"I'm not a Power Probe guy....." - Makes most educational video on Power Probe on the whole internet. Welcome to SMA. Thanks Eric ;)
@mikeholt35456 жыл бұрын
Markus Krause yeah no kidding I don't know when I'll be able to get one but I've searched for pp3 videos and almost nothing
@wyley876 жыл бұрын
This!
@medtec67473 жыл бұрын
True story I had to bumblefuck my way through the 4 because their tutorials were not very informative
@christinemeyer7449 Жыл бұрын
@@mikeholt3545 😊
@mib200006 жыл бұрын
who else watches SMA videos both unconscious and conscious? 5 minutes in I'm sleeping . when I wake up I gotta watch it again. This method absorbs the most info. lol
@FishFind30005 жыл бұрын
Ed all the damn time. I have them stacked in my watch list. Fall asleep and your whole list has been watched. Well now I have to watched everything.... again
@robertmedina68755 жыл бұрын
I love Eric! Of course in a brotherly fashion 😂😂😃😎
@jonathanstimpert13835 жыл бұрын
I have such trouble sleeping at night. Literally can lay in bed for 3+ hours, but I put this on the pillow and I'm out!! 😂
@sethc7585 жыл бұрын
You and my father would get along.. he goes in the office to call the parts house or answer the phone.. look up a schematic... if he's not back in 10 minutes I'd bet my left nut he's snoring in there. Lol
@benjaminfink85204 жыл бұрын
Lol this is the only way I can fall asleep for the past few months 😂
@angeloperezceo8101Ай бұрын
I'm watching this 6 years later. I hope your still kicking butt and making the big bucks.
@angeloperezceo8101Ай бұрын
1 million dollars worth of value. you just showed me how to fish. I don't need hand outs anymore. love you man. not alot of people have lefts in their garage for nothing. you have proven yourself to be in the top 1%.
@lamune68096 жыл бұрын
I purchased a Power Probe IV based on an earlier SMA video. As a person coming from a digital electronics background I immediately saw the advantages of what is essentially a digital logic probe for cars. In a nutshell it allows you tell if the thing you're touching with the tip is connected to 12v, ground, or open. The third item there is the key since a plain voltmeter doesn't distinguish between ground and open and reads zero in both cases. I used it on my own car to determine that I had an open ground connection, and by flipping the switch and connecting the tip to ground to bypass the break I could immediately see the result. It made troubleshooting an almost instant event. It may not be a DIY tool for everyone but I was really glad I had it. Thanks for the tip Eric!
@greanstreak046 жыл бұрын
I've been using a pp3 for years, great tool, checking fuses, basic circuits, lights, switches etc. I've never accidentally fried a module because I keep my finger off the switch. I've been hunting for decades, and have never accidentally killed anyone or anything because I keep my finger off the trigger.
@fomoco300k3 жыл бұрын
At 37:38 Eric gives the best explanation of frequency, duty cycle and pulse width I’ve ever heard in my life!! Then goes on to explain how they relate to each other. Then does an excellent job of showing an instance of how this info is useful and how using this tool can provide every bit of information you need to make this useful in your diagnostics! Thank you!!
@davidb.fishburn93386 жыл бұрын
I've never owned one, been doing things my way for years. A co-worker has one, and it has piqued my interest. This video is really educational and has satisfied my interest. Now, i'm thinking about buying one. Thank you Eric, for such a good video.
@klwthe3rd6 жыл бұрын
I like the min and max feature so if you're testing for an intermittent short you can wiggly the suspected wire and see if the voltage jumps or cuts off. That is really useful. It's a shame power probes "short finder" wasn't more popular. I thought the concept was awesome but nobody seems to use it. Great instructional video.
@MD0MDI5 жыл бұрын
I find this tool to be really useful, got me out of a fix more than once, great for diagnosing bad connections and switches/relays, have recently checked injectors with it, and managed to locate a faulty injector using this tool when no other tool I have could.
