Power Probe Review and Demo
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- For full notes visit the blog at; goo.gl/0Mfwuq
A ton of you guys have asked me for a Power Probe review and demo. Well today we take a look at the Power Probe II AND the Power Probe III.
Power Probe II
Power Probe III with Voltmeter
The Newest Power Probe Hook (this thing is AMAZING!)
Checking fuses with a Power Probe
Powering components with the Power Probe.
Add-ons for the Power Probe.
The sights and sounds of the Power Probe
Customizing a Power Probe
Replaceable parts
Lighting a lightbulb
Powers and Grounds
and more
Power Probe 2 (the blue one in the video)
goo.gl/O1YURY
Power Probe 3 (red one in video)
goo.gl/ppO6y1
Power Probe Hook (the newest pimpest one)
goo.gl/O8hMKm
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I never leave home without it, literally. Can't count the number of times it's saved my rear on the side of the road on my own or other people's vehicles. The guys at power probe are awesome as well. If you have a failure on an older model, you can send it in and get a brand new version of your model at a reduced price. I was privileged to be part of the field testing of the power probe 3 when it first came out and was rewarded with a complementary unit. It's not an end all tool but it's a great quick checker before having to break out the multimeter and load tester
First time i used one of these was testing a 4wd actuator on a tundra. A master tech showed me a quick way to test continuity and to power the motor manually with one. I use one almost daily now. Such an awesome tool to have!
I Work on heavy-duty trucks and can't believe I went this long with out one, after you know how to use it this little tool is a life saver
in the middle of rebuilding a 71 Corvette and saw one of the PP3 at a pawn shop for $40 so I made sure to snag it. Should save me some time when I tear out and replace the dash. Great video!
Just picked up a Power Probe III for just over $50 special deal on Amazon. Been wanting one forever but the price point was too high before. Thanks for the positive review. Was hoping for more in depth demonstration but this was ok.
I have the hook. Its awesome. I used it to wire up a 1965 MG Midget last summer. I dont use it as often as I'd like because I'm stuck in the express lane at chrysler. I am training to move up in the world, but for now its just drain fill inspect.
Just purchased the tool today. Problem with my 2003 VW Jetta 1.8t. Installed new battery in car, while driving back home car died out. Tried to restart car, will not crank motor only sound is starter spinning. OBD2 test P2181 replaced coolant sensor, code cleared. Replaced camshaft sensor still spinning starter. Next test Relay 175 and or relay 100. Oh yeah, Good job with your TH-cam videos. Very informative, keep up the good work.
Thanks for your review I seen my mechanic (Im an Electronic Tech) using 1 and I played with it for a little bit, I prefer my multimeter but Im probably going to add this to my tool box just as another tool, it may get me out of a bind 1 day never know. I was concerned with powering something with 12v that should not be so Im glad you mentioned that. The Power Probe IV seems a little more advanced, they seem to be making a name for themselves. Great Review!!
Thanks, Charles! This was really helpful. I've been looking around at different testers. My test light and DVOM have been great but the having the ability to apply power and ground to components is a big plus.
I still have and use the PP I. Back from my BMW days (circa 2k3). Still going strong, and did you know you can hook them up as a jumper lead? Simply connect the negative lead to Batt positive, leave the positive lead disconnected, and take your auxiliary lead and connect it to whatever you want positive feed to. Boom positive jumper lead.
Nice review- I too have the power probe 3 and yes it is a good tool for certain uses. In the salt belt I don't use it for checking fuses under hood or any exterior harness , actually I have stopped using it at all except to apply a power or induce a ground. I have chased my tail too many times reading good voltage or hearing a beep and seeing a light . Corrosion under a fuse panel or at a connector will display system voltage but unable to carry sufficient amperage. I don't like testing any circuit unloaded and the power probe only beeps or displays a polarity or voltage in an insufficient loaded state like a test light that will only put a .050 to .300 mv load. My go to tool is the Voltpro and the Loadpro for testing the circuit loaded and they both have served me well. Take Care. Steve
Steve Rob I think I will be ordering a Loadpro this weekend.
Thanks Steve. Hotta watch for that. Wires that test good without load.
+DE Nichols Gotta not Hotta. lol
I have a 3, big big fan! Great for quickie diagnostic. i seem to get lots of window-work, and they make it quick to verify a good/bad motor... that and a good wiring diagram with highlites do 90% of my electrical diag. (I'm guilty of piercing wire insulation with it sometimes... oh the shame!)
