Which power probe for automotive?

[owenst7]

I have a couple gremlins need to chase down on a few different vehicles. I'm also an engineer for a company that does high end access control/fire alarm/surveillance/etc. systems. We do a lot with 12/24/48V DC and some AC.

I kind of doubt this tool will be useful for work, especially considering I don't do a lot of field work anymore. Occasionally I get called out to troubleshoot something our techs are having problems with.

I work on a lot of late model vehicles and build desert race 4x4s, which is the main reason I want a power probe. I know I can do this stuff with a DMM and a power supply, but truthfully chasing electric gremlins is my least favorite thing to do on a vehicle, so I want the convenience.

Which power probe is the most practical for what I'm doing with it? Looks like the 4 has a lot of the add-ons for the 3 integrated in to it? I can't decide if the wireless deal is useful or not. We have tone generators at work that are probably higher quality, but I don't have one for home. I'm also very colorblind (half the reason I hate doing electrical) and it seems like it would be useful. Could I use it to chase wires at my house? (Just bought a new house that was wired by Ray Charles too)

 

[ngk22r]

I have the power probe 4 and it is a great tool. Many features but the most important is the volt reading it gives you as you are testing main circuits.

 

[Brownsfan]

I look at the PP 3 as a luxury type tool. I ONLY use when testing things like motors or switches where it's convenient to beagle to inject power or ground. When chasing problem wiring it's meter and load pro leads. Power probe is also great for fuse testing because of the small tip and tones. As long as you are using as an add on and not a replacement for your meter you it will serve you well. It definitely has a place in the box but is not a do it all type of tool. I also have other tools like logic probes for signals too fast for a meter. Those come in handy when needed. But I do this for a living not just my own stuff so it's worth it.

 

[scooterGA]

I am a Power Probe 4 disciple, have been doing electrical work on auto's for 30 plus years and I would have been beyond thrilled to have one back in my younger days. Not only is the on screen display nice but you can also apply power and ground to a component with the touch of a switch and the 4 has already saved me on some fuel injector circuits. I still use my Fluke 88 a lot and will always swear by a good ol test light but the Power Probe 4 has been a lifesaver

 

[sqaurelizard]

using the PowerScan PS100 for the last year very handy for quick checks on auto electrics

 

[Pipe]

I am a Power Probe 4 disciple, have been doing electrical work on auto's for 30 plus years and I would have been beyond thrilled to have one back in my younger days. Not only is the on screen display nice but you can also apply power and ground to a component with the touch of a switch and the 4 has already saved me on some fuel injector circuits. I still use my Fluke 88 a lot and will always swear by a good ol test light but the Power Probe 4 has been a lifesaver

Good insight. On gremlins I've always been a test light guy myself because several times I've had voltage reading but not umph that goes along with it. I don't own any power probe but will look into it as well.

 

[Showkey]

In the right hands a PP can be very useful.
In the wrong hands..........its a great and easy way to destroy control modules and ECUs.
I have seen dozens of CAN modules destroyed by guys putting power where it not suppose to be and piercing shielded wires usually done by the aftermarket alarm and remote start guys or a newbe in over his head.

 

[owenst7]

Well I ordered the PP3 master kit since I can pick it up at summit today and they price match websites.

Thanks for the info on which model I should get, those of you who read the title of the thread . I would have just bought a 4 but I wanted the tone generator/wiggy deal.

 

[Brownsfan]

In the right hands a PP can be very useful.
In the wrong hands..........its a great and easy way to destroy control modules and ECUs.
I have seen dozens of CAN modules destroyed by guys putting power where it not suppose to be and piercing shielded wires usually done by the aftermarket alarm and remote start guys or a newbe in over his head.

Not this alarm remote start guy. But then again I'm not your average aftermarket electronics guy. I also do electrical trouble shooting and repair so I understand how sensitive these things are. I have seen more than a few guys do dumb **** with the Power Probe. I NEVER use on remote start installations. No reason to.

 

[FigureItOut]

In the right hands a PP can be very useful.
In the wrong hands..........its a great and easy way to destroy control modules and ECUs.
I have seen dozens of CAN modules destroyed by guys putting power where it not suppose to be and piercing shielded wires usually done by the aftermarket alarm and remote start guys or a newbe in over his head.

Not this one either. Even me being a newby it's not difficult to realize that if a test light drawing current can cause damage, you better be damn sure where you're SUPPLYING power.
I'd like to think anyone who has interest in a PP would know better, but having seen some pretty shoddy work in the past I suppose that's not realistic.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[Brownsfan]

Don't you love the sweeping generalizations.

 

[FigureItOut]

Don't you love the sweeping generalizations.

Not especially, but I suppose if that's been his observation, well.. That's a shame. There are hacks in all professions.

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[anndel]

PP4, I used it to power a magnetic a/c clutch then replacing the entire a/c compressor.