@steveobrien87924 жыл бұрын
I've been watching this channel for a few years now and love it. I some how missed this episode when it came out. I've been wanting a power probe for some time now and ran into a few instances where I thought it would be handy (Mainly for the initial basic function). I got a PP4 for Christmas this year and saw that it had more functions then I was expecting. I decided to jump on KZbin to see if there was anyone showing how to use all these features and boom! South Main Auto was on top of it. Thank you so much for taking the time to go into detail on the features of this tool.
@Conqueef-tadoor6 жыл бұрын
I own a Power Probe III and I absolutely love it. I have no desire to get the PP IV though, as the few additional features are not worth it to me. I also use a conventional test light or "scope on a rope" as you call it. Plus the DMM is yet another useful tool, all three honestly have their place, you just need to know how to PROPERLY use them!!
@Got2gofishin5 жыл бұрын
I’ve had a powerprobe since the first one and have grown dependent on them and I’ve had the IV for well over a year but have never used that one. Funny thing is, I just got home from a training class on electrical diagnostics and utilizing your tools. And the teacher talked highly of the IV so when I got home I searched a power probe IV video and found this one. I’ve watched several of your videos and I really wish you were one of my technicians. Your definitely a sharp guy. Thanks for contributing your knowledge and experience. I’m like you, I see new cool stuff on the tool truck and I buy it and a lot of them just collect dust. I’m going to try and make my IV the go to tool for quick and easy tests.
@istvanmeissler22386 жыл бұрын
This was good because a lot of new techs would be drawn to buying this because of cost (130.00) and some obvious handy functions. Those same techs might be guilty of not reading the manual to fully understand what this tool can/can't do. This video becomes very helpful in that regard. And you're right. You gave the power probe people at least 3, maybe 4 ideas for improved functionality. I hope they take your ideas into account (power probe 5) and I hope you at least get a free PP5 out of the deal. Thanks Eric.
@chipfukmaster59285 жыл бұрын
The power probe 4 is $250 the Ancel PB100 is better for less than $100
@larryfine44982 жыл бұрын
I don't see the comparison. Ancel seem just like the other knockoffs out there.
@carlellis96473 жыл бұрын
I've watched about three or four videos recently on using a Power Probe and yours was by far the best. Great job, Eric! :)
@motojaknow26126 жыл бұрын
The ECT 2000 is the best tool I've ever found for finding shorts and opens, if the only automotive tool which will do the job. That being said, the use of the tool requires intimate knowledge of the tool and the circuit it is being used on. First issue of understanding is to realize it has two mode of detection, electric field (oscillating voltage on an open wire) and magnetic field from current flow, and it tells you which mode it is using, even to the extent the direction of the current (direction of the detector tip is important). Most detectors use only the electric field which is usually present over the entire harness of the car due to the vast interconnections, isolation of the wire (disconnect it at the source, apply the signal, then trace) is required to follow the signal. Tracing current flow is much more straight forward because the current is limited to only it's path, but keep in mind the path does include the power feed lines to the signal generator. I believe the current mode kicks in at about 100mA. I do not work for Power Probe so the description above is only from my use and experience. I agree they should give more technical details of it's operation.
@noelhernandez50166 жыл бұрын
Power probe also offer an adapter to drop voltage on the tip to 5volts to test 5volt circuits
@brianburke74403 жыл бұрын
Please make video of best uses w 5 volt
@Sandbag13006 жыл бұрын
I have had my PowerProbe for 18 months and have used it 4 times. Found it great as portable power for testing engine fans, cabin fans, power windows, and fuel pumps - since my scan tool has limited bi-directional control. Would never use the PowerProbe for anything else as I am a once monthly DIY and there is too much to memorize for my frequency of use.
@kevinedward12346 жыл бұрын
Eric, I purchased the pp4 a year ago, I use it a lot, great for trailer light diagnosis, I never use the probe tip, I use a 4mm banana lead with either a back probe terminal and or a alligator clamp. Also the ground wire pig tail is very useful. I also like the injector test in this pp4. Also the green and red led's are useful, etc. etc. Anyways it is a useful tool for anyone wanting to purchase one.
