BT260 automotive circuit tester

Compared to a multimeter, AUTOOL BT260 just needs a simple press on the mode button to display data such as DC/AC voltage, resistance, etc, select the diagnostic mode and touch the probe tip to the circuit. The inspection cable of BT260 is 10 meters in length and can cover the entire vehicle. BT260 also support functions of activating components, signal circuit test, headlight test, multi-language and so on. BT260 is designed for automotive circuit system inspection, and can find circuit system problems more efficiently.

Supports multiple test modes

The AUTOOL BT260 circuit tester can perform all types of tests such as DC voltage test, AC voltage test, resistance and diodes test etc. It adopts the newly improved functions to test signal frequency, and duty cycle, which can help service technicians track and identify problem circuits as well as rule out bad ones, speeding up the diagnostic process and making it easier to find the true cause of a circuit problem.

  • DC voltage detection mode, used to detect the voltage value of the circuit under test;
  • AC voltage detection mode, used to detect the maximum voltage value and minimum voltage value, power frequency and duty cycle of the circuit under test;
  • Resistance detection mode, used to detect the resistance value between the probe of the circuit under test and the auxiliary ground wire;
  • Diode test mode to quickly test the working condition of diode components and determine open circuits and continuity.

Voltage and Polarity Test

When the AUTOOL BT260 circuit tester is in the DC voltage mode, contact its probe tip to the positive circuit. The LED should glow red and the LCD display will show the voltage data. If the tool's buzzer is turned on, a high-pitched tone will sound. Contact probe tip with the negative circuit, the LED should glow green and the LCD display will show voltage data. If the tool's buzzer is turned on, a low tone will sound. Neither LED will glow if its probe tip is connected to an open circuit.

Continuity test

AUTOOL BT260 circuit tester can carry out continuity test. Test Procedure: Unfold the cable and connect the red clip to the positive end of the vehicle battery and the black clip to the negative end of the vehicle battery; connect the auxiliary ground wire to one side of the test lead and the probe tip to the other side.f there is continuity in the vehicle circuit, the LED will glow green. If the LED does not glow, there is no continuity.

Note: Users can use the probe tip to test the plastic insulation on the wire, which means that the circuit can be tested without disconnecting any connections.

Signal circuit test

The AUTOOL BT260 circuit tester can easily test vehicle sensors. For example, a user who suspects a problem with the MAP sensor circuit can follow the procedure related to testing this sensor as follows : Set the BT260 to AC voltage mode, connect the grounded wire clip to the MAP sensor negative terminal, then connect the probe tip to the MAP sensor positive terminal and check the LCD display.

Activate components in the vehicle

If the green LED light turns off or the circuit breaker trips suddenly, it indicates the tool is overloaded. This may be due to the following reasons: the contact being probed is a direct ground / the component under test is short-circuited / the component is a very high current component (i.e. the starter motor). If the circuit breaker trips, wait for it to cool down (15 seconds) and then press the reset button to reset.

Active component with ground

When the AUTOOL BT260 circuit tester is in DC voltage mode, touch the probe tip to the negative terminal of the component, the red LED should glow red. While observing the red LED, quickly press backward and release the power switch. If the red LED is off while the green LED is on, users can proceed with further activation. If the green LED is off or the circuit breaker is tripped, it means that the AUTOOL BT260 circuit tester has overloaded the voltage. The reasons for this happening are as follows:
The contact being probed is a direct positive voltage/the component being tested is shorted-circulated/the component is a very high current component (ie, the starter motor). If the circuit breaker trips, wait for it to cool down (15 seconds) and then press the reset button to reset.

Test headlights and connections

When the AUTOOL BT260 circuit tester is in DC voltage mode, clip the auxiliary ground wire to the trailer ground, probe the connection at the jack, and apply voltage to the probe tip. The function and orientation of the connectors and trailer lights can be checked in this way.

Short circuit tracking and location

In most cases, a short circuit of a component or a momentary overload will cause a fuse or circuit to blow and a circuit breaker to trip. The AUTOOL BT160 circuit tester can search and locate the cause of a short circuit where it occurs.

Test Procedure:
Connect the red clip to the positive end of the vehicle battery and the black clip to the negative end of the vehicle battery; press the button to the "-" side, the LED should glow red and provide positive voltage. Remove the blown fuse from the fuse box and trace from the two terminals of the fuse socket. If the LED glows green and the buzzer sounds, it indicates a short circuit or overload component on this side, please note the color or identification code of this wire. Follow the wires along the harness as far as possible, find the color-coded wire in the harness and expose it, then cut the wire. Follow the direction of the shorted wire and repeat the process until you find the short. If there are components in the back of the wire, check the components separately for good condition.

Clear guidance of indicator light

Red/green polarity indicators(Positive/negative and tests in different modes show red/green indicator lights)identify positive, negative or open circuit. When the tool probe tip touches the positive circuit, the red indicator lights up; when the tool probe tip touches the negative voltage or negative voltage circuit, the green indicator lights up. It is an intimate work guide, which makes the inspection operation more convenient and smooth.

Support multi-language selection

Multi-language function options, support seven languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian.

HD display

Modern and outstanding LCD high-definition color display. The large backlit screen avoids situations of completing the detection in dark areas, helping car technicians, engineers or car DIYers view readings more easily. Moreover, the display screen is clearer, and the displayed data is more direct and clear.

Super long detection line

The inspection cable is 10 meters in length and can cover from the vehicle's engine to the car's taillights, enabling easy inspection of the car's circuit system.

Suitable for all 9V to 30V automotive electrical system diagnostics

  1. Enable users find whether an automotive circuit is positive, negative, or open without reconnecting clips from one battery pole to another.
  2. Use the built-in auxiliary ground wire to test the continuity.
  3. Conduct positive or negative battery current to the probe tip by pressing the power switch to test the functionality of electrical components .No need to use jumper wires.
  4. Immediately test for poor ground connections, no need to perform a voltage drop test.
  5. Track and locate short circuits without over-using fuses.
  6. The tool's extra long cable allows users to test along the entire length of the vehicle.

Short circuit protection

AUTOOL BT260 circuit tester is equipped with short circuit protection. If the current is overloaded, its internal circuit breaker will trip to protect the vehicle, tools and ensure the safety of electricity consumption, and reduce unnecessary losses. A circuit breaker is a valuable test tool and a safety measure to protect the tool from current or voltage overloads. When the circuit breaker is tripped, the LCD display shows the following: All other functions of the tool are still active, which means you can still probe the circuit and observe voltage readings. When the breaker is tripped, the tool cannot conduct battery current to the tip even when the power switch is pressed. Deliberately tripping the circuit breaker and probing it with a tool can be considered an extra precaution against accidentally pressing the power switch.

IMPORTANT: When energizing the tool assembly, press the switch first and connect its probe tip to the assembly can extend the life of the power switch in the tool. The arc will occur at the tip rather than the switch's junction.

AUTOOL BT260 specification and parameter details

  • Display: TFT color display (160 x 128 dpi)
  • Operating temperature: 0~60°C
  • Storage temperature: -40~70°C
  • External power supply: 12V or 24V car battery
  • Dimensions: 126 mm x 46.5 mm x 35 mm
  • NW: 966g , GW: 1104g

Packing List

  • 1pcs * AUTOOL BT260 automotive circuit tester main unit
  • 1pcs * User Manual
  • 1pcs * Qualification certificate
  • 2pcs * Battery clip adapter (red, black)
  • 1pcs * Cable clip
  • 1pcs * Cigarette lighter connector
  • 1pcs * Probe tip
  • 1pcs * Soft packaging storage box
  • 1pcs * 10m extension cable