AUTOOL SDT205 Automotive Smoke Machine Leak Detector with Air & Smoke Modes
US$199.00
- Air Mode + Smoke Mode
- Pressure Gauge Feedback
- Built-In Air Pump
- Complete Sealing Adapter Kit
- Air Mode + Smoke Mode: Use clean airflow to observe system pressure first, then switch to smoke to visually pinpoint the leak.
- Pressure Gauge Feedback: Track pressure behavior during a sealed test instead of relying on smoke visibility alone.
- Built-In Air Pump: Keep the two-stage workflow self-contained without an external compressor.
- Complete Sealing Adapter Kit: Includes an EVAP connector, valve-core wrench, airbag, cone, rubber plugs, and small adapter for common test openings.
- 3-Year Warranty Main unit 3 years · Accessories 1 year
- 90-Day Returns Eligible returns within 90 days
- Official Store Genuine products · Direct support
AUTOOL SDT205 · Dual-Mode Smoke Leak Detector with Built-In Pump & Pressure Gauge
Check with Air First, Then Pinpoint the Leak with Smoke
The AUTOOL SDT205 is a 12V automotive smoke test machine with a built-in air pump, independent Air Mode and Smoke Mode, and a pressure gauge. Use Air Mode to monitor pressure, then Smoke Mode to visually locate low-pressure leaks. It supports intake, exhaust, vehicle-sealing, fuel-tank, line-fitting, EVAP, and vacuum systems.
- Air / Smoke Dual Modes
- Pressure Gauge
- 5-Second Smoke Output
- Built-In Air Pump

Core leak-detection capabilities
Key Features
SDT205 combines independent Air and Smoke modes with a built-in air pump and pressure monitoring. It supports low-pressure checks across intake, exhaust, EVAP, vacuum, fuel-tank, and vehicle-sealing systems. Its portable setup is backed by 3-year warranty support.
Air Mode and Smoke Mode
Independent Air Mode and Smoke Mode switches let you use Air Mode for pressure monitoring and Smoke Mode for visual leak location.
Visual Pressure Gauge
The pressure gauge lets you monitor pressure changes. A pressure drop may indicate a line leak that needs further inspection and repair.
Smoke Starts in About 5 Seconds
The unit starts producing smoke quickly. Allow about 30 seconds for the connected test line to fill, then inspect for escaping smoke.
Built-In Air Pump
No external air compressor is required. The integrated air pump saves setup time and is convenient for mobile automotive repair.
Intake / Exhaust / EVAP / Vacuum Leak Checks
Supports low-pressure leak checks for intake, exhaust, vehicle sealing, fuel tank, line fittings, EVAP, and vacuum systems.
Portable Workshop Design
A compact body, handle, cone adapter, and airbag adapter make the unit practical for workshop and mobile repair use.
3-Year Warranty Support
Main unit: 3-year warranty. Standard accessories: 1-year warranty. Warranty Policy
Step-by-step smoke leak testing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Use SDT205 with a 12V DC battery and 10–15 mL liquid paraffin or baby oil. Allow about 30 seconds for the connected test line to fill with smoke before checking for leaks.
Step 01
Add Testing Oil
Fill 10–15 mL baby oil or liquid paraffin into the detector before use. Do not overfill.
Step 02
Connect the Test Line
Access the system to be tested and position the detector near the test area. Disconnect the line you want to test, then connect that line to the detector.
Step 03
Connect 12V Power
Connect the detector to a 12V DC battery and turn on the power switch. Use Air Mode for pressure monitoring, then switch to Smoke Mode when you are ready to locate the leak visually.
Step 04
Locate Leaks
In about 30 seconds, the connected test line will be filled with smoke. Inspect for escaping smoke to locate leaks and use a headlamp if necessary.
Air/Smoke modes, pressure-gauge use, testing oil, heat, and low-pressure limits
Safety & Compatibility
SDT205 has a built-in air pump, separate Air and Smoke modes, and a pressure gauge for permitted low-pressure leak checks. Start in Air Mode to watch pressure, then switch to Smoke Mode to locate the leak visually while staying within the system’s service limits.
12V Power and Built-In Air Pump
Connect SDT205 to a 12V DC battery before use. The built-in air pump provides the test airflow, so you do not need an external compressor.
Start with Air Mode, Then Switch to Smoke
Use Air Mode first to watch pressure in the connected test path. Switch to Smoke Mode when you are ready to locate the leak visually. Changing modes does not change the pressure allowed for the system under test.
Use the Pressure Gauge to Watch Test Pressure
SDT205 outputs less than 15 psi and less than 6 L/min. Use the gauge to watch pressure changes. The unit has no flow meter or flow adjustment, and the gauge does not allow you to exceed the vehicle or component service limits.
