Buying a cheap Multimeter can be a good move.

[MGJohn]

The very frustrated previous owner of the 620ti decided to get rid following a new Alternator and Battery being fitted professionally which cost a nice few quid and still had battery problems.

I bought it allowing for the cost of fixing.. He was also told that his coolant loss was because "They all do that" ( HGF ) as it's a Rover. Well known fact ~ been on TV and everything! On arrival to view car, there was a patch of coolant directly underneath the Water Pump location. New water pump and car good as gold.

The Multimeter? Used it to see how well the new Alternator was performing. Too bluddy well! No wonder two batteries were "cooked" in quick succession!



I fitted a known good used one and that immediately showed how a healthy Alternator keeps a Battery in good health too.



Five quid well spent. That included delivery off ebay.

Later, had a specialist fit a replacement Module to the over-charging Alternator ( £37.50p ) to be told when I picked it up:~ "That's a good 'n John" ...

It's an ill wind and all that.

[Doctor Volt]

Thank you very much

[Mikey G]

I have had false readings off super cheap multimeters, but good enough for the user as a disposable unit for a quick check...
I bought a slightly more expensive unit off ebay for £50, best investment i made short of forking out for a Fluke.

[Dogwatch]

Got one of those meters. Very good.

Real PITA when your expensive replacement alternator is faulty too.

[MGJohn]

Yes, the cheap ones are very useful. I have a superior spec. one too which cost a lot more for the more serious jobs. Bought that one years ago. Both paid for themselves the first time I used them. I got the cheap one long after the better spec one.

[nickboazracing]

The best thing about these meters, I have one identical, is they are unfused when testing current draw. Popping fuses in a fluke etc gets dull sometimes...

[Doctor Volt]

nickboazracing said:

The best thing about these meters, I have one identical, is they are unfused when testing current draw. Popping fuses in a fluke etc gets dull sometimes...

Yes I too enjoy watching the meter leads melt

[nickboazracing]

Doctor Volt said:

nickboazracing said:

The best thing about these meters, I have one identical, is they are unfused when testing current draw. Popping fuses in a fluke etc gets dull sometimes...

Yes I too enjoy watching the meter leads melt

I would suggest that will be a little too much current...
But it happily copes with brief spikes, where a fused meter would pop. That was what I meant!