Using Automotive Meters

Digital automotive meter

The automotive meter is one of the most versatile tools used to diagnose automotive electrical problems. It is also the tool that I use the most to verify failed electrical auto parts.

By verifying that an electrical part has failed you are assured that the nonrefundable purchase will not be in vain. In most cases automotive electrical parts are not returnable.

The auto multimeter can be used to test direct current and alternating current. This inexpensive handy tester can also be used to test resistance, continuity and in some cases can provide engine RPMs via an inductive pickup.

Some of the more expensive units will even include a temperature probe that provides valuable and accurate Fahrenheit or Celsius readings.

On older vehicles, this electrical tester can be used to measure duty cycle, pulse width and diode condition. All it takes is selecting the proper test from the control knob, and this is usually covered quite extensively in the supplied documentation that comes with the automotive meters.

Types of automotive meters

Fluke Multimeter

Multimeters are available with either analog or digital displays. Although analog meters were very popular just a few years ago, the digital meter has become the go to standard of the auto repair industry.

Digital voltmeters do not use a sweeping needle or a scale to display the measurements. Instead they display the measurement digitally on the automotive meter itself.

Digital meters have a high input impedance usually at lease 10 Meg ohms. Metered voltage for resistance tests is well below 5 V, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive components and delicate computer circuits.

A digital multimeter also gives quite an exact reading and one that is not dependent on the view of the needle against a scale that could be hard to read. Read more