Testing Oil Is Not Included
Testing oil is not included. Use liquid paraffin or baby oil and add 10–15 mL before use.
Drain Old Oil Before Refilling
Add fresh oil only when the smoke output becomes thin. Use the oil drain valve to remove remaining or excess oil before refilling, and do not add more than 15 mL at one time.
Limit Continuous Use to 8 Minutes
Do not run SDT205 continuously for more than 8 minutes. Automatic overheat protection shuts off power above 75°C. Let the unit cool before restarting.
Do Not Use for Direct High-Pressure A/C Testing
SDT205 cannot directly pressure-test an automotive A/C high-pressure system. If a service procedure permits smoke on an isolated A/C line section, follow that procedure and use smoke only as an indirect visual aid.
Compare AUTOOL smoke leak detector models
Compare Smoke Leak Detector Models
Compare AUTOOL smoke leak detector models by air source, pressure, output flow, operating mode, gauges, flow control, oil handling, vehicle power compatibility, and other model-specific features.
Compare models
Choose one or more models. SDT205 is selected by default.
| Specification | Model 1AUTOOL SDT203 | Model 2AUTOOL SDT50 | Model 3AUTOOL SDT60 | Model 4AUTOOL SDT100 | Model 5AUTOOL SDT101 | Model 6AUTOOL SDT102 | Model 7AUTOOL SDT103 | Model 8AUTOOL SDT106 | Model 1AUTOOL SDT205 | Model 10AUTOOL SDT205S | Model 11AUTOOL SDT206 | Model 12AUTOOL SDT208 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Output and Power | ||||||||||||
| How It Works | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion |
| Input Power | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V DC / 5A | 12V DC | 12V DC / 5A | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V / 24V DC |
| Testing Oil Fill Volume | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL |
| Rated Output Pressure | <15 psi | <10 psi | <10 psi | <10 psi | 3.2 kPa (0.46 psi) | <10 psi | 3.2 kPa (0.46 psi) | <12 psi | <15 psi | <15 psi | <18 psi | <10 psi EVAP / 35 psi Standard |
| Rated Output Flow | <6 L/min | <5 L/min | <5 L/min | <5 L/min | >10 L/min | >6 L/min | >10 L/min | <5 L/min | <6 L/min | <6 L/min | <6 L/min | <15 L/min |
| Rated Power | 65 W | 50 W | 50 W | 50 W | 48 W | 48 W | 48 W | 50 W | 65 W | 65 W | 70 W | 80 W |
| High-Temperature Protection | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C |
| Response Time | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds |
| Monitoring and Control | ||||||||||||
| Flow Meter Window | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| Pressure Gauge | Included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Flow Adjustment Knob | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| Fault Indicator Light | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Oil Level Gauge | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included |
| Air Source and Operating Modes | ||||||||||||
| Air Source Type | Built-in Air Pump | Built-in Air Pump | Built-in Air Pump | Built-in Air Pump | External Air Source | Built-in Air Pump | External Air Source | Built-in Air Pump | Built-in Air Pump | Built-in Air Pump | Dual Built-In Air Pumps | Built-in Air Pump |
| Operating Modes | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Air Mode / Smoke Mode | Air Mode / Smoke Mode | Air Mode / Smoke Mode | Air Mode / Smoke Mode |
| Dual Pressure Mode | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Standard Mode (35 psi) / EVAP Mode (10 psi) |
| Oil Drain Valve | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Size and Weight | ||||||||||||
| Net Weight (Main Unit) | 1.7 kg | 1.5 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.15 kg | 3.5 kg | 3.2 kg | 3.2 kg | 3.5 kg | 4.2 kg |
| Main Unit Dimensions | 145 × 80 × 200 mm | 145 × 80 × 200 mm | 145 × 80 × 200 mm | 180 × 102 × 143 mm | 180 × 100 × 135 mm | 180 × 102 × 143 mm | 180 × 100 × 135 mm | 110 × 135 × 210 mm | 295 × 295 × 207 mm | 295 × 295 × 207 mm | 150 × 150 × 275 mm | 350 × 250 × 300 mm |
Model Guide
Use this overview to identify the smoke leak detector models you want to compare in detail.
AUTOOL SDT203
Built-in air pump · <15 psi rated output pressure · <6 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT50
Built-in air pump · <10 psi rated output pressure · <5 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT60
Built-in air pump · <10 psi rated output pressure · <5 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT100
Built-in air pump · <10 psi rated output pressure · <5 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT101
External air source · 3.2 kPa (0.46 psi) rated output pressure · >10 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT102
Built-in air pump · <10 psi rated output pressure · >6 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT103
External air source · 3.2 kPa (0.46 psi) rated output pressure · >10 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT106
Built-in air pump · <12 psi rated output pressure · <5 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT205
Built-in air pump · <15 psi rated output pressure · <6 L/min rated output flow · Air Mode / Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT205S
Built-in air pump · <15 psi rated output pressure · <6 L/min rated output flow · Air Mode / Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT206
Two built-in air pumps · <18 psi rated output pressure · <6 L/min rated output flow · Air Mode / Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT208
Built-in air pump · <10 psi EVAP / 35 psi Standard rated output pressure · <15 L/min rated output flow · Air Mode / Smoke Mode
What’s in the Box
Package Contents
SDT205 package contents are shown below.
