Best Automotive Multimeter, 2021 Reviews – Toolscell.com

Do you own an automobile or you are a professional mechanic fixing the electrical problem of automobiles? You must have a multimeter to troubleshot electrical problems. Cars, trucks, vans and all other vehicles which are either electric or carry some sort of wiring can be subject to a fault in wiring and other electrical equipment. Besides other tools, you also need a multimeter to test your electronic devices too.

A multimeter is one of those tools which are must carry by a vehicle owner. Automotive multimeters are the multimeters that are best suited for the diagnosis and troubleshooting of automobiles.

We have reviewed and provided a buyers’ guide for the readers who are interested in buying cheap or the best multimeter for professional work or hobbies in the article <link>. This article features the best automotive multimeters for vehicle owners. Our selection features only dedicated automobile and automotive multimeters.

1. Innova 3340 Automotive Multimeter

Innova 3340 Automotive Multimeter. It packs all the features at a relatively low cost. Innova 3340 is the best all-rounder and affordable option. Innova is known for manufacturing good quality affordable multimeters. This is a dedicated automotive multimeter. That’s mean it has special use case scenarios and tests for automobiles. It can test the diodes, duty cycles, solenoids, breaker points, wiring, temperature, switches and more.

Features

Some of the distinct features of the Innova 3340 automotive multimeter are given as:

Data Hold

The data Hold feature allows the user to hold the data on the multimeter display for later viewing. Innova 3340 automotive multimeter has a dedicated button for this purpose. Pressing the “Hold” button on the multimeter enables the function. This function can be disabled by pressing the same button again.

Min/Max Value

Innova 3340 also support the Minimum and Maximum value function. This function, when used, can store the minimum and maximum values during a test. The multimeter has Min/Max labelled dedicated button which can toggle on/off the function when needed. Min/Max will always keep the lowest and highest value of the test session. When a new low or high value is detected, the system will automatically update the minimum and maximum values. In this way, the multimeter will have always minimum and maximum values stored.

Exclusiveness

This is a dedicated and exclusive automotive multimeter. It is specially made for automobiles. The device has some test which is exclusive to automobiles and those are not available in a typical or traditional multimeter. That’s why using a traditional multimeter in automobiles is not a good decision. Instead of choosing a typical multimeter for vehicles, one should opt for a dedicated and specialized multimeter. Innova 3340 can be used to check the ignition coils, starter motors, fuses, switches, diodes, lights, and other circuitry.

Rugged and Drop Protection

This multimeter is rugged. It has rubber corners. Rubber corners provide drop protection. Innova 3340 multimeter is the only multimeter in this category to have a rugged body. This feature places the multimeter above all other multimeters in this category.

RPM Measurement

Innova 3340 supports inductive coils which can be used to measure the RPM of the vehicle. Inductive coils work by wrapping them around a spark plug. The multimeter can convert the received frequency into interpreted RMP of the engine.

Self Power Off

Despite being cheap, this multimeter has the Self power-off feature. This feature turns the device off when it is set to idle for a certain amount of time. Therefore, this feature helps the device in saving battery life.

Fuses and Safety

The device is ratted at CAT-III for safety. It does have a warning sign and lights to warn the users against wrong polarity and overloading. Fuse in the device protects it from sudden current surges. However, the range of up to 15A is not protected by the fuse. Using a multimeter to test the current with more than 15A for more than 10 seconds can cause permanent damage to the multimeter.

Supported Tests

• Measurement of AC/DC Current
• Measurement of AC/DC Voltage
• Temperature Measurement
• Resistance Test and Measurement
• Frequency Measurement
• Capacitance Measurement
• Diode Test
• Duty Cycle Measurement
• Pulse Width Measurement Test
• Multiple Type Sensor Tests
• Measurement of Internal Resistance of Ignition Coil
• Measurement of the Pulse width of Port Fuel Injector
• Ripple Voltage Test on an Alternator
• Measurement of Starter Circuit Voltage Drop
• Current Drain Test
• System Voltage Test
• Switch Continuity Test
• Dwell Angle Measurement

Technical Specifications

• DCV Voltage: 600 V
• ACV Voltage: 600 V
• AC Bandwidth: 5 kHz
• DC Current: 15 A (for 15 sec and 15-minute cooldown wait)
• AC current: 400 mA
• Resistance: 40 MΩ
• Capacitance: 9,999 µF
• Frequency: Up to 2 Mhz
• Temperature: -50.0°C – 400°C
• Duty Cycle: 99.9%
• Pulse Width: 999ms
• Dwell Angle: 1-12 Cylinder
• Range Control: Auto Range
• Power Supply: Two 1.5V AA batteries
• Fuse:500A/250V 5X20 mm (Radio Shack, GMA/270 series; #270-1047) fuse

