Power Probe

[82 SC]

I just got a Power Probe III and it seems like a great tool when looking online. Has anyone used one yet and if so what did you do with it. I would like to start a tread for using this really cool tool. If you don't know what it is check it out online. You can diagnose electrical items really easy, add power or ground to a circuit. Kind of like a volt meter and test light and a few others all rolled up in one. Can't wait to use mine.

[tirwin]

I bought one a couple of years ago on the recommendation from someone here. It is extremely useful. If you download the product documentation from their website the docs give some great examples of how to use it in various scenarios.

I have used it quite a bit in testing things like condenser fans, washer pumps, etc. where you want to put 12v directly to the device to see if it works.

I still have a regular test light and multimeter. I find myself using all 3. It just sort of depends on what I’m trying to do.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by 82 SC

I just got a Power Probe III and it seems like a great tool when looking online. Has anyone used one yet and if so what did you do with it. I would like to start a tread for using this really cool tool. If you don't know what it is check it out online. You can diagnose electrical items really easy, add power or ground to a circuit. Kind of like a volt meter and test light and a few others all rolled up in one. Can't wait to use mine.

Looks like a time saver.

['76 911S 3.0]

Love the Power Probe, one of the most handy tools for electrical diagnostics.

[adam912]

Are you friggin kidding?
Go to Home Depot. Buy a 5 dollar multimeter. Done.
Wanna get REAL fancy..connect 20 feet of speaker wire between probe tips and meter.
Walla, Power probe.

60 bucks for the basic unit? Give me a *****break. Porsche Tax has nothing on these shucksters.

[uwanna]

Originally Posted by adam912

Are you friggin kidding?
Go to Home Depot. Buy a 5 dollar multimeter. Done.
Wanna get REAL fancy..connect 20 feet of speaker wire between probe tips and meter.
Walla, Power probe.

60 bucks for the basic unit? Give me a *****break. Porsche Tax has nothing on these shucksters.

You obviously have never used one and know nothing about the things it can do. Try injecting a ground or 12v into a circuit to troubleshoot with a multimeter! I have known pro mechanics who use the Power Probe and swear that it's one of the most valuable tools in their kit and would never give it up!

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by uwanna

You obviously have never used one and know nothing about the things it can do.

The ground trick is sweet. Single probe. Ground - yes/no. The end.

I do like adam912's spirit. Feisty is not a crime.

However, I have toted the 20 feet of speaker wire around a big ass haul trailer confirming ground for lights. It sucks if you have an easier option for a few bucks extra.

[adam912]

Bob they just build the 20 foot cable into the instrument. Same difference!
Add 1 wire with a cheap breaker inline and you have the 12V injection as well.

I'm an out-of-the box EE by nature and practice, and I long ago lost the "Oh they sell this in a nice box, they must know more than I do" bias.

And I do agree that if you have no electrical build experience, 60 bucks is a decent price to pay for the tester. Not that it takes a WHOLE lot of experience to hook up a few wires (grin)

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by adam912

Bob they just build the 20 foot cable into the instrument. Same difference!

So is that why you hook power leads to the battery? So instead of hooking up the 20 ft of speaker wire to a ground spot you use the 20 ft of speaker wire to take the Power Probe negative lead to the battery if you are working at the back of the haul trailer?

Can't fool mother Nature.

[911tracker85]

I am frequently frustrated by the limitations of a volt meter. I am not an EE, so I need tools some smart EE has designed.

looks like I'll be ordering one. glad I saw this.

[universeman]

I just saw this for the first time last weekend, the body shop guy had an older one. Fantastically useful. I used it to trace like 4 electrical gremlins (car was just put back together) in 30 minutes with this tool. Diagnosed a faulty switch, etc. Definitely have one coming!

[82 SC]

Just tried mine out this weekend, I am having starting trouble with my wifes jeep. I was able to use the power probe to put power to the starter fuse and it would throw the solenoid but not the turn the starter, the same as the key was doing but easier to see under the hood. Looks like starter time. I can see this being very helpful. I will pay for a good tool and this thing looks to be a awesome one. Now i just need to know what else i can do with it.

[azhodge]

This is a very useful tool. hating the thing will not change that. Sounds like you have not used one. testing grounds, testing power, putting power to relays, putting power to motors, testing fuses, continuity, tracing shorts. All in one tool. With built in safeties.. sure you can do much of it with a test light and a multimeter, but not as fast or efficiently. you tube raves are abundant. Pro's love it..

[pmead]

I have had a Power Probe for over a year. Best electric diagnostic tool that I have used. The ability to instantly supply/check power or ground is great and the "short finding remote" is really helpful.

[Marc Bixen]

Motor magazine, a mechanics trade magazine, just had a great article about some of the many uses for this wonderful diagnostic tool. Theirs was mainly about testing fuel injectors....without shorting out the injectors. One of many. Snap-on also makes their own version of this EECT800 Multi probe Pro.

[911tracker85]

I have some elec gremlins to chase in my 85 911, and the volt meter was just not telling me what I need to know as to why. just ordered one. we'll see.

[seafeye]

I’ve had my power pro for about 7 years. Probably the best tool in my toolbox. It’s right up there with my fluke.