Power Probe 3 Review

[kruno45]

you can smoke computers if you do not know what your doing I can attempt brain surgery even though I'm an auto tech but chances are I wouldn't do so well READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.

[DiyMech]

If you want to source and/or make up your own attachments for the PP3 (e.g. take the probe tip out and insert a long lead with piercing probe or clip etc..) then source 4mm banana plugs and wire etc.. (Farnell), e.g. buy the plugs/sockets and make up your own leads extensions etc..4mm piercing and clip probes can be found on the auction sites. PS I'm left handed, wurks fine fur me !

[wafrederick]

Have to watch it with the power probe,can smoke computers and this is with CAN vehicles.Never use it on a 2004 and newer vehicle,can smoke up to 3 computers

[r8er4everd]

Yes power probes are a great tool espeacilly for testing relays( I use a sound emmitting continuity tester across the N/O contacts and the probe across the coiled side of relay and click beeeeeppp I have a fuctioning relay-no bbbeeeeeppppp non-fuctioning relay). And it is really great when working on RV\Campers cause the extended cord and and can use a batt dragged out to the trailer(if no batt on-board) to test lights ect...Bought the accry kit also but gave back to the MATCOguy(didn't use lol)

[DiyMech]

I've just bought one. it's the simplicity and ease of use that makes it extremely useful, e.g lights blew in car at night time, with the light it's easy to check fuses and voltages at same time, then check operation of each bulb independently. Before i just had a meter and a torch, the PP3 just makes it easier to fault find, rather than having a guddle of test equipment spread all over the place. Keep up the good work Brian.

[sanchtech]

nice review.

[briansmobile1]

@sanchtech Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.

[sicknessjb]

Hopefully I'll save around the thanksgiving sales and pick up a PP3. Would you recommend a code scanner/reader for a home DIY'er? I've been looking at Actron's CP9580L or the Equus 3160. What do you use?

[briansmobile1]

@sicknessjb My quick and dirty scanner is an Actron. For in depth I have the OTC Genisys SPX. Just get something that is CAN compatible and it will be good for you longer.

[sicknessjb]

@briansmobile1 thanks! 

[briansmobile1]

@sicknessjb You bet

[vanda219]

glad u like it but it does way more than the basics u covered. check out how 2 check relays, shorts, cut circuits, motors, spark plug wires or any other kind of continuity stuff. peace

[briansmobile1]

@vanda219 Do you have a video that I could put it's link in the description for people to see it?

[LoneSoldierDS]

I use this on a daily basis, traded my old power probe for the 3 with built in volt display. Awsome tool.

[skinnyboob1]

Been thinking of purchasing 1 here in the UK? You've convinced me its worth a but! Just wish it was as cheap here as you bought it for!! Thanks

[qaz3000]

The circuit breaker location was choosen by a left handed engineer Loll

[briansmobile1]

@qaz3000 Thumbs up lol

[carabela125]

thumbs up

[briansmobile1]

@carabela125 Thank you!

[12344richard]

brain i not fan on harbor freight multimeter there not very accurate on voltage test or resistance i use fluke meters your vdeo are cool

[briansmobile1]

@12344richard Amen to that! FLUKE' s are the way to go!

[kary1982v6]

yea, it seems a bit spendy but I can defiantly see how it would speed things up.

[briansmobile1]

@kary1982v6 I'm in love with it just for component testing. I feel spoiled now.

[DieselCrawler86]

@kary1982v6 I don't see how 100$ for this should even be called "spendy" A good multi-meter will cost you more then this.

[kary1982v6]

@DieselCrawler86 you have a good point, it would really depend on the usage frequency. I have 6 or so multimeters and power testers ranging in value from $1.50 - $250.00 I use them all.. dont get me wrong once i am out of school again I WILL be getting one..

[o7powerwagon]

Im deff ordering mine now!!great vid!!!

[MPEREZZ143]

cool thanks

[njric71]

Awesome tool. I love mine even if I do have ALOT to learn about diagnosing electrical problems (hint hint) I'm guessing I probably don't have to tell you, but for other closer to my level of experience, be careful what you apply power to with that thing. Unless you like blowing things up LOL.

[briansmobile1]

@njric71 lol Been there, blown that up! 

[landlockedviking]

Maybe you got the left handed version. Ciruit breaker on the side is totally a bad idea. Been looking the PP Master kit for a while now but they want a third the cost of the kit for shipping to Canada :(, and I'm not gonna pay that.

[briansmobile1]

@landlockedviking That stinks man. Come visit in the winter for skiing and do some shopping eigh?

[landlockedviking]

@briansmobile1 I should seriously consider that :), what do you have for good hills that are close?

