I am wondering if anyone uses a power probe on their cars?
I am thinking about getting one and would like to hear from anyone who uses them. Are there any particular brands and models worth getting?
For the less experienced and for the more experienced DIY-er.

Thank you.

 

What IS a power probe?

Cheers
DD

 

Probably less painful than the other probe types administered by aliens?

 

Its a kinda glorified circuit tester from 6V to 24V usually, which is powered by the car or bike battery.

 

Although I have had quite a few surreal UFO close encounters during my life, no **** probes as far as I can remember.

 

URL for one?

 

I have (and like!) a "logic probe" similar to this:

https://www.toolsource.com/noid-ligh...-p-101291.html

Is that what you're thinking of?

Worth having, IMO. Essentially you use it like a conventional 12v test light but it's powered independently and glows red for "+" voltage and green for ground. Convenient.

Cheers
DD

 

I call mine a VMM from Rotunda.

 

So it's NOT an amount of power tester but rather a tester for the presence of voltage (but calling it power (*))?

Do not use anything that may draw more than a minute amount of power from the signal/device being tested or it may cause codes or damage.

(*) obviously it helps to confuse...

 

This is a typical example which seems fairly common on google search:

https://www.powerprobe.com/

 

Yes its a tester for the presence of any power and circuit continuity and it can identify positive or negative terminals with some models.
I think it will be a useful tool, so I may buy one.

 

That's a fairly serious piece of kit.
What are the overall benefits of it?
Is it hard wired or plug and play?

 

Thanks. Looks like it could easily cause damage / flag codes.

I'd rather stick to DVOM, OBD & OE-type diags.

 

Another vote for Power Probe.

Only tool that you can power stuff with and check things no meter can. You can also apply ground with no wire changes. Long enough leads to go from end to end on a car. It's circuit breaker protected so I can repeatably pop the breaker and reset and continue checking where the short is. When I troubleshoot electrical my biggest complaint about my DMM is all the jumpers I have to rig up.

Once you use one the advantages are clear. Like all tools they have some very fancy, expensive versions with many added features.

I have the small case version. About $90.

https://www.powerprobe.com/web-store...-accessories-1
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VMM works with IDS/SDD when electrical testing/probing is called for. It's reads into the program. Huge benefits and yes, it's a serious piece of equipment.

 

Thank you for explaining.
Tbh I think that would be way over my head as a hobby technician.