anyone got a recommendation for a good car voltage meter. Would like a pen one that goes down low to test hot wires for stereos and such

Edited October 14, 20204 yr by Wally

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-117-Electricians-True-Multimeter/dp/B000O3LUEI

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-115-Compact-True-RMS-Multimeter/dp/B000OCFFMW

You can buy different kits with different leads, too. These are high quality meters that will last a long time. My Fluke is over 20 years old.

If you want one that can be used as a tachometer for tuning/timing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-78-automotive-DVM/114457613333?hash=item1aa6349415:g:97YAAOSwYzBfgwF0

On 10/14/2020 at 2:38 PM, Wally said:

anyone got a recommendation for a good car voltage meter. Would like a pen one that goes down low to test hot wires for stereos and such

I have a Fluke 77 DVOM, and use it for most of my electrical testing and diagnostic work.

But.

Some testing requires an analog voltmeter, such as checking a throttle position sensor for opens. A digital voltmeter reacts to quickly to see the changes in resistance. I know, an early Z doesn’t have a TPS, but I work on newer cars too.

 

 

But then there is the other school of thought that says buying a $30 unit is better because if you fry it it's no great loss.  I have a couple cheap units as well as a Fluke 177.  I use the Fluke mostly for ohms testing/measuring.

The Flukes have a $15 fuse inside to teach you to pay attention to your leads and settings.  You get about 8 fries to breakeven point.