@WouterB763 жыл бұрын
As a amateur car 'mechanic' having no scope this could come in very handy besides my multimeter. Thanks for the thorough explanation Eric!
@EATSLEEPFARM6 жыл бұрын
One of the best explanations of the power probes I’ve seen. Great job as usual Eric
@JaySosaNY6 жыл бұрын
I was never sold on the power probe but after watching this I’m definitely considering it
@brianhind96346 жыл бұрын
Hi! The "no alarm" feature when power or ground ccts don't meet battery level is to indicate a high resistance feed, or ground as the case may be. Great video as always. Tnx
@prestonhoutary79442 жыл бұрын
Watching this video I have learned about this tool and learned more about duty cycles. This Chanel is my favorite out of all the ones like it. Great job! Been watching for 4 years!
@LayZeeDawg6 жыл бұрын
The only way to stop a bad guy with a Power Probe is a good guy with a Power probe!
@danrandle655 жыл бұрын
😁😁😁
@musamarcellus69303 жыл бұрын
instaBlaster.
@DIETRYING0016 жыл бұрын
love this tool, never steered me wrong and had the pp4 since launch, have a hook also which gets used less but has come in real handy for measuring amps and adjustable circuit breaker etc. pp4 is quick and great, it loads the circuit in feed test mode which is what 99 percent of its users dont utelise.
@DAZ_SR2 жыл бұрын
Just got mine……feed test is when you have the component removed/unhooked correct? Testing for voltage drop/ Loaded resistance in the circuit?
@NewLevelAuto6 жыл бұрын
If the light beeps and the voltage shows battery without the load in place , one would have to remember to use that feed test. All to often it's just accepted that the red light and a beep means power . Case in point " Why I don't PP on cars" video. No load in place , they verified power by disconnecting relay and placing tip of power probe to power feed wire . Light went red and beeped of course and test light alone dropped that same power feed to under 1 volt. Hopefully this video will show people a little more about how to use the tool properly and to not be lazy with using the installed functions. Bravo sir .
@SAAutoRepair6 жыл бұрын
New Level Auto. One hour PP review from Eric and all I can think is "I hope Keith is ok". 😂😂😂. I know how you feel about this subject. Great job Mr. O
@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics6 жыл бұрын
Except that "feed test" only draws 10mA, rendering it pretty much USELESS lol
@tgoodm16 жыл бұрын
The driver test is good for testing at relay cavities and harnesses for solenoids to rule out the driver/module being the culprit. I like to test for live resistance on circuits using "power feed" test. I also like to use Min/Max feature when checking for opens. And I use Fuel Injector testing feature for fast comparison checks of accessible injectors.
@DAZ_SR2 жыл бұрын
Just got mine, feed test mode is when you have the component removed correct? I need to learn how to use this quickly for loaded circuit voltage drop and I think this is what we’re talking about?
@juliosantos92892 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the these videos. When I first bought my power probe I had no idea how to do use it and now I can. It's awesome for electrical.
@andrewmoore5787 Жыл бұрын
I really enjoy watching you show use how some of your tools are used on a daily life and I greatly appreciate you taking the time out of your day to show use.
@XGamesJ66 жыл бұрын
Sweet, now I can use mine to it's fullest! I use the hell out of mine for diagnosing circuits, I knew it could do so much more but never had a practical moment to even figure it out. This is a good base to start with.
@AntonioClaudioMichael6 жыл бұрын
I use power probes alot for checking actuators and checking things like starters and solenoids to see if they actuate or run
@john76134 жыл бұрын
I am a avid test light user but i have to say i love my power probe and brake clean, power probe never let me down the wrong diagnosis
@mikethemechanic73954 жыл бұрын
Always used a coworkers power probe over the years. My current shop I work on a lot of custom trucks that paint the roads and grind them. Nothing is the same. I used my bosses power probe for a few weeks straight. Finally picked up one. On the Diesel truck side power probes are awesome. Next is swivel sockets lol . The things I use rarely buy need to buy.