Yeah! So glad you made this video. This helped me to easily discern the differences between these two products. Since I already have a nice multimeter, I think I'm going to go with the Power Probe II. Going back and forth between products on their website consumed a lot of time and energy, and your video allowed me to see what they look like in action quickly and simply. Thanks!
I just blew my seat warmer fuse cause I gave it 💥 power when it didn’t need it 😅🙃 just learned this here 😉
How can you check continuity if you were tracing trailer brake wires? For instance,
if wires to were at the back of a 4-Door Long Bed truck and you were under the dash or in the engine compartment.
How can you check continuity and map out wires on 20 foot wires?
I love my power probe. I also went to UTI in 1988.
Power to the probe, Charles! 👌🏻
Picked up a PP3 a while back on E-Bay. But I still tend to go for the test light or DVM, out of habit. The more videos I watch about the PP3, the more I want to try it out.
It's a great first step in my opinion
yay I'm buying a power probe 3 on Thursday you made my mind up when I see the snap on guy I'll get one! Thank you!!!!!
I have the power probe IV. One of the best investments i ever did.
On of your best videos! Nice work.
Can the Powerprobe be used on 6 volt riding lawnmowers to diagnose electrical issues?
Excellent review Charles!
I still don't see the point in the Power Probe. I already know how to test and diagnose with my DVOM and test light. I'd have to relearn how to test and diagnose with a new tool, just to say "hey, I have a Power Probe!" What good does that do?
Just another arrow in the quiver. There are times when a DVOM is a better tool, and times where a Test light is great.
I prefer a PP to a test light most of the time. It sounds like you got a good process with out one.
Whiteout. Good point. having struggled with long wires disconnecting I think I'll still go with PP. Saw that in comments as short for power probe and now I'm thinking pun!
Just watch a few videos. Especially the PP4 and the Hook. Granted the the hook is a lot of money but a good buy if you get it on sale or used. There's a lot more features than just checking voltage.
John. It's just easier. Especially with the short detection unit I bought with it. It made PP3 almost as expensive as 4, but oh well.
Shannon Cole I can't even remember what the hook is about. Could it handle more AMPS or something?
Hey Charles. Do you have a power probe four yet? I noticed that there are no good comprehensive videos on TH-cam explaining all the features of this in detail and how to use them to your advantage. I think you're such an excellent teacher and would be just the guy to make one. Please think about it. Thanks
Thanks for the kind words. I have not gotten the 4 yet. I really do want one, and I will get one at some point. The folks at PP usually do a great job with videos. They just do a poor job of marketing them. I didn't watch them, but they have 4 videos on their site about the 4. www.powerprobe.com/english/
Thank you for posting the review. Very helpful.
You are welcome
I've been thinking of buying one of these for some time now (Such a hassle to install the VAS rack on my work computer).
Would you recommend going for the master kit, or just the basic one? $110 is a lot of money for some extra equipment..
Thanks for the great review HumbleMechanic I think you said it has a 23 ft cord, but is there a shorter cord too? what if you are 3 feet from the battery, do you still have to use the long cord coiled up all over the place?
Thank you! I rarely break out the really long cord. I use the 10ft one? IT can be a slight pain if your working right next to the battery, but it's minor
I have looked at several sights that sell these, but none mention the length of cord attached to the handheld, only the extension length. thanks for the reply and info.
Hey brotha would this detect for a check gauges light?
Thank you so much
for your help.
do you have to use powerprobes own backprobe adapters with this or will any standard aftermarket backprobe adapter fit into the PP?
I use pins. I am sure the PP ones are great, but any pin should work.
does the hook replace power probe or u need them both?
Hi there , if i apply 12 volts to a maf that uses 5 volts ,can i damage the maf ? thanks
Yep. Almost a guarantee
Good point about accidentally frying a 5 volt circuit that many modern vehicles have,....got to be very careful when sending 12 volts down any wire I guess.
Nice video
I'm not a Powerprobe hater, but nearly a hater! Get an old fashioned incandescent test light and a good meter with LoadPro leads. Much better way to test. If circuits are working fine, you should never need to power something up independently. Nice video all the same.
Note: I'm not ranting like some TH-cam commenters, use what you like, just my opinion
Toyota Tech I respect the hell out of that!!!