Package Content

• User Manual
• Carry Case
• Innova 3340
• Test Probes
• Temperature Probes

 

2. Fluke FLUKE-88-5 88V 1000V Automotive Multimeter

 

Do you want a premium and durable automotive multimeter? Here is the Fluke 88V automotive multimeter. Fluke is one of the most sought after and premium multimeter manufacturers. It manufacturers premium multimeters for many applications. Fluke 88V is a dedicated multimeter for working with automobiles and electric vehicles. The specific hardware of Fluke 88V makes it specialized for measuring the electrical circuit and equipment of automobiles. This multimeter has all the bells and whistles which are required while dealing with the automobile wiring and circuit.

Unlike other commonly used multimeters, this Fluke 88 is can perform a variety of tests of delicate and sensitive electrical components of engine, sensors and circuitry. The other excited and some exclusive features of Fluke 88 are given as:

Features

Exclusiveness

This multimeter is exclusive. There is a Fluke 88 is designed especially for the automotive. Although it does support some DIY tests and measurement but is has many exclusive tests. The exclusive tests are performed to check the working of different sensors, ignition coils and other circuitry of automobiles. These exclusive tests include Leakage Test, Duty Cycle Measurement, BP and MAP Sensor Test, Measurement of Internal Resistance of Ignition Coil, Measurement of the Pulse width of Port Fuel Injector, Ripple Voltage Test on an Alternator, Typical Oxygen Sensor Voltage Test, Measurement of Starter Circuit Voltage Drop and Throttle Position Sensor Voltage Test.

AutoHOLD

This feature allows the Fluke 88 Automotive Multimeter to auto-hold the reading for viewing. When the feature is turned on, the multimeter will hold the stable reading of every measurement. This feature can be toggled off and on with the dedicated button labelled as “AutoHOLD”.

Relative Mode

Relative Mode is a special feature for relative readings. Pressing the dedicated button set the current reading as a reference for future readings. If the current reading is 5A, the multimeter will turn it to 0 as the reference and will show the difference of future reading with 5A. This feature is useful when a person is intended to measure check whether the automobile battery is charging or not.

HiRes Mode

This mode allows a user to view the reading in a higher resolution. Pressing the button enables the HiRes mode which allows the device to display the reading at 10 times resolution. HiRes allows user to view the display and readings. This mode, however, is not available when measuring temperature, capacitance, frequency counter, temperature and min/max mode.

Min/Max Mode

This mode allows the Fluke 88 automotive multimeter to store the minimum and maximum readings of a session. When the mode is active, the multimeter will keep the record of minimum and maximum readings. Upon hitting any values which is either greater or less than the already stored minimum and maximum value, the multimeter will beep and update the value to a new minimum or maximum.

Input Alert Feature

Alert is a trademark feature of Fluke multimeter. When a test lead is connected to the mA/µA terminal but the user tries to measure voltage, continuity, resistance or capacitance, the multimeter will make a sound and display a “LEAD” error message. Hence the error message will stop the user from accidentally measuring the data with wrong connected leads.

Self Power-off

Fluke 88 automotive multimeter comes with an auto shut down feature. If no button is pressed or not used for 30 minutes, the device will shut down itself.  Therefore, this feature helps the multimeter in saving the battery.

Bar Graph

The display of the Fluke 88 automotive multimeter has a small bar graph. The bar graph acts as a small needle of an analogue multimeter. It is useful when a sudden change is needed to monitor. The bar graph can be updated 40 times a second. Hence it can be used easily to monitor any changes.

Fuses and Safety

This multimeter has a safety ratting CAT-III. The device is also equipped with fuses to protect it from accidental high voltages and current.

Supported Test

Fluke 88 supports all the tests which are needed to diagnose and repair the circuitry of automobiles. These tests are:

• Measurement of AC/DC Current
• Measurement of AC/DC Voltage
• Temperature Measurement
• Connectivity Test
• Resistance Test and Measurement
• Frequency Measurement
• Leakage Test
• Capacitance Measurement
• Diode Test
• Duty Cycle Measurement
• Pulse Width Measurement
• BP and MAP Sensor Test
• Measurement of Internal Resistance of Ignition Coil
• Measurement of the Pulse width of Port Fuel Injector
• Ripple Voltage Test on an Alternator
• Typical Oxygen Sensor Voltage Test
• Measurement of Starter Circuit Voltage Drop
• Throttle Position Sensor Voltage Test
• Throttle Position Sensor Resistance Test
• Current Drain Test
• System Voltage Test
• Switch Continuity Test

