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Electrical Best meter ends for checking out engine electrical?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 7991LXnSHO
  • Start date Start date Nov 20, 2012

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp
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Nov 20, 2012
#1
  • Nov 20, 2012
  • #1
With all the electical testing I see we need to do, I have an important question set about multi meters.

1. What are the best meter ends for checking out the pins on the computer and harness? I do not want to bump the next pin! But when the other end of the harness is under the hood or car, something must have a gator clip of some type.

2. What is the best way to back probe the TPS etc? Sometines a safety pin works, but I'd hate to have two of them touch! So what is the best tool/probe end for this type of testing?
 

srtthis

the guy doing it does every local racers rear end
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#2
  • Nov 20, 2012
  • #2
the fluke meters we have at work have these stick pin ones that you push into a wire and it hold itself to the wire like a clip on ear ring
 

MikeH686

Mine is only two inches though.
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#3
  • Nov 20, 2012
  • #3
fluke meters ftmfw if you have an aireco near you you can get them there
 

srtthis

the guy doing it does every local racers rear end
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#4
  • Nov 20, 2012
  • #4
MikeH686 said:
fluke meters ftmfw if you have an aireco near you you can get them there
Click to expand...
not many people will put the money out for a fluke....
 

MikeH686

Mine is only two inches though.
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#5
  • Nov 20, 2012
  • #5
I have two :/ lmao but ones from work and one i bought but they have all types from simple to complex
 

jrichker

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#6
  • Nov 20, 2012
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srtthis said:
not many people will put the money out for a fluke....
Click to expand...
Try eBay - Auto Ranging ruggedized Fluke 27 -1 like electricans use for less than $35 with shipping. It doesn't have a bunch of fancy functions, but the price was right...
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
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#7
  • Nov 21, 2012
  • #7
I agree. Try Ebay.


I have a few, but i got them through work when i used to be an Electrician. If you have the $$ to shop around, look for a multimeter that will also read DC amps up to 10A or more. Great tool for troubleshooting power drains. Most meters can onlt do DC Amps up to a smaller amount, like 1A or so.

A good "cheap" meter is an Extech 285. I see these go on Ebay for around $25 and they are plenty capable. I have one sitting next to me at work right now actually. Works fine for car stuff of small electronics.

EDIT: Just searched and found a completed auction for $20 that didn't sell. None listed now, but by past history they go cheap.
 

srtthis

the guy doing it does every local racers rear end
15 Year Member
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#8
  • Nov 21, 2012
  • #8
i'll have to do that here soon... gotta buy a new damn jack first though. my 15 year old 3.5 ton jack blew a seal out of one of the pistons sunday pulling my rear out.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,164
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Nov 21, 2012
#9
  • Nov 21, 2012
  • #9
srtthis said:
gotta buy a new damn jack first though. my 15 year old 3.5 ton jack blew a seal out of one of the pistons sunday pulling my rear out.
Click to expand...

And that is why you never go under a car supported by a jack only!
 
S

slow5ohgt

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Nov 5, 2012
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Nov 21, 2012
#10
  • Nov 21, 2012
  • #10
A good fluke is a worthwhile investment, great meters, but on that note, harbor freight cells a centech automotive meter that has alot of useful features, and its like 25 bucks. I got one just to try it out, and for over a year now ive used it and never had a problem. I leave my fluke in the toolbox unless i get a funky reading, then i test with both and so far the centech is always accurate.

As far as leads go, I use a set of kimball midwest banana clip leads and pins that I obtained through my employer years ago.
 
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