Installers Best Friend

One of the best things an installer can purchase is a digital multimeter, (test lights are not an acceptable substitute). From reading many of these posts, it sounds like digital multimeters (DMM's) are not being used. From one installer to another, this is about the smartest tool you could ever buy. There are even affordable DMM's at sears for under 30 bucks. So instead of guessing what wires to use, you will know which wire is the right one. This will not only save your vehicle, but it will save you headaches and costly repair bills. Everyone agree???

-Brent (Lead Installer at Generation Sound)

I can now finally agree with that.  I had installed 3 remote starters, but had been using the test light that came with it.  Everything worked fine, so I figured it was ok to use.  Then I got to a Ford Taurus, thought the test light was enough, but it misled me and I made mistakes.  I was supposed to find the wires that showed 12v+, of which I "found" 4 of them using the test light, but my install was not working.  It turned out (once I used the DMM), that one of those wires was only showing 100mV, not 12v+.  So this is a case where the test light would just show positive, but not the correct amount.  I was able to hook up to the 3 wires, and everything worked correctly :)

I have to agree with Brent as well and add to what he mentioned......... you can not properly install ANY electronic equipment properly without the right tools for the job. Here is a list of tools taht I can not live without ( or at least can not perform an installation in a reasonable amount of time without these tools ):

• Cordless butane solder iron
• automatic wire strippers
• small side cutter
• hand held cordless drill
• angle driver
• electrical tape
• upholstery pry bar
• DMM
• light tester ( back up if DMM ever looses power )

I am not a "rat shack fan" I perfer FLUKE myself :) but it tends to be a bit more pricey!

Craig

  One thing to add to what Nokos said...

  The biggest plus to getting a test light with ground fault protection circuitry is that you won't have to worry about setting the AIRBAG off!!!  Although I have never been able to find a "cheap"  test light like this, the price range I have seen is $60 to $120, personally I think thats steep price to pay for a test light, but replacing an airbag would cost quite a bit more.

Yup I use the same thing Dan does.....but mines from Mac....only problem is....when you get to multiplexed circuits...need the DMM...So I keep both in my tool box!!!

However, I thought the installers best friend was BONDO!!!!  hehehehehehe  Either that or the Pizza Delivery driver...and for those hard to do installs on your own time ( a.k.a. "side jobs") a six pack of budweiser!!  yes I'm a drunk.....but the flashes of electricity is so funny when you're lit!!  I'm just kidding about drinking and installing, they don't mix!!!  period point blank end of discussion!!!