@FABAutomotiveDetailing6 жыл бұрын
I use my Power Probe 3 almost daily. One thing I really like using it for is testing for power at fuel pumps by myself. I hook it up to the 12 volt feed wire and turn the beeper on. Lower the lift and turn ignition on. If the beeps changes from a low tone (ground) to high pitch (voltage) then I know the pump is getting power. Otherwise someone has to watch a test light or voltmeter while someone turns the ignition on. I also like using it for window motors, door lock actuators, compressors, fans etc.. They are a great tool to have when your daily job requires diagnostics. I plan on buying the 4 but my 3 still works great. I did have to buy an extension cable for bigger trucks.
@gregnissen39506 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Eric for taking the time to make the excellent tutorial on the many uses of the Power Probe. It was very interesting. What an amazing tool !
@theunconventionaldeal38795 жыл бұрын
Power probe 4 is the most useful diag tool I have, if you don't have one you are missing out. A necessary tool like a smoke machine and a decent scan tool.
@mharradine575 жыл бұрын
I use mine all the time when doing electrical stuff when I'm under the car. The rust belt doesn't leave us with many good grounds under there so it's always nice to have battery ground available!
@ericcorse6 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed this although it took a couple of days to go through it and digest it. Thanks for making the effort.
@geoffreyrawlings97366 жыл бұрын
Brilliant demo much better than reading instruction book which can sometimes be confusing Thanks.
@themechanic61176 жыл бұрын
I just picked up a pp3 and I love it, the pp4 has some neat features.
@ozzstars_cars6 жыл бұрын
Those probes can be so handy. Some uses are best not talked about where the sun doesn't shine.
@byoung96276 жыл бұрын
And YES! Do one on the hook and perhaps the loadpro. You are a gifted teacher.
@rwbishop6 жыл бұрын
Commenting here before watching the entire video, so apologies if repeating anything... not a big PP fan. Good idea I suppose, but unless the operator really watches his/her p's & q's and absolutely knows what's going on at all times, they can/will cause expensive misery. One thing I do know (at least for earlier versions of the tool), is that a PP switch life can be greatly extended if high amperage circuits are completed via probe tip as opposed to the switch. In other words, energize or ground the probe first via the switch, hold, then complete or ground said higher amperage circuits under test with probe tip. Cool videos, Thanks!
@waterguy59242 жыл бұрын
This has to be the best explanation of how to use one of these...especially the PP4...I have the complete service kit w/PP3, i got from Letgo for $50, complete kit including the short tracker, numerous cables, clips, you name it, and he included a complete LoadPro as well, because it turned out to be a 1 job tool for the guy before me...I know this video is about 4 years old, but I saved it in my folder for future ref...this tool has paid for itself so many times over...one time i needed it to verify an AC blower motor was in fact bad, and when I hit the switch it just started smokin'....CONFIRMED....I was in Gulf Electric Motor in Palm Harbor Florida one time years ago, and they had a sign above the will call counter that said..""All motors come complete with factory installed smoke, if the smoke leaks out or escapes the motor housing, It is NOT warranted"......"Thank You Again !!!!!
@davidhoad31904 жыл бұрын
Thanks Eric, you have given me the incentive to take out my PP3, blow off the dust and give out a go.
@mhdphotographys90314 жыл бұрын
Great for you to take the time out to test pp4. I will bookmark this and take more time going through it. Thanks again.
@haywire176 жыл бұрын
I like the analogy of a dim headlight. Let's say the problem was on the ground side of the lamp socket, etc... By removing the lamp to test with the "load removed" - you just molested (messed with) the problem area. For intermittents, etc. - its best to "be ginger" and "sneak up on it" with voltage measurements, not start by removing the load and hoping the "problem" was somewhere else... - But I see the usefulness of the tool in any event!
@customizedfreedom3 жыл бұрын
Just bought the 4. Glad you could give a practucal demo that was understandable!