Technical Specifications

• DCV Voltage: 1000 V
• ACV Voltage: 1000 V
• AC Bandwidth: 5 kHz
• DC Current: 10 A
• AC current: 10 A
• Resistance: 50 MΩ
• Capacitance: 9,999 µF
• Frequency: Up to 200 kHz
• Duty Cycle: 99.9%
• Temperature: -200.0°C – 1090°C
• 80 BK temperature Probe: -40 °C – 260°C
• Maximum Conductance: 60.00 nS
• Operating Temperature: -20°C – 55°C
• Storage temperature: -40°C – 60°C

Package Contents

• User Manual
• Fluke 88V
• Test Leads

3. Proster VC99

Not satisfied with our first two recommendation of Fluke 88V and Innova 3340 DMM? Here is the Proster VC99, a multimeter that costs a fraction of Fluke 88V but still having great performance. It is suitable for DIY enthusiasts or anyone new to professional automotive engineering. Due to affordability, users must compromise on performance and quality. But still, it’s the best automotive multimeter for the money you are paying. It does support all type of automotive tests which any other premium multimeters can perform.

Features

Cheaper

Proster VC99 is a super cheap and affordable automotive multimeter. This automotive multimeter is not only affordable but also offer an incredible number of tests that can be performed using this multimeter.

Specialized Tests

This is a dedicated multimeter. The purpose of the multimeter is to troubleshoot and act as a diagnostic tool for electrical problems in automobiles. VC99  can perform some automobiles specific tests. Some of these tests include coils testing, switch testing, lights and diodes testing etc.

Auto Ranging

Despite being lower in price, this multimeter has auto-ranging capabilities. This feature allows the device to auto-select the range of the input and adjust the internal circuitry according to the threshold of incoming input. The auto-ranging can be turned off by pressing the dedicated button. With auto-ranging off, the user must select the appropriate range by rotating the knob.

Relative and Min/Max

Proster VC99 has the same function as Fluke 88V automotive multimeter. The relative mode works just like it works in Fluke 88V. A value or reading can be set as a base value and the later readings of the session will be displayed as the difference from the base. Min/Max function in the multimeter enables the multimeter to store the minimum and maximum value of the multimeter. Proster VC99 keeps both values updated if a new minimum or maximum value is detected during a test session.

Bar Graph

Despite Being a cheaper automotive multimeter, Proster VC99 has a graph bar graph that mimics the needle of an old analogue multimeter. The bar graph is useful when the goal is to detect a momentarily surge in the readings.

Fuses

Proster VC99 comes with sufficient protection against sudden surges in current ant voltages. It is equipped with a fuse to protect the circuitry from being burnt out.

Self Power-off

This feature turns off the multimeter if the multimeter remains idle. The duration of timeout is 15 minutes when no button is pressed, or reading is taken. Therefore, this helps the multimeter in preserving battery life.

Supported Tests

The following tests are supported by the Proster VC99 multimeter.

• Measurement of AC/DC Current
• Measurement of AC/DC Voltage
• Temperature Measurement
• Resistance Test and Measurement
• Frequency Measurement
• Capacitance Measurement
• Diode Test
• Duty Cycle Measurement
• Pulse Width Measurement
• Switch Continuity Test

Technical Specification

• DCV Range: 100 V
• ACV Range: 750 V
• DCA Range: 20 A
• ACA Range: 20 A
• Resistance: 60 MΩ
• Capacitance: 2000uF
• Frequency: 60MHz
• Temperature Range: -40℃ -1000℃
• Input impendence: 10Mohm
• Sampling rate: 3 times/s
• AC frequency response: 40-400Hz
• Operation way: Manual or auto range

Package Contents

• Proster VC99 Multimeter
• 2 Multimeter Probes
• 1 Temperature Probe
• 2x AAA battery
• Carry Bag

 

Conclusion

We have tested three different automotive multimeters from three different price segment. Although all the multimeter is specialized and has automobiles related testing capabilities, they are different from each other. Fluke 88 V is a premium and best automotive multimeter. It has astonishing accuracy, speed, durability and reliability. Fluke is recommended for professional mechanics who needs accuracy to diagnose the problems. On the other hand,  Innova 3340 is relatively affordable and has all the necessary tests and features. But it has occasional problems with accuracy and required adjustment in auto range mode. Proster VC99 is the best cheap automotive multimeter. The quality of this multimeter is average and performance is slow. But it’s cheap and best for the price paid. It is suitable for entry-level professional mechanics or Tech lovers. Therefore, Our pick is Fluke 88V automotive multimeter.