Power probe III common uses

[scott37300]

After a few years of wanting to replace my original power probe with the newer PP3 I finally ordered one last week.

I understand the basic functions of it from having the original PP but what are some of the most common things YOU use it for? Maybe an example of your last time using it? Just trying to see all it will come in handy.

Also, I got the one with the lead kit and it came with 3 different red wires that each have a "Y splitter" on it. Why would I want a splitter for two PP leads? Hopefully this makes sense.

 

[znowaczyk]

I have been using the hell out of mine the last month or so hooking up snow plows and salt spreaders

 

[ATTappman]

Here's some ways I've used mine: Check voltage at starter B+ terminal while cranking engine, check alternator voltage, power up turn signal bulb, activate a EVAP system vent control valve to prove it wasn't working and needed to be replaced, verify voltage at fuel pump control module. No surprises, all very basic stuff.

Personally I never use any mode other than the mode it powers up in. If I think I'll need min/max value storage I use a multimeter instead.

 

[Rusty32]

I think I may be the odd man out. I bought the whole pp 3 kit but I just dont really care for mine, Dont like to battle with the cords. I prefer to use my coil corded test light cause its quick and easy.

 

[Stick]

I used mine last week during the upfit of a Van into a police vehicle (lights/sirens/etc). It saw lots of use during the install to verify component wiring and operation for stuff like placement of strobe lighting. Don't forget about the pigtail for ground, that comes in handy for in-hand component testing.

I also used it on the same van to install a stereo (came as a barebones, basic rig). If you're doing something like that, set it in peak-to-peak mode ("P" on the screen), and set the range to 0.2V, and you can listen to the audio on the pre-outs and speaker wires. That can save lots of time tracking down wires in kickpanels, because you can hear when you've found the right wire.

 

[scott37300]

I am going to be helping a buddy from work with his son's dash and instrument cluster this weekend. He bought the 85 s10 from a guy that put a 91 engine and cab on it. So the dash has the wiring harness from the 91 but he wants to use the 85 cluster since it has the mechanical speedo. The wires don't match the cluster so we have to switch them around to get everything to work. Will be nice to be able to send power to things like turn signals and then use the tester to see what wires are what.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I use mine all the time. Testing fuses, testing components, giving components/wiring live/groud for testing. It's a great thing, i use it pretty much daily.

I did unfortunately melt the insulation on the some of the wiring, not sure if i can get a replacement wire, i may have to replace the whole thing if not. Shame, it's only a few months old and otherwise looks new.

Don't forget about the pigtail for ground, that comes in handy for in-hand component testing.

YES! I love that is has that, use it all the time. Testing relays is what i use it for the most. I know someone that cut it off theirs because they didn't know what it was for.

 

[jamesc]

i used mine today for checking a blower motor it was nice having the light on the end to see under the dash, its hard to hold a pen light and use a test light at the same time and a normal trouble light is to big for under dash. then i tested a washer pump and checked for voltage at the plug.

where it really comes in handy is trailers, it comes with an extension so you can make it from the battery to the back of a long trailer. trailer wiring is simple but there is usually multiple problems. I love my power probe.

 

[Stick]

Used mine today to roll up a power window that had a bad switch. Unplugged the connector on the back of the switch, applied power and ground (through the pigtail), and up she went. Nice to be able to roll up the window when it's -35f outside, and parts aren't available from the dealer until friday.

 

[joedodge]

Like stick I use mine a lot with emergency vehicles lighting and upfitting, and running door locks and window motors and such

 

[richfinn]

I used mine to run an in tank fuel pump that had no supply (due to bad wiring). I got a little device in my pp3 kit that holds the switch down. I hooked it up and followed the car 10miles back to the garage that had made a mess of the wiring. The driver gave me a £10 tip for the rescue

I also hook a current clamp around the tip and activate the circuit with the probe (for example at a relay block) if I need to see how much current a device is consuming.
This can save having to untape looms to find a particular wire.