@photoshopman19726 жыл бұрын
I don’t have the souped up model like you do but I have used it to verify circuit function on a car I once had and also some circuits on my RV. Is it perfect, well for a quick look at a problem, I think the tool works nicely. However if you still suspect something, then it might be time to use another device. No tool will replace your noggin of knowledge because a tool is only as good as the person using it. If you go to their website, you can get the charts you mentioned in another vid on fuses and this does make checking for parasitic draw much faster IMHO. Thank you for sharing !
@captcj7476 жыл бұрын
Ivan will be so proud of this video
@kellyspeppers6 жыл бұрын
Interesting tool. I am more of an old school test light and meter man. For many years I have been running a long wire back to the battery lug negative for test ground, too many false readings using miscellaneous grounds on the vehicle. Guess I have been getting some of the same benefits the power probe provides for a lot less.
@SouthMainAuto6 жыл бұрын
Yes, I am a scope and test light guy myself.
@dannyortiz80722 жыл бұрын
I have had this power pro for easily about over two years I’ve used it a few times for simple stuff but I am aware that it can do a whole lot more and I have all of a sudden grow interest into knowing how much I can do with it thanks for your video I appreciate it
@simonrawle78856 жыл бұрын
stitting in the garden with a brandy and the fire going . a sma vid pops up wot a nice end to the weekend
@50sKid6 жыл бұрын
This was great dude, excellent knowledge and well explained. I still only use it for lighting up bulbs lol. I have the power probe 3 and once used the meter on it, it showed 1 volt...I didn’t quite trust it, hooked up the dvom, showed 0 volts. Never really trusted it since then.
@LovelyKauai5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the demo. I'm a show & tell kind of guy. So, descriptive talking point are often over my head. I often get lost in all the minutia. The second half of the demo giving examples was very helpful. A PP is definitely worth a serious consideration for the he DIY guy given the nature of newer cars and endless electronic devices and ECMs. Thx!😎
@topherd10114 жыл бұрын
I like the power probe for testing components like fans and blowers and windows etc but it’s also a very easy way to test fuses
@kc360awareness4 жыл бұрын
Just this week I was fabricating a diagnostic adapter to go from GM OBD1 to OBD1.5. In determining the correct wiring for the pins I did see the 160 Baud fluctuations on a PowerProbe 3. Which was interesting at most. That said it obviously wouldn’t provide any intelligible or useful data. Keep the “intelligible” content coming. Seriously it’s spurred revival in diagnostics n my work. Thanks a ton!
@a.whatmough44322 жыл бұрын
Just found this ...great explanation.
@petemiller58136 жыл бұрын
Great video. I now understand the usage of my current Power Probe much better. Thanks
@kstinson5 жыл бұрын
I have a power probe IV and love it. However what I love about it is the ability to provide battery positive or ground. The other features aren't really that useful. They are cool to have. However most of the time a simple test light, jumper, etc serves the function just fine. Also the extra features while neat are no replacement for tools like a multi-meter or oscilloscope.
@bgswtdaddyliscious85076 жыл бұрын
One of the best tools created...Eric got the fancy one...nice. If I would have had it, it would have saved me many small motors and switches..
@baxrok2.6 жыл бұрын
Yeah, it's a nice tool. However, one of the many things I've learned from you is that simple is better. So, no PP for me. Thanks Dr. O and nice job!
@JimGriffOne6 жыл бұрын
Such a useful tool. Might make my own! Should be fairly simple. I'm the kinda person that always cheaps out and makes my own tools/circuits. I always wanted one of those FM transmitter doodahs for getting audio to car radios that don't have aux input, so decided to make my own instead. Worked well. Ended up broadcasting as far as the next town haha.
@meanodustino95636 жыл бұрын
Thanks Eric, I bought a PP4 and use it for fuse checking and bulbs, but was unsure about the other features.i have saved your video for future use as a visual manual👍 like you i learn by visual aid not by words In a manual
@holeshot39922 жыл бұрын
I've had the PP4 for 5 years now. I always knew that I was totally under utilizing it. I had no idea just how MUCH I was under utilizing it. I'm not that good with electrical, to be honest, but I think if I grab it more there's a lot to be learned just by using it more. That being said, it's moving up in the drawers!
