Testing Wires, What Does Everyone Use?
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Forum Name: Miscellaneous - Off Topic
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URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=15956
Printed Date: May 02, 2024 at 3:43 AM
Topic: Testing Wires, What Does Everyone Use?
Posted By: IXJ159
Subject: Testing Wires, What Does Everyone Use?
Date Posted: July 06, 2003 at 9:09 PM
been installing for awhile now, I'd just like to see what everyone uses to test wires, granted "you should always use a multimeter" is a given, but im sure everyone uses logic probes and test lights too, at least if you want to get cars in and out as fast as u can so you can actually make money. I currently use a multimeter when i actaully need the number, I have a mac logic probe, and one of those "handy hooker" test lights... is there any new contraptions that makes life easiers when ur tucked on ur back and doing remote starts all day, the handy hooker light is junk, the mac probe is good, but im always poking my fingers, the meter takes 2 hands and takes too much time... anyway if anyone has the "PERFECT TESTING TOOL" let me know and give me model numbers and a URL if possibe?? Thanks, Eric
Replies:
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: July 07, 2003 at 9:44 PM
Circuit safe test lights are only safe if the installer knows what not to test with them, believe it or not they are NOT circuit safe(don't believe me try testing for starter in something like a 99 chev impala). Also never buy any test light that will allow you to send power or ground through it with a button, these will have activate on accident. For the only truly safe(if you know how to use it) method of testing see below!
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Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.
I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.
Posted By: SnomanF150
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 9:44 PM
I live and die by my test light.. good ol light with light as bright as a dome light in it.. of course, after MANY year under my belt, I know what I am looking for in most every car and absolutly NEVER probe a wire blindly with it.. ie: looking for a door trigger at a BCM with it just ain't going to work..
I have never blown an airbag, smoked a computer, tripped the 'check engine' light, ect.. I do however have about 10 other circuit testers.. one a cordless test light a tool guy gave me to try about 12 years ago..
I also use a Fluke 73.. made some test leads for it.. took the ground and put an alligator clip on it and sharpend the 'hot' lead.. so I don't have to use two hands.. I also have a clip for an old test light I use to hold a ground for a meter, test light, and a fused ground wire for testing.. my fuse wire is not the safest, but it's only used for testing.. not finding.. My best tool is my mind though.. it's like a knowledge base of wire colors and location..
George
David's Car Stereo
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Posted By: Basscoholic23
Date Posted: July 28, 2003 at 10:44 PM
As for alarm wires and remote starters I would use the multimeter. (always) A quick and easy way to find my tach, I use my logic probe something like one of these https://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?tool=diagnostics&item_ID=16693&group_ID=1393&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog when you find a wire the wire,the tester light will flash green and red very rapidly almost orange with this tester. this test light has a resistance of 10 milliamps at 14 volts. A bit safe. And for car audio behind the deck installations I use a regular test light. And for those people with chopped off harnesses, I still use my multimeter to check for speaker resistance. But 80-90% of the time ill use my headache safe multimeter. My multimeter is my troubleshooter.
Posted By: Himself
Date Posted: August 03, 2003 at 2:35 PM
I use "The Probe" it is so handy i dont know how i got by without it. You can look at one at www.matcotools.com and its Part#: TL1C ------------- What?
Posted By: wireart
Date Posted: August 05, 2003 at 11:23 AM
Check out Mac claws wire piercing tools, part # ET911. It's a set of 4 different coloured piercing probes that you can attach a banana jack on the end of it or a alligator clip to the side of the needle. It pierces the wire cleanly and allows you to test even in tight spots. I make my own banana plug wire tester with a resettable circuit breaker inline to use with these. Don't know how I ever did without these little piercing tools.
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Thee #1 tool nut
Thee #1 Mustang nut
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