I need recommendations for an electrical testing unit for use on my 40. I've never used one and have no idea what to look for in a unit. Thanks
Electrical Tester
- Thread starter tstepp920
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Any multimeter will work. If you are only looking for something that works as an occasional tool for the FJ40 and random home repairs, I have used one like this reliably for a few years, until I finally killed it:
7 Function Digital Multimeter
If you want to spend lots of money for the "professional" model that, in my opinion, is more tool than what is necessary for any DIY home/auto diagnostics, here's the super awesome one:
Fluke - FLUKE-87-V - AC Range DC; 1000 VAC Voltage Range Digital; 1000 VDC Voltage Multimeter - Allied Electronics
There are a million options in-between these two examples. After I successfully killed my $5 HF tool, I eventually upgraded to a fancy $15 multimeter. It works great for what I intend to do with it.
7 Function Digital Multimeter
If you want to spend lots of money for the "professional" model that, in my opinion, is more tool than what is necessary for any DIY home/auto diagnostics, here's the super awesome one:
Fluke - FLUKE-87-V - AC Range DC; 1000 VAC Voltage Range Digital; 1000 VDC Voltage Multimeter - Allied Electronics
There are a million options in-between these two examples. After I successfully killed my $5 HF tool, I eventually upgraded to a fancy $15 multimeter. It works great for what I intend to do with it.
I'd recommend the Fluke. You can find reasonable priced used ones like my Fluke 77. I used one like it in the 80's building warships at Bath Iron Works it was indispensable. If you really want more means to troubleshoot electrical systems a small DC clamp-on ammeter will help find problems in which you have voltage but corrosion or a partially broken wire is limiting current (amps).
upperblack
SILVER Star
X3 on a fluke. They are pricey new but find a good used one on Craigslist or eBay.
Plus the old ones were made in the US.
I have a fluke 87, it's overkill but I use for a lot of applications.
Plus the old ones were made in the US.
I have a fluke 87, it's overkill but I use for a lot of applications.
WB8LBZ
SILVER Star
I'll vote for the cheap one. Sometimes Harbor Freight will give these away. The Fluke meters are nice but at the price you can get one of these Harbor Freight meters you can afford to break one and not loose sleep over it.
Larry in El Paso
Larry in El Paso
bj40green
Tssss, tssss
You can buy any DMM (Digital Multi Meter) but a really handy tool is a Voltage Tester.
Looks like a screwdriver but has a light in the handle, a sharp tip and a wire with a crocodile clip.
Looks like this and the are CHEAP!
Rudi
Looks like a screwdriver but has a light in the handle, a sharp tip and a wire with a crocodile clip.
Looks like this and the are CHEAP!
Rudi
what you need to do when buying a less expensive dvm is to look at its accuracy and comparing one brand/model to another (+/- numbers).
the ice pick voltage tester is good for continuity testing especially being able to get into tight places and using the tip to get through a wire's non-conducting cover in a pinch (remembering that you've minutely broken the protection of the conductor with a small hole) but it does not give you a value reading for voltage, voltage drops can give you a troubleshooting clue.
the ice pick voltage tester is good for continuity testing especially being able to get into tight places and using the tip to get through a wire's non-conducting cover in a pinch (remembering that you've minutely broken the protection of the conductor with a small hole) but it does not give you a value reading for voltage, voltage drops can give you a troubleshooting clue.
- Thread starter
- #8
Thanks again gentlemen......I'll get 1 of each 
At the advice of another Mud member, I picked up Power Probe III. Hands down beats a DMM for automotive troubleshooting.
Tom,
You'll want to buy or make some alligator clip leads for extensions.
I use the continuity function a lot - it sounds a buzzer when there's continuity - so I like to make sure the meter has a loud enough buzzer.
And Rudi is right on the voltage tester. Handy to have if only because it's one-handed.
You'll want to buy or make some alligator clip leads for extensions.
I use the continuity function a lot - it sounds a buzzer when there's continuity - so I like to make sure the meter has a loud enough buzzer.
And Rudi is right on the voltage tester. Handy to have if only because it's one-handed.
I bought a power probe III and used it today to diagnose ignition wiring issues on the FJ40 I got today. I REALLY like it.
I've got a little Craftsman that I've probably had for 25 years but I picked up one of the Harbor Freight's freebies and find I use it all the time. It's digital and you can't beat the price!
Pete
I'll add a vote for the power probe 3, it can show voltage and you can load rest the grounds to 8 amps without breaking it and power up loads to quickly check if it's a wire or load fault.
I goggled the power probe 3, sounds pretty good. The company is on the west coast but I could not find out where the tool is made.
I guess now-a-days Chinese products are everywhere but I still focus on products made here in USA.
I guess now-a-days Chinese products are everywhere but I still focus on products made here in USA.
Mine says "Made in USA with global materials"
Being able to power up circuits is golden, there's alot more it can do and a wealth of how-to videos. Just got done re-wiring/ + fixing wiring on my '64 with one. I like it so much I put it back in it's case and bring back in the house when I'm done for the day.
Being able to power up circuits is golden, there's alot more it can do and a wealth of how-to videos. Just got done re-wiring/ + fixing wiring on my '64 with one. I like it so much I put it back in it's case and bring back in the house when I'm done for the day.
