Many Honda-Tech questions involve electrical problems. Surprisingly, I've noticed that many of you who do car work either don't have a multimeter or don't know how to use it. This baffles me as it's one of the most important tools in your garage. And price is not an excuse. For example, below is shown a sale ad today from Harbor Freight Tools, where you can buy an adequate digital multimeter for $3. In addition, if you don't know how to use it, just ask in your tech threads. Many members could help you out. Just sayin'.

 

I have one. Actually 3 but haven't yet had the need to use it. I'm sure when I do I'll ask. Anything past basic power and ground and I'm lost.

It's kinda like working on a car and not having a manual.

 

the same multimeter at harbor freight here is on sale for 4.99.... lol.

 

Hands down one of the best investments you can make to your tool box.

 

Print the coupon I posted and get it for $3.

 

yup. the nearest HF is about 25 mins away. i printed it anyway just in case i'm in the area.

 

The first two things I bought when I started to work on my car was a manual and a multimeter. They have both been invaluable to me.

 

If you can find a cheap lab scope, that's a major help in diagnosing any sort of variable resistance or volatge sensor. Those don't come as cheap as a multimeter unfortunately, I picked up a used Snap-On Vantage for $100 bucks on eBay however.

 

Even at $10 there's really no reason not have one. I've got about 3 or 4 of them here, including an absolute ancient Amprobe Jr. Analogue multimeter that's about 40 years old (handy for checking capacitors because you can't do that with a digital meter)

 

great point Ron.

i have an old portable digital one from radio shack that i've had for years that still works like a charm. it is a rubberized texture and folds up tightly and neatly. i LOVE it. obvious use has been for car stuff but i use it for all kinds of things around the house, and it's fused so it isn't limited to tiny things. i used it a lot when i used to race RC and i had it out recently to test the batteries for a finicky smoke detector. the old 9v tongue test only tells you so much.

also handy for the toolbox is a little IR thermometer, like this - http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=4288088

they are so cheap now, i can't believe it.

 

i just blew my meter trying to find a drain on my brother's amanti, radio was in error mode and stayed on while key was out, all that current draw blew the fuse in my meter, and when i replace the fuse i just get a "1" reading all the time.

but in addition to wanting buy another meter, i want to get an ammeter as well for my collection of problem solving tools. ammeters may be better for finding a drain in the systems

 

I had that same one from harbor freight until the wires pulled apart at both end. Got my $3 dollars out of it, saw the value of them then bought a $14 one from walmart. These things are definitely worth it since most of my problems are electrical

 

You have to put the meter in series with the power source to measure current. You cant use it in parallel, like when measuring voltage, to check current.

 

Many people are intimidated by them and the idea of frying some electrical component because they don't know how they are supposed to be used.

 

i know that, i properly put the meter in series, it still blew the fuse

 

I have 2 of those. They are awesome!! Helped me fix so many problems with my car so far! Get one if you dont have it guys.

 

Just bought that HF one. It works fine. Used it to diagnose the absence of spark on my Honda ATV (you test resistance of everything but the CDI unit and if they all check out you replace the CDI). Basically all I had to do was unplug the CDI and test all the harness side plug connections against ground. Turned out to be the CDI.

Without a good multimeter I might have spend hundreds guessing which parts to replace.

 

Got mine as a gift, the exact one pictured. I've used it way more than I ever thought I would. This is probably one of the best investments you can make. I'm going to print that coupon and go buy one just as a backup.

 

My dad gave me his old analog multimeter several years ago. The thing works brilliantly. It has definitely come in handy, and I hope it survives long enough for me to give it to my son.

 

also after you buy one cut the wires on one of them and put in a little fuse spot. so when you blow a fuse it'll be that one and is easily replaceable then having to take it apart.

they are extremely handy.

 

lol you can usually just get the coupons like that in the store. I have 2 of them atm. I never took the new one out of the package since my old one works fine.

 

It's still on Sale. This price has now been extended into June:

 

I just had to pick up another multimeter the other day since someone managed to break my last one, so I've been without for a few months and didn't think to pick another up until I had another problem!

 

I spent around $50 on my trusty Fluke DMM many years ago. It's saved me many head aches. It's diagnosed many problems from bad wires to bad ECUs, and saved me hours of grief.

Another good investment is a quality set of accurate torque wrenches. I don't know how many people consider their pneumatic impact drivers as a torque wrench.... But not to jack your thread

 

Someone should make a "suggested tools" thread. Maybe break it down by skill level ("So you've just gotten into cars and first you want to do your own tune up...") or by system/work type?