- Power cord ×1Included
- Smoke outlet hose ×1Included
- Cone adapter ×1Included
- Valve core wrench ×1Included
- EVAP connector ×1Included
- Filling bottle ×1Included
- Universal airbag adapter ×1Included
- Universal hard rubber plug ×1 setIncluded
- Universal small adapter ×1Included
- User manual ×1Included
Manual, warranty, and setup support
Manual and Downloads
Use the manual below for SDT205 setup, operation, maintenance, and safety guidance.

AUTOOL SDT205 User Manual
Open the PDF manual for SDT205 operation, testing oil guidance, safety notes, and setup instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What Testing Oil Should I Use for SDT205?
Testing oil is not included. If dedicated smoke-testing oil is unavailable, use liquid paraffin or baby oil.
How Much Testing Oil Should I Add?
Add 10–15 mL testing oil before use. Do not add more than 15 mL each time. Refill only when the smoke becomes thin, and drain remaining old testing oil before adding fresh testing oil. If too much oil is added accidentally, drain some oil out before operation.
Can SDT205 Detect EVAP Leaks?
Yes. AUTOOL smoke leak detectors can test leaks in EVAP systems. Use the EVAP adapter or service tool that matches the vehicle test port.
Can SDT205 Directly Test Automotive A/C System Leaks?
No. Automotive A/C systems operate at about 1.7–3.0 MPa output pressure, while SDT205 has rated output pressure below 15 psi. SDT205 cannot directly pressure-test an automotive A/C system for leaks. Use smoke only to help inspect an A/C line section after isolating and pressurizing it according to the service procedure.
How Can Smoke Help Locate a Leak in an Isolated A/C Line Section?
First isolate and pressurize the A/C line segment according to the vehicle or A/C service procedure. Then apply smoke near the test section and observe whether escaping airflow disturbs the smoke. If escaping air moves the smoke, inspect that area for a possible leak.
What Systems Can SDT205 Test?
SDT205 supports low-pressure leak checks for intake, exhaust, vehicle sealing, fuel-tank, line-fitting, EVAP, and vacuum systems. Do not introduce smoke into any component or system that the vehicle or component service procedure excludes from smoke testing.
What Power Supply Does SDT205 Need?
SDT205 runs on a 12V DC vehicle battery. Connect it to a 12V battery before operation, and do not use it outside its intended 12V DC power requirement.
Can I Adjust the Pressure on SDT205?
SDT205 uses fixed output below 15 psi. If separate Standard and EVAP pressure modes are required, compare SDT208. Use SDT205 only within its specified low-pressure range.
How Does SDT205 Differ from SDT205S?
Both SDT205 and SDT205S have a built-in air pump, pressure gauge, Air Mode, Smoke Mode, oil drain valve, and <15 psi output pressure. SDT205S adds a flow meter window and flow adjustment knob, while SDT205 does not include these flow adjustment features.
How Do AUTOOL Smoke Leak Detector Models Differ?
SDT101 and SDT103 use external air sources at 3.2 kPa (0.46 psi) EVAP pressure. SDT106 uses a built-in pump with rated output below 12 psi. SDT203, SDT205, and SDT205S use built-in pumps with rated output below 15 psi. SDT206 uses two built-in air pumps with rated output below 18 psi. SDT208 provides a 35 psi Standard mode and a 10 psi EVAP mode. Compare the air source, pressure, flow, output modes, gauges, oil drainage, and included accessories to choose the model that fits your work.
What Accessories Are Included?
Accessories vary by model and package option. Depending on the model, the package may include hard rubber adapters, a cone adapter, an airbag adapter, EVAP testing tools, a smoke hose, and a power cable. It may also include an empty testing oil bottle, user manual, warranty card, and quality certificate. Check the product listing for the exact items included with your selected package.
How Long Is the Warranty for SDT205?
The SDT205 main unit has a 3-year limited warranty, and standard accessories have a 1-year limited warranty. See the Warranty Policy for coverage and exclusions. Contact support if you need help with setup, accessories, or troubleshooting.

























Ted (verified owner) –
Thank you
Thank you
Hollie Koelpin (verified owner) –
like it very much
like it very much
Mike (verified owner) –
Very good
Very good