@Bushougoma6 жыл бұрын
A simpler equation to calculate duty cycle is: Duty Cycle % = Ton / (Ton + Toff) * 100. Time on is either the high or low pulse width depending on if the load is power side or ground side switched. So in the above example 42:01 the load is ground side switched so 3.29 is Ton: Duty Cycle % = 3.29 / (13.09 + 3.29) * 100 Duty Cycle = 20.08%
@joelaplnski53946 жыл бұрын
The best ever review on that tool, power probe should give you some kick backs.
@robertweir90346 жыл бұрын
My daughter has a 2000 mustang where at one point the passenger window would not go up anymore. She brought it to a Ford dealership where they spent all day and said they could not find the problem. Here comes Daddy. I use my PP3, see there is no power going to the passenger door for the up direction. I then used a jumper wire to that position and not surprise, the window works. Now who wants to dig under the dash to find the open wire. Maybe Eric, but it is a lot easier to run another wire from the driver control to the passenger door. Took 1/2 hour. These tools have their place for sure but, care has to be exercised and using your brain before pushing that button is helpful. The PP3 also help and proved the fuel pump was bad in that same car. With the other test this tool can do, I think I just might get me one. P to P and RMS has really no place or help in most automotive testing. AC wow. Where, in the beginning of the alternator. Chances are your gonna just change the Alternator. I have at time needed a noid light to check injectors but not often. Recently I could of used one to check a control signal to a 2001 Dodge coil where there was no spark and to prove 100% bad component. I guess this tool could have been used. Eric, your costing me way to much in new toys. Like I said B4, you and your family are my hero's. I know you will be successful with those training videos you are about to embark on.
@johnaclark16 жыл бұрын
I made the best test light ever with a Power Probe 20' extension cable with the battery clips on it. Attach to battery and use the extension cable's banana jacks for a power and ground anywhere around the car. I cut off the clip of my test light and added a banana jack that I can plug into the PP extension cable's power or ground as needed. If I want a normal test light I plug in a banana jack alligator clip but I have yet to use the alligator clip. Best tool ever.
@eduardofan3573 жыл бұрын
I have an older version of power probe , but yours is way much better , has more features
@arnodyck2 жыл бұрын
I had a power probe 3 and traded it on a Snap-on Multi Probe EECT900. Sometimes I regret trading it because you have to navigate a menu on the Snapon just to use the basic voltage function, whereas the old PP3 was hook up and go. Lately my Multi Probe has been acting up. There's a delay in the beep, either turning the beep on during testing or turning it off when the tool is not touching the circuit. This makes checking fuses much slower for example. Also it has started giving a ground tone when I hook up a test lead to the tip to get into a tight spot. So it requires a work around or a test light. Today the Autel Powerscan Ps100 was delivered. It seems to be a very handy tool as the the probe tip is very sharp and easily makes contact with tiny fuses that the PP3 and Snapon don't. It doesn't have a configurable circuit breaker like the Snapon but it has some scope ability on the A/C function, although showing the actual A/C voltage would be helpful for alternator tests.
@Wjones4505 жыл бұрын
the power probe is a great tool for trailer electrical repairs!
@michaelstjohn60865 жыл бұрын
It has made me so much money on semi trailers!
@wyattoneable6 жыл бұрын
Your knowledge of circuit design and overall vehicle maintenance procedures was well displayed in this video. You quickly showed the pros and cons of this tool and you did it well because of your understanding of what's expected of a circuit. I'd be that guy who is push button happy and blow something up. I do like certain aspects of the tool, but I have to admit, it's beyond my skill level. On a different note, I enjoyed the sneak peak of the Jeep and it's still clean!
@maryannmoran-smyth3453 Жыл бұрын
Just bought one and I could safely say I would recommend it for anybody working on vehicles , I should’ve got it sooner, it’s small it’s versatile and it has most of the stuff that you need on practical basis… Anyway, great show and… Yeah… I subscribed, anyway… Keep on rockin……..
