cheap volt meter

[miami man]

someone here said you can use a cheap volt meter that runs around $10.00 to check out my electrical system but i read the instructions on one and it said not to test automotive systems with it. can it still be used to test alternators and car charging systems? what are the brand names that you have purchased to test auto emectrical systems?

[jasonpaulbauer]

Yes. it can probably still be used.... the one cheap brand I know of is Centech.

[jglutz]

A volt meter is a voltmeter
An Ohm meter is and Ohm meter
An Ammeter is an ammmeter
You get what you pay for.

What they probalbly mean is the accuracy is not fine enough for sensor measurements, 1/10 or 1/100 of a volt. And, more likely, the interanal impedance is not high enough for resistance (ohm) measurements of a sensor or small volatge differences.

Measuring a charging system....even with a fairly expensive meter....all you will be able to measure is the voltages, not the amps. And, unless you know how to measure for and understand volatge drops. Buy it, a voltmeter is a voltmeter.

[stefan]

I THINK I may know why it says not to use it on your car.. Its more for when your installing stuff and probing wires checking for hot/ground.. I Think the explination was the voltmeter allows current to flow through it, so you could accidentally short something (more of a problem with newer cars with all the electronics) What your supposed to use is a diffrent tool that you just touch the wire with and it says if there is power/ground. (I think its called a DIMM?)
Atleast thats how I rember it.

For checking your battery voltage it will be fine.

[Axlander9289]

Auto Zone sells a Midtronics multi-meter (Volts, Ohms, Amps) for around 30 bucks, and Sears sometimes has a similar one for about 25 when it's on sale. They are automotive grade, and my Midtronics meter has never failed me.

[FestYboy]

what you're looking for is a DVOM (digital volt/ohm meter) it doesn't draw current like the older sweep arm style and is safe to use on any automotive system. they can be had for between 7 and 400 dollars and will all do the same job you need them for.