Harbor Freight Computer Safe Automotive Logic Probe Review Cen-Tech - Item

This is a tool review for a Harbor Freight Computer Safe Automotive Logic Probe or AKA Test Light. Cen-Tech - Item#98709
Here is a link to the tool: www.harborfreig...
Summary of Review: The tool comes in typical packaging for Harbor Freight. The probe is sharp which helps when piercing insulation in a wire for testing. The handle is small and contains the circuit board and LED's. This tool allows for quick determination of power and ground without having to swap the connections on the cord each time. The cord is good quality and will reach 10 ft. The LED's are not bright when used, but this is a product of the limited current flow (7 milliamps). This is why this is considered computer safe.It is rated for 6/12/24 volts DC. (4 out of 5 Stars)
I will be adding additional videos discussing how to use a test light, so stay tuned!
My Background: I am an aircraft mechanic who loves to work everything. I work on solving mechanical issues during the day on aircraft and I work on cars, motorcycles, small engines and making small parts on my lathe on nights and weekends. After watching Eric The Car Guy, I decided that I would like to also provide wisdom from my experience repairing things. I love the challenge of fixing something that I have never worked on before. I like the logical process to investigate, analyze and restore the device to working order. I am planning on sharing many of these experiences with my viewers.
Thanks,
Mark Steensland

[@stephenlutz123]

I have this logic probe. It works, meh. Things i don't like. Cord is a coiled cord like a phone, and it is too short. The coil acts like a spring and the clamps pop off the battery terminals if you put tension on the wire. A 10 foot straight wire would be much better. Second, the bulbs are dim and hard to see. Thing I like, it's cheap.
I still have this, use it sometimes, but usually just to check power/ground yes/no. Since this is computer safe, I also will check yes/no power to a sensor. I have a powerprobe, but if you energize the tip while probing a sensor, you WILL destroy the computer. The main drawback to this probe is that while it will tell you yes/no on power/ground it doesn't tell you actual voltage. The power probe has a built in volt meter, so you know if the circuit is actually alive. A 5V reference signal at 2 volts means the whole circuit is down and the car won't start, but the lojic probe will still light green while the power probe will show you actual voltage. Like I said, meh. It works, but understand its limitations. There is a reason this is $10 and a power probe III $100. I usually pop the circuit breaker on the power probe before I test a sensor circuit anyway, because one slip up and you're buying a new computer. Powerprobe still works as a logic probe and meter even with a popped circuit breaker.

[@707SonomaComa]

How can you use it if you were checking wires at the back of a vehicle, like a truck, a long bed 4-door?
Would it still work if you carried a different battery with you that was not connected to the vehicl at all?

[@angelisone]

Mark, nice tips as well as making a video for us to learn.

[@trhester1958]

Hi Mark, great video review. I was surfing to learn what the difference is between a "Computer safe", tester and a conventional tester. I was testing some wires coming out of my truck door to find a hot wire going to the courtesy light. Using an insulation piercing tool, I tested all 6 wires and discovered my circuit was not in that group. My concern is that in the process, I noticed a "Service 4WD" appear on the driver info display. It was only momentary and no problem noticed. What I did notice is the next day I had a CEL which said there was an O2 sensor problem (open or high resistance in heater circuit), and I also noticed my a/c vent control actuator didn't work. I can either believe it's purely coincidental, or my circuit tester / wire piercing tool is to blame. I just wanted to know what the actual harm in using an "old fashion" tester is, if any. Thanks!

[@JSWMobileMedia]

Nice video. Simple and helpful. Thanks! Just found the next tool I need to buy!

[@COCTELAZUL]

A cheaper solution for the power probe testers! nice video man!

[@insaneasylum7898]

I like you basic use videos. My son wants to be a mechanic and these videos will help him understand some things a little better. When are you going to make a new video?

[@theshop5403]

+M Welch Thanks for the comment. I have been shooting some video this weekend. Let me know if you have ideas for new videos.

[@rominhawk3949]

Hi Mark; very good video and explanations; Thank you very much.

[@toyotrustPR]

thanks for the video, I didnt know hf sold those.

[@JulesBartow]

Love the corn field in the Heartland. Does your test light work on a John Deere Combine?

[@nibyouisrael7293]

It is great and I need to buy if you have different DC testers and let me know them .Thanks

[@arcemadnes]

Awesome video brother 🤘🏽

[@bgriff2517]

Good video

[@kitflex]

Very good video.
This pen reads the positive and negative and nozzle pulse?
Sorry for my English, it is google translate.
Stéphane

[@EarendilTheBlessed]

3:15, you say you prefer a test light and you explain it in another video... but there's no other video?

[@theshop5403]

+EarendilTheBlessed Sorry for the late response, but I am planning on making another video regarding the traditional test light :)

[@robertmccully2792]

What other test light videos? You only have two?

[@theshop5403]

+robert mccully after a long delay I am working some additional videos

[@robertmccully2792]

OK.

[@itsme2369]

thanks I'm going to buy one right now and i have a 20% coupon thanks

[@j.a.mcbean.4043]

thanks

[@joelethalcruz4417]

i want one...

[@80hdjenkins71]

spend the money and get a Waekon SST42V Pistol Probe, gives audio and light indicators. works on pulse and hall affect

[@thatcrazywolf]

If it isn't FET driven it isn't computer safe

[@1995dresser]

Hey for $10 bucks you can't go wrong