[briansmobile1]

@landlockedviking The Rocky Mountain range. Sundance is 15 minutes away. Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Alta, Canyons, and Park City are all less than an hour away.

[landlockedviking]

@briansmobile1 I don't know if I could handle being around such mutiple greatness.

[briansmobile1]

@landlockedviking Whatever dude! You're a VIKING. You can handle it! I believe in you!

[landlockedviking]

@briansmobile1 lol, I mean "YES I CAN DO IT !" (thanks man you're the best)

[briansmobile1]

@landlockedviking You're awesome!

[landlockedviking]

@briansmobile1 I ran out of script, now what do I say?

[briansmobile1]

@landlockedviking That depends. What's on your mind?

[landlockedviking]

@briansmobile1 not much I'm in veg mode right now, over and out, catch you on the next vid :)

[ncrdisabled]

I seen this on eric the car guy and he went to to gig tool show in Florida .

He gave it a thumbs he also has the 2 version and he said he loved it.

If I was not disabled and worked on cars sometimes I would buy on 100 bucks is not that much to spend for a great tool . If I was not on SSDI I would be making enough to buy one also.

[rwbishop]

Brian, A PPIII tip... if you make/break high amperage circuits with the probe tip instead of the switch, said switch will last very much longer (But not around flammables!) Hold the switch in either the desired power or gnd position before making probe contact. If you use your PPIII much, get a spare switch or two. There are good PPIII demo and switch replacement videos on YouTube. The more you use your PPIII, the more you'll like it, guaranteed! Again, thanks for all the cool videos!

[briansmobile1]

@rwbishop Thanks- great to know! = )

[beefystik]

You know you've arrived when you have a hate club Brian :)

[briansmobile1]

@beefystik When I lived in India I was treated like a celebrity everywhere I went. The little kids called me "golden arm hair". Seems that "arriving" is fun and games if you don't have a good sense of self respect. As for me- I'm good. People can love me or hate me. I feel it has little or nothing to do with what I am, but more to do with where they're at in life. I do genuinely enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of others. Thanks for that!

[spazmonkey05]

YAAAA HOOOOO!!!!!! i love mine!!!!!!!! Have fun with it

[briansmobile1]

@spazmonkey05 Roger that!

[spazmonkey05]

@briansmobile1 this is a nice demo /watch?v=94npWntQY2g&feature=r­elated

[foxdmulder]

Sorry, I posted my comment before your note came up....its a great tool though aint it, diagnose cooling fan, horns, lights all other 12/24 volt accessories.

[briansmobile1]

@foxdmulder No worries. You're pitch'n in and that's alright.

[hp11208]

H-F TOOLS giving away free multimeter,flash ligth,scissors,tape,gloves anyone need coupons just be a FB friend with them.

[Bonfield2002]

Hey Brian if that chev is still in the shop take a look at the exhaust manifold bolts and see how many are sheared off.

[Cattachmore22]

Looks ok 100 bucks now what's that in pounds I wonder.

[briansmobile1]

@Cattachmore22  It's 62 quid.

[Cattachmore22]

@briansmobile1 that's cool cheers man.

[foxdmulder]

press the button under the rocker switch until you see a speaker symbol on the screen, two different tones for ground and power. ;)

[TRcustomengineering]

I've been thinking about buying one, but my Harborfreight 5 in 1 auto ranging multi meter for $40 bucks will have to be good enough for now. :P

I actually got a couple of those 3 or 4 dollar meters for HB for free, i use them most of the time cause I'm not worried about breaking them.

Great reveiw Brian, keep em coming.

[briansmobile1]

@TRcustomengineering Thanks- with support like that you know I will. ; )

[Bonfield2002]

Power probe is great I have one but never could find out how many amp it trips out at if shorted so I'm real carefull with small gauge wires. If you like the P/probe your must get the LOADPRO from Electronic Specialties. It attaches to your dmm and does a neg or pos voltage drop with one push of the button while the circuit is live . Cost $50-60 and you will wonder how you did with out it. Check it out and I'm sure were going to see you do another great tool review.Great stuff

[briansmobile1]

@Bonfield2002 lol. It's on the shopping list!

[rwbishop]

@Bonfield2002 Specs in the back of my 'new generation' [1] Power Probe III users manual, reveal that it's equipped with an 8 Amp breaker. Your right, PP's are not a toy, and can/will wreck havoc if misused...

[1] Far as I can tell, the 'new generation' PPIII's are the ones with the easily replaceable switch assembly, identifiable by 2 screwdriver 'pry slots' on either side of the switch. There are 'old generation' PPIII's out there too, with soldered in switches & no pry slots.