@normangallant98796 жыл бұрын
I do have a power probe & i think it is the older version than the 4.It is a good tool .Never had a problem with it.
@jonbingham35952 жыл бұрын
THANK YOU FOR THE POWER PROBE TUTORIAL. IT WAS VERY USEFUL AND INFORMATIVE. I'VE CONSIDERED BUYING ONE MYSELF. YES I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE SAME ON THE "HOOK", WHATEVER THAT IS. INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT. I HAVE BOUGHT TOOLS BECAUSE IT WAS COOL AND NEVER USED THEM ASWELL, BUT I DID BUT A SOCKET I SUPPOSE IT'S CALLED TO INSERT IN THE HARMONIC BALANCER TO HOLT WITH A 1/2" RATCHET AND THEN BE ABLE THE REMOVE THE BOLT ON A LEXUS TO DO A TIMING BELT JOB AND NEVER USED IT AGAIN. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO THE JOB WITHOUT IT BUT, IT ATE INTO MY FEE. HAVING NEVER NEEDED IT AGAIN, HAD I HAD KNOWN, I WOULD'VE TURNED DOWN THE JOB PROBABLY. CRAZY. BLESSINGS BROTHER. 🙂💖
@spelunkerd2 жыл бұрын
After your recent misunderstanding when using the Feed test to check circuit resistance, I tested out my PPIV with a decade box while parallel current is flowing to see how good that resistance check is. I found that on the bench if you don't completely remove the device from an active circuit, the resistance check on the Feed test is at best, disappointingly unreliable (like any multimeter). The claim to the contrary in their manual is disproven. It does not calculate resistance in the whole circuit, and it only works if the resistance you're measuring is between the bat+ and the tip of the meter, AND there is another large resistance downstream. I still like the Feed test option for drop testing, if only because it displays both tip voltage and battery voltage on one screen, so you instantly know if the sag in voltage during drop testing is from a weak battery or from line resistance between the two. You could even pair that with a light bulb for quick and accurate drop testing. I don't think the tiny current the Feed test drives through the tip would significantly influence your numbers. With a device completely removed from the circuit and not powered, resistance checking is within 5% of my Fluke multimeter, not accurate.
@elcheapo53026 жыл бұрын
You're quite the voltage drop, Eric. We still love ya! ;)
@btasler4 жыл бұрын
I'm not really a power probe guy at all but I bought the snapon one. The thing is, if you are smart enough to not be dangerous with it, you really have no need for it. The *only* reason I bought it is because it makes testing banks of things easier- like banks of valve coils or banks of wires(trailer lighting) and things like that. It is nice I will admit that you can find a shorted valve coil out of many with just the probe tip. But, I've made it all these years without it, so there's that.
@Jpilgrim306 жыл бұрын
It’s a very handy tool as long as you know its limitations and don’t let it lead you astray. I like the hook for its ability to see the current draw while providing power. I don’t use them often but they can be very useful in certain situations like parasitic draws using it as a jumper and seeing the current draw while tracking it down.
@dashaB-sl4pu5 жыл бұрын
A very timely video, forgot I had one tucked up in the back of a tool draw, enjoyed watching this as I forgot how to use it, cheers from AUS
@cpowerscpo20026 жыл бұрын
the best review of a power probe i ever seen Eric you are the man sir thank you for the education god bless be safe see you on the next one
@gettyfernandez54285 жыл бұрын
I've had the 4 for a while now and rarely use all the functions. Where I currently work I don't get much for diagnosing so if I can't figure it out within the hour I give up tho my mind wants to keep going. I use to be into diagnostics but with the type of work I do now it doesn't pay enough. I really liked the depth you took to explain each function. I really wanna see a alternator with a bad trio diagnosed with the power probe. Or even communication diagnoses with it. Video wasn't long enough.
@JeffinTD3 жыл бұрын
That power probe Hook has a lot of features- load testing circuits, displaying amp draw, adjustable current limit, can produce reference voltage- but they aren’t exactly giving them away.
