Auto electrical help

[vette-kid]

I have never owned or used an automotive multi-meter and need some help figuring out what to get and what it can really do for me. As I begin to take on more and more projects on my own I find that it would be helpful to be able to test the output of the alternator and battery. I have done electrical work in the cars before, mostly just hooking up stereos or other such equipment (lights, piggy back computers). but havnt really messed with the alternator side. What do I need to cover the basics here? I dont want to spend $200 on this, in fact less than $100 would be great. So will most any multi-meter give me alternator output to determine if the alt is operating as it should? Also, having never owned/used one, I assume they would come with a guide on how to properly (safely) use it? Are there any good resources to look at and read up on this type of stuff (remember...beginner level!)? Thanks!

 

[Merkava_4]

Click on this link and at the upper right corner, click on the Download Manuals button to download the manual for the Fluke 88.

Inside that PDF are some good instructions on checking an alternator with a multimeter.

http://us.fluke.com/usen/Products/F...=FlukeUnitedStates&Category=HMA(FlukeProducts)

 

[Merkava_4]

millerwelds puts out an excellent tutorial on basic electricity here:

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/basicelec/

 

[Gary S]

I have a Fluke, I have a cheap Radio Shack, and I have the Harbor Freight $4 special. All of them are accurate enough to tell you what you need. When I need one, I grab whichever one is closest.
If you want an expensive one, get it, but I would also buy a few Harbor Freight meters to keep in every toolbox.
If your Fluke falls off the fender of your car and breaks, you will cry. If your Harbor Freight meter falls, you won't care if you have more of them.
Also, under extreme cold storage, I've seen the Fluke LCDs separate so they are not readable anymore. The cheap meters will do the same, but you won't care.

 

[vette-kid]

Merk...Thanks for the links! Those are going to help a ton!

Funds are a bit tight, so I wont be buying the most expensive unit for sure. Thanks for the tip on the HF stuff. Ill check them out next time i head that way.

 

[john w]

If your Fluke falls off the fender, it probably won't be phased - the yellow holster really protects them. In the owner's video for the Fluke 98 Scope, they purposely drop it on the floor and then turn it on and use it to show how rugged it is. I had one cheap meter that died on me after 5 years for no apparent reason, but it's nice to have a cheap one to loan out.

 

[Merkava_4]

Merk...Thanks for the links! Those are going to help a ton!

You're very welcome.