Power Probe

[marineman]

Any pro mechanics or very heavy DIYers have any feedback on the current power probe offerings. What are you using and how do you like it? Haven't heard of anyone using it here yet but does anyone have the hook and find it useful? Really the only new feature that would interest me is being able to do 0-5 volt for sensors. Have you found it worth the price or is the 3 still the best way to go? I really never saw any benefit to the 4 over the 3 but maybe you can change my mind.

 

[ItsNemo]

I've got a 3, does the job...it really depends on what sort of troubleshooting you need to do, each one has it's strengths but the 3 is best for normal wiring issues.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I agree. I have the 3 Master kit. I've used the short finder a few times. The probe I mostly use for power went occasionally ground. Checking fuses, a quick voltage check. I've bench tested some things as well. I like it for when components don't work and you're trying to eliminate sources of issue without getting in depth at first. Eliminate switch, eliminate component, now you focus on wiring. Switch is good but component won't power in with the probe, component is bad. Etc. If you're buying your first, go with the IV since it's newer, has a better screen and more features (which you probably won't use if you're not very much into diagnosing). Great tool to have but if you don't know the circuit you're working on you can quickly turn your day from diagnosing an issue to replacing a PCM or similar.

 

[plinker]

They have a 5v adapter for the PP3 now. Got one but have not used it. They "improved" the PP3, I have the older model & it does what I need. Looks like the main thing they changed was make it so the screen can rotate when upside down and it's slimmer in profile.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I've used the 3 a bit and it's great. You've got a reliable ground that you don't have to second guess and the ability to power loads is convenient. If all you are doing is pressing the power button, the 3 is all you need. As for the 4, I'm thinking of getting it, but I'll be waiting until the cost of the accessories goes down.

 

[theoldwizard1]

A Close Look At The Power Probe IV. Over 60 minutes, but worth watching !

This does not necessarily solve all electrical problems ! Many times a 12V INCANDESCANT test light is the best tool. Some times a home made "high current" (4A-6A) test light is better. Improperly used, a Power Probe CAN damage some things !

 

[Dieselhammer]

A guy at work had the Autel ps100 for awhile, after my power probe 2 finally died he convinced me to get it ($90 if you shop around) and im very satisfied. has a digital screen unlike my power probe 2 and alot of flashy features including an osciloscope and it uses the same chords as the later power probes, so if you need extensions for working on trailers you can use those which you may already have. Pretty sweet, i was worried about longevity, but the guy who convinced me is hard on tools and has had his a few years, so far, so good.

 

[anndel]

I have the PP4 and thought I would never use it as I normally grab the multimeter first when performing diagnosis. I was trouble shooting my friend's car that overheated due to a dead fan. I forgot my DVM and used the PP4 which could put power or ground at the tip. I grab the PP4 first now every time.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I have a 3 because for my use some of the extra features of the 4 were not as useful. The extension cables for the 3 are a lot cheaper too and one is included in the kit, unlike the 4.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have a 3, and use it rarely enough to not bother keeping up with the current offerings. They are nice for messing with trailers, but you still need a volt meter for the job anyways.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have the PP4 and thought I would never use it as I normally grab the multimeter first when performing diagnosis. I was trouble shooting my friend's car that overheated due to a dead fan. I forgot my DVM and used the PP4 which could put power or ground at the tip. I grab the PP4 first now every time.

Fans are my main use for the PP actually, if I have no bi-directional controls.

 

[ngk22r]

A Close Look At The Power Probe IV. Over 60 minutes, but worth watching !

This does not necessarily solve all electrical problems ! Many times a 12V INCANDESCANT test light is the best tool. Some times a home made "high current" (4A-6A) test light is better. Improperly used, a Power Probe CAN damage some things !

It can damage things if you do not know what you are doing with it. I have a PP4 and the tool is great. The incandescent test light only tells you that there is voltage at what you are touching with it. It wont tell you if you have 12v or 10v.

The best way to diagnose an electrical problem is using the voltage drop method and the PP4 shines when using that method.

 

[zmotorsports]

I don't have the PP4 so can't speak to that. I have an original version of the Power Probe that I now carry in our coach when we travel and have so for the last few years after purchasing my PP3 that I use in the shop.

I use it quite a bit but still reach for my VOM for a lot of troubleshooting. The biggest advantage and reason I reach for the Power Probe is if I need to activate a component or drive a device but can see where the all in one PP4 would be nice for either, just can't bring myself to buy one as the PP3 and VOM do everything I need.

 

[Luciferi]

Yesterday I had to test some wires in a hard to reach place and grabbed my volt meter. After a few minutes of awkwardly trying to hold 4 things at once, I walked back to the truck and grabbed the pp3.

 

[Jmatlock88]

Use the hook to supply current limited power (electronic fuse), to “load pro” test grounds, and to supply 5V ref circuits. Use the PP4 for general diag checks, injector testing, and testing ECM controls because it can simulate presence of the sensor (bias voltage).

 

[Wrench97]

I have a 3 and use it regularly, the ground is a great feature(beats a test light wired to a pair of vice grips) and if you know the circuit your working on and how to test it the ability to apply voltage or ground is a real time saver. The voltmeter feature is good as long as you are checking a loaded circuit as with any voltmeter test.

 

[gdudik]

Love my power probe 3. Used it the first time several years ago working on a set of the suicide (automatic) seatbelts in an early 90s Subaru. Controller was in the trunk, way away from the seatbelts. Press the button on the power probe and presto! Seatbelt at the other end of the car moves.

One of the best electrical troubleshooting tools out there.