@chevyphil39696 жыл бұрын
i had the power probe one. used it at modern corp which is a garbage company here in Lewiston NY the weld shop was always burning the wires up in the body of the truck and before this, I use to half to carry around a rig battery with my jumpers but this salved all of that good old 90s lol
@bodgitandleggitgarage6 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to the next video I take it it's going to be on the load Pro
@wadehicks92706 жыл бұрын
All that beeping got my cat all upset lol she started fussing cause I disturbed her beauty sleep lol great tool rite there I've never used one but I can see how valuable it is.
@kelvinbunyan69084 жыл бұрын
Thank you for showing PP4 i started at PP2 then to PP3 and have had PP4 for a couple years. PP4 is a nice advanced tool which is way ahead of high end Fluke meter. I see people are die in the ditches Fluke uses who just will keep using them until they die. Add some other must have items such as back probe spoons from CAT or pin type cheap. Also a load tester is a must on some larger equipment.
@theGADGETSplaylist6 жыл бұрын
hockey pokey...right foot in...right foot out...them dancing lessons kickin' in already!
@truth4reel3 жыл бұрын
According to the manual on page 6, in VDC mode the tone shouldn't be heard if you have more than 10 ohms on the positive side, yet your test demonstrate that even with 21 ohms the red led will illuminate and the tone will sound.
@yungsovl57243 жыл бұрын
Yo I appreciate making the video short and to the point. My car battery died for the first time and the driver who helped me jump start didn’t know how to do it either
@AP93116 жыл бұрын
Eric O, absolutely love this video tutorial!!! I enjoyed every minute of it. Learned a bit. I don't use one at all. But gives me insight how to use it and test etc!!! Love it
@SimplyDiagnostics6 жыл бұрын
Nice video Eric, not a Pp4 fan, had one for a year. It’s just too big and clunky. Useful for clubbing bad payers to death but totally unwieldy in confined spaces. I’ll give it a 2nd chance because of this video. Thanks for sharing, Steve.
@theheavymechanic49496 жыл бұрын
Simply Diagnostics easier to wield than that one they made for snap on. You seen the size of that thing 😂
@SimplyDiagnostics6 жыл бұрын
Brett Auto Diagnostic and Repair, true, you could do some serious damage with that big fella 😂
@robertweir90346 жыл бұрын
Thank you Eric for this demonstration of a power probe IV. Now I have a better understanding of what this can do, and not do. Really, you did far more then most other tool demos show. In a way, I wish you could demo the actron elite, which by the way I purchased because of you, but was hoping someone in utubeland would use it more for diagnostics because we, in the DIY world, don't have access to $2500 and up scanners. You did once say in one of your videos, you would show some of the functions of the Actron elite. What say??
@UtahDarkHorse6 жыл бұрын
Excellent video! Thanks for the review / tutorial. I'd not given that tool much thought before, but considering I'm a poor DIY'er and will never own a full blown scope as you have, this may work. Thanks again and keep up the good work!😁
@robinsonsmotorcycleandauto39296 жыл бұрын
I really like my Power Probe 4 but I will be honest I dont use all the features that it offers. I have used the driver feed test and the injector test but mainly use it for a solid ground when underneath a vehicle for testing
@jpstripeit6 жыл бұрын
I work mainly on classic cars, my power probe has been out of the box once. Nice review!
@whitetiger86526 жыл бұрын
Great tutorial on the Power Probe 4 Eric. I have the Power Probe 3 and like it. I always use it for battery ground extension for my multimeter. Been considering getting the 4. I do have the Power Probe Multimeter and like it as it is spot on with the readings I get from my Fluke 115. I put a good set of long silicone test leads on the multimeter and like it a lot. Thanks for the video!
@IMWhite-rx5sv2 жыл бұрын
I did the hokey pokey one time with my new power probe 4, shit you not, smelled something burned when I hooked to the battery, probe never turned on. Sent it in and it was fried, that was 250 blew literally. They were cool amid sold me another for 150.👍🏻