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How-to-guides - Testing tools
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Test tools for
installing, car stereos, keyless entry, security
systems, and more... |
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Electronic test light
Even though we
recommend using a Volt ohm meter, we prefer the electronic
test light for most applications.
This is partially
due to the experience that we have in our industry.
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This type of test
light gives a quick and precise visual sign whether or not
your wire is a negative or positive voltage.
This is
especially good to have when you are upside down, in a tight
space, where you must probe high in the dash, as a VOM meter
would be difficult to see it's response.
There are
advantages and disadvantages with both. |
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Advantages:
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Quick to see
voltage polarity.
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Easy to power
up, as it plugs directly into the vehicles cigarette
lighter giving it the positive and negative power to run
the
device.
Disadvantages:
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In some cases
it can draw to much current for sensitive devices such
as, airbags and vehicle microprocessors.
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Does not give
exact voltage amount such as 12.6 volt or 10.9 volts.
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Higher cost
than the standard incandescent test light.
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Standard test
light
This is your
stander incandescent test light, and is not recommended for
any testing of any electronic circuit on any vehicle.
We
only discuss this type, as many individuals may already have
one.
It basically uses
an incandescent light bulb to indicate a voltage is present.
It is also
sometimes difficult to use if it requires a positive
voltage at the "power clip' side.
A negative ground
is rather easy to find on most metal parts of the car and
can be clipped onto those parts quickly.
If you require
locating a negative voltage, you must find a positive wire
and attach to the clip located on the end of the test light.
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V.O.M Meter
Volt Ohm Meter
The volt ohm meter or vom
for short, is simply a meter that will indicate the voltage or
resistance measured in ohms of a circuit.
It is the safest way to
test most circuits, as it draws very little current to it's test
light counterpart.
It is rather simple to
use and only requires the user to place the meter switch to the
proper settings.
Advantages include:
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Indicates exact
voltage measurement.
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Indicates exact impedance value for measuring
resistance.
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Draws very little current from vehicles
sensitive circuits.
Disadvantages include:
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Difficult to view in some cases.
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Requires two connections positive and
negative to be connected to the vehicle, it's not always convenient
to locate a positive voltage, as opposed to finding a negative
ground.
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Difficulty viewing display in low light areas.
Continue to:
Standard tools
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