If the "circuits are working fine", you wouldn't be working on it at all. The ability to remotely provide power and ground to a circuit would be greatly helpful in many situations. This coming from a guy who doesn't own a power probe, but I'm now considering it.
Also, take your "old fashioned incandescent test light" and throw it right in garbage. This isn't 1950. Just my opinion.
I haven't touched my dvm since getting my power probe 3 7 or 8 years ago.
Super helpful!
Thinking of buying a Power Probe 3, should I buy the basic kit or one with a bunch of attachments??? I'm a DIYer
The kit is really nice to have, but not needed.
I just picked up a new revised power probe 3 yesterday
sweet.. How do you like it?
Great Vid. Thanks!
hey Charles, on the Tiguan(s, or other VW models) that you have seen which has the Cold Start Misfire issue, do they have a lot of miles on them? thanks.
nickolastiguan Miles very, but 60k seems to be the magic number.
Wow my 2011 Tiguan only has about 23000 miles, and already has the cold start misfire... :(
Can a power probe replace a multimeter completely?
Not in my opinion
I have the hook and power prob 3 I use the 3 more
Can you review the innova 5420
awesome dude
Thank you!
How can I buy it?
coz I stay in cambodai can you help me?
+Srey Roth man I am not sure. Unknown they sell on Amazon. Maybe EBay?
CAN YOU DO A VIDEO ON THE LOADPRO THANK
here is a tip the tip has a 5 volt ref. with the switch in the normal position
+cheverlot really? Even on the PP2? That is awesome. Great tip on the tip LOL
The lawsuit against Snap-on for making and/or selling tools that infringe on my patent (in my opinion) has started. Waiting to get confirmation the the CEO - Nick Pinchuk - received the summons. The PP4 and Hook infringe (in my opinion) as do other tools Snap-on sells. I'm not critical of people who BUY a Powerprobe - I'm critical of the people who sell them without knowing what they can and can't do; nor do they have any idea of how to actually diagnose an electrical problem...
That is the first thing I thought of when I saw the 'hotshot' button: I've seen that feature before.
+Jose Oliveira Yeah what is hotshot really? Watched power probe's video on that and I still don't know.
How about review Automobile circuit detector and demo
1,2 & 3 not sure about the hook
is that his tool box from work or a home box?
+ImClippy This is my home box. It holds more junk than tools LOL
I hear you went too U.T.I cool. What year and where?
I did. I went to the Illinois campus. I finished in 03.
Cool i also went. I think it was 95 96 also have the Ford fact
UTI days? Urinary tract infection? 😄
is that a vr6 headgasket hahaha
Have you had any experience, or ever heard of the Load Pro?
th-cam.com/video/I8kbEsXCRfc/w-d-xo.html
This tool is integrated with test leads for a DMM. It looks like it is very useful. I am an RV repair tech. Motorhomes have extensive wiring (however, no CAN BUS, etc.). I'm have not purchsed the Power Probe because I prefer old school test and troubleshooting techniques. The Load Pro might be a good buy, although it might prove to be no more usefull than an incandesent test light and DMM combined (awkward), which is what I sometimes use today.
Thank you for the great videos (and blog) I try to catch them all!
new PP4 with all the leads is like.. 200.
the humble mechanic subtly brags about how long he's been in the business (how long ago he got his tools) who clearly isn't even the young age of 50....dude you're not that old, you didn't by these tools that long ago
Not really sure how to respond to that...
Look for the announcement that I'm suing both Snap-on and Powerprobe for patent infringement because of the EECT400, PP Hook and PP4.
care to expand on that?
Sure - I offered my patented load testing leads to Snap-on and Powerprobe about 8 years ago. They said no. Now the guy who rejected me is taking credit for Snap-ons new loading test light. Jeff at Powerprobe created the Hook and the 4 after he saw what I was doing. Pretty straightforward. My biggest complaint is that I spent a ton of money and time teaching the concept and then they jumped in after I proved the market. The sharp point misses problems by piercing the 0.001" corrosion; the loading features are ripping me off (IMO). Long story - started in 1999.
Hi daniel.
Pls tell me about servo motor drive and posining controll of servo motor.
I just blew my seat warmer fuse cause I gave it 💥 power when it didn’t need it 😅🙃 just learned this here 😉
Hahha oops. Glad for that fuse