Volt Meter Question?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 21
From: Denville NJ
Volt Meter Question?
What brand / model # volt meter do you guys/ gals recommend using on the Vette? I don't want to buy something that has features I will never use nor lacks features I will need. Thanks for any help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
I would suggest a digital multimeter that can measure at leat voltage and ohms. They are quite inexpensive too, arround $20-$40 dollars at Radio Shack or other electronic stores. It's better to get a multi-meter because along with a Shop Manual, (highly recommended) you can use the Ohms and Voltage scales to check for voltage, resistance, and wiring for breaks among other things to perform basic checks throughout the car. I got mine from Sears.
Last edited by 86PACER; Aug 21, 2004 at 07:37 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I picked up a nice DMM at Radio Shack for around $40 but it's about 7yrs old so the Model Number wouldn't do any good.
Get one with a 1 Amp and a 10 Amp scale as this is useful in testing battery drain problems.
Also pick up a set of jumper wires, with the roach clips on the ends, to aid in hooking up the probes.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon OH
I agree. You can get a decent mutli-meter at Radio Shack. One thing to look for is lead length. Try to get a meter with some decent lengt leads. When you use a meter with short leads, it gets very frustrating. Also, pick up a set of alligator leads to go with your meter. Those leads will be less than $5, but will help you tremendously when troubleshooting. Just be aware, when you use an alligator clip, pay attention to where the alligator clip is laying because it is conductive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Originally Posted by 86PACER
I would suggest a digital multimeter that can measure at leat voltage and ohms. They are quite inexpensive too, arround $20-$40 dollars at Radio Shack or other electronic stores. It's better to get a multi-meter because along with a Shop Manual, (highly recommended) you can use the Ohms and Voltage scales to check for voltage, resistance, and wiring for breaks among other things to perform basic checks throughout the car. I got mine from Sears.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
From: Byfield MA
I agree with the other guys that an inexpensive Radio Shack Digital Multimeter (DMM) or an Analog style is also fine to. The Analog style (VOM), Volt/Ohm/Milliameter can also be very usefull, as much of the time, you don't have to get an exact reading but more often a quick one. Personally I prefer the Analog meter but then again I think it's my age. I do electronics and I sometimes become impatient with the changing numbers of the Digital Meter. Some of the DMM's take time to settle down to display a stable reading. A meter that makes an audible sound is also good for checking continuity, as in checking bulbs, wires, etc. You don't have to read the gauge, just listen for the tone. The most important piece in this equation is determining the results and what to do about it. Plus...don't use either of these meters to check the sparkplug voltage, as neither of these general purpose meters can handle approx: 25,000 VDC. Not to mention your body!!!
Good Luck
Good Luck
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