool BT280 | Circuit Tester
Warranty directly via AsTools
Warranty directly via AsTools
We handle warranty cases ourselves, quickly and without involving the manufacturer. Thanks to our own parts inventory and technical expertise, we can usually assist you immediately. Only in exceptional cases do we still send the product to the supplier.
2 years warranty on all products
2 years warranty on all products
All our products come with a 2-year factory warranty. This ensures you long-lasting quality and service.
Easy returns
Easy returns
You can easily request your return through your account. We will send you the return label by email. Return shipping costs are your responsibility.
Professional customer service
Professional customer service
Our experts are ready to help you quickly and professionally, both online and in our physical store. Questions? Feel free to contact us!
The Autool BT280 circuit tester is designed to perform comprehensive electrical diagnostics on 12V and 24V vehicle electrical systems. The tester operates at a working voltage of 9V to 30V and measures DC voltage up to 100V with its robust measurement sensor. The device is powered directly from the vehicle battery via the supplied battery clamps and a 6-meter power cable. This generous cable length allows the diagnostic technician to perform measurements around the entire vehicle without extension cords, from fuse boxes in the engine bay to lighting circuits at the rear of a commercial vehicle or trailer.
During troubleshooting, the tester automatically detects the circuit type via the Smart Test mode, after which current measurement values for voltage and resistance appear directly on the 2.4-inch color LCD display screen. Beyond passive measurement, the device offers the ability to actively test actuators such as cooling fans, windshield wiper motors, or lights by applying power or ground directly to a component via a button. The built-in red and green LED indicators provide instant visual confirmation of the detected polarity. Thanks to the integrated work light, the measurement location is always well illuminated, which significantly simplifies tracing wiring in dark and confined spaces.
KEY FEATURES
IMPORTANT NOTES
Applications and functionality
This circuit tester consolidates multiple diagnostic tools by combining standard measurement instruments with active testing capabilities.
- Multimeter mode: Measures fundamental electrical parameters, including DC voltage from 0.1V to 100V, resistance from 1Ω to 200 kΩ, current up to 18A, and frequency. Also includes a diode test for checking semiconductors in charging circuits or relay diodes.
- Oscilloscope mode: Generates a graphical display of measured voltage over time. Essential for monitoring dynamic signals such as PWM control signals and sensor outputs, or detecting voltage drops on the data bus.
- Smart Test: An automated mode that independently detects whether the probe is touching positive, ground, or resistance. The tester automatically switches to the correct measurement unit, significantly speeding up troubleshooting.
- Component activation: Delivers available battery voltage or ground directly to an actuator or load to verify operation. The activation mode can be set to momentary (while the button is pressed), continuous (locked), or via a repeating pulse signal.
Special features and capabilities
For comprehensive diagnostics of modern engine management systems, the tester includes specialized simulation and protection functions.
- Injector test: Features four dedicated pulse modes for controlling fuel injectors. Allows safe testing of the injector inside or outside the vehicle for proper mechanical opening, closing, and spray pattern, without involving the engine ECU.
- Relay diagnostics: Via a dedicated test port and included adapter cables, common 4- and 5-pin automotive relays can be directly activated and tested for proper contact closure.
- 0–5V power simulation: Generates an adjustable reference voltage between 0V and 5V, limited to a safe output current of 100 mA. This function is used to simulate sensor outputs such as a MAP sensor or throttle position sensor, to test wiring and ECU response.
- Adjustable overload protection: Features an electronic current breaker with a configurable trip current in the menu. This protects the tester, vehicle wiring, and the tested component against short circuits and excessive current draw during active power delivery.
Package contents
- 1x Autool BT280 circuit tester
- 1x 6-meter power cable with battery clamps and extension connector
- 1x Test cable set for relay diagnostics, with clamps
- 1x Set of interchangeable test probes and sensors
- 1x Extra ground cable with clamp, green and black
- 1x USB cable for firmware updates
- 1x Rugged storage case
- 1x User Manual
Technical specifications
General
- The brand that manufactures the tester.Brand
- Autool
- What type of device it is. A circuit tester checks current and earth; a wire tracer locates cables and short circuits.Type of tester
- Circuit tester
- The on-board voltage the tester can connect to. For testing lorries as well, 24 V or higher is required.Suitable for system voltage
- 9 to 30 V
- Where the tester draws its power from. Via the vehicle battery or circuit, there is no need to replace batteries.Power supply
- Via vehicle battery
Measuring
- The voltage range in which the tester measures accurately. A wider range is useful for heavier vehicles.DC voltage measuring range
- 0.1 to 100 V
- The resistance values the tester can measure, for instance of sensors or wires.Resistance measuring range
- 0 to 200 kΩ
- Whether the tester can display a signal as a graph. This reveals faults a standard measurement may miss.Oscilloscope
- Yes
Test functions
- The tester can supply current to components such as a motor or lamp, so you can see whether they work.Component activation
- Yes
- The tester automatically detects whether a point carries positive, earth or nothing. Useful for quick work.Automatic test
- Yes
- Shows whether a connection is positive or negative.Polarity check
- Yes
- Checks whether a diode conducts current in one direction only.Diode test
- Yes
- The tester can pulse injectors to check whether they operate correctly.Injector test
- Yes
- Checks whether a relay switches correctly.Relay test
- Yes
Display and controls
- The screen size, measured corner to corner. A larger screen is easier to read.Screen diagonal
- 2.4 inch
- The tester gives a beep or tone, so you do not need to keep looking at the screen.Audible signal
- Yes
- A built-in light to help you see what you are doing in dark areas.Work light
- Yes
Protection
- Which faults the tester protects itself and the vehicle against. This prevents damage from incorrect connection.Protections
- Overcurrent
- Short circuit
Dimensions and weight
- The length of the test cable. A long cable also allows you to reach the rear of a vehicle.Cable length
- 6 m
Other specifications
- Resistance Range
- 1Ω - 200 KΩ
- Current Range
- 0 - 18A
- Power Supply Simulation
- 0V - 5V, maximum 100 mA output
- Display
- 2.4-inch HD LCD color screen
- Additional Features
- Built-in work light and acoustic buzzer


