Power Probe 3 opinions - Competition Diesel.Com

HightechRedneck · 09-13-2012, 07:12 PM

Im looking to gain some real world opinions on getting a power probe 3 set up along with the gold leads and the open test item that's wireless (forget the name) that they have in a master kit.

I found a new master kit with the carbon fiber PP3 for 220 shipped.

Just curious on your guys review on them. My uncle loves his.

Tobin · 09-13-2012, 07:31 PM

I have one and I love it. You won't regret it if you do any electrical testing on boats, rvs, etc. It has saved a TON of time already and I haven't had it long.

Tobin

cumminz90 · 09-13-2012, 08:02 PM

One of the best most handy tools ive bought so far, its one of those tools you don't know how you've got by without it. I deffinatley recommend you get the master kit i bought just the probeIII and plan to trade it on the master kit.

wdimig · 09-22-2012, 07:50 PM

Dustin i sell at least one of those kits every week, the power probe 3 is a very handly tool, it saves alot of time diagnosing electrical problems, the ability to see battery voltage, voltage drop across a load, apply power to a device to see if it works, find ground, power, open circuits all with one tool, it's nice. there are acutally 3 kits offered from power probe, the stand power probe 3 kit, which has just the tool, a extra add on lead set, the 12v dc adaptor, and the probe end for the tool, the next kit up has all that plus two different sized wire piercing tools that are of a twist design, and some extra leads. the final "master" kit has everything plus the ECT2000 circuit chaser. The ECT 2000 is a awsome tool, it does exactly what it says it does, it will find a break in a wire, or a short to ground on any wire located in a vehicle. it works by hooking up a device to the circuit in question, it then emits a signal throught the wire that will be used by the tracer box, the tracer box emits a beeping signal, the signal gets stronger the closer you get to the wire, you don't actually have to hold it on the wire to get a signal, you can be a couple of inches away from the wire and it will pickup the signal, now the neat thing about the "locator" box if you want to call it that, is that it can actually determine the direction of where a wire is going in a harness. For example, you come to a junction in the harness, and your unsure of which way the wire goes at the junction, just use the tool to follow the harness, if after a couple of inches past the junction you loose the signal, just back track untill you find the singal again, which will probably put you back over the wire harness junction now follow the next branch of the junction and see if the signal stays, if it does you've found the direction that the wire is heading, now say your follwing and harness and you lose the signal, but there no junction in the harness, you've most likely found the problem in the wire, because the signal in the wire will end at either the break in the wire, or where it is shorted to ground. i had a cust. that used to tool to dianose a brake light that was out on a late 80's chevy truck, he had no continuity in the harness, broke out that tool, and followed the circuit, he lost the singal about 1/2 way under the pickup bed, located the wire in the harness, but to his suprise the wire appeared to be good, the then used the tracer to really pinpoint the loss of the signal on the wire, once he found that, he cut the wire to find it had corrorded internally even though the wire sheath was still intact. he swears it's the best damn tool he's ever bought. Hope this helps! the master kit is well worth the money. if you have no way of getting one, PM me, and we'll talk, i can drop ship anywhere in the lower 48.

Wes

Knoberman · 09-22-2012, 08:45 PM

One of these is definitely on my list of tools to buy next.

4x4dually · 09-22-2012, 08:50 PM

What I'd like to have:

Automotive Multimeter | Automotive Digital Multimeter | Automotive Multimeters by Fluke Corporation

AHall · 09-22-2012, 08:51 PM

Had one for years. My favorite electrical tool. Used it today actually.

jeremy153624 · 09-22-2012, 09:26 PM

They work great, Love mine

AHall · 09-22-2012, 10:31 PM

I bought the master kit but dont really know how to use the short finder. Pretty much only use the probe, extension, alligator clip plug and cigarette lighter adapter.

bosshogg · 09-22-2012, 10:40 PM

I have a pp3 with the extra lead set and I love it!!! That being said, I just saw the Hook tool from power probe. If I didnt already have a PP3 I would be all over the Hook. Its supposed to take the place of a DVOM and even does some oscilloscope work for you. Look into it before you pull the trigger on that PP3

05chevy · 09-23-2012, 07:53 AM

I have a pp2 and I would be lost with out it.

HightechRedneck · 09-23-2012, 08:56 AM

I think im going to pull the trigger on the PP3 master kit. I looked into the hook but I have a snapon 596 iirc meter already. It has the USB cord and everything. I'm just trying to find a more efficient way to go at electrical gremlins.

The only issue I have thought of on these units it's if your testing sensors and wiring you need to be positive on the voltage of the sensors. I can see someone putting 12v to a sensor that might only need 3v-9v to operate. I honestly don't see me doing this but there is always what if I forget. I have heard a few guys that burnt up computers, but I feel that's user retardedness

I know I won't be one of them but it's always a thought in my head.

Adding another question.

What's a master kit worth to you? I have found them cheaper but I want to see what you guys think is a good deal. Also I talked to a guy that will make a master kit with any choice of coloring for me. Thinking the carbon fiber one

akoch209 · 11-17-2012, 09:36 PM

Awsome tool i use it almost every day

Chevycummins · 11-18-2012, 08:27 AM

Straight from power probe is cheaper than I found on any tool truck. I have the master kit also it works great to diagnose things. Especially being able to supply ground and voltage.

kalder · 11-18-2012, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4dually

What I'd like to have:

Automotive Multimeter | Automotive Digital Multimeter | Automotive Multimeters by Fluke Corporation

I have been eying those too!

I have a power probe 2 master kit. I use it maybe once every two years. Really cool tool, just 85 percent of the electrical work I do is test light work. The other 15 percent is multimeter work.

LReiff · 11-18-2012, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4dually

What I'd like to have:

Automotive Multimeter | Automotive Digital Multimeter | Automotive Multimeters by Fluke Corporation

I have a powerprobeIII but that Fluke would come in handy! A powerprobe works well to simply check circuits for continuity and function from a single ended point of view.

A good meter does so much more.

Dazed&Confused · 11-18-2012, 11:34 AM

Ive been contemplating buying one of these myself.

morkable · 11-18-2012, 01:26 PM

Wes, what kind of price could you do for me on one of these? And would you ship to Canada?

09-13-2012, 07:12 PM	#1
HightechRedneck Name: HightechRedneck Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Northeast Ohio Member`s Gallery Posts: 2,753	Power Probe 3 opinions Im looking to gain some real world opinions on getting a power probe 3 set up along with the gold leads and the open test item that's wireless (forget the name) that they have in a master kit. I found a new master kit with the carbon fiber PP3 for 220 shipped. Just curious on your guys review on them. My uncle loves his. __________________ Dustin Bagged 00 Jetta big turbo TDI - DRTY DZL Bagged 03 Jetta Wagon TDI - DALY DZL 07 Dodge Ram Dually 12v swapped g56 - HULN DZL ISSPRO GAUGES, XS BATTERY DÜRTY DZL PERFORMANCE

09-13-2012, 07:31 PM	#2
Tobin Name: Tobin Title: 5.7 IDI Powaa! Status: Not Here Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Oviedo, FL Member`s Gallery Posts: 1,505	I have one and I love it. You won't regret it if you do any electrical testing on boats, rvs, etc. It has saved a TON of time already and I haven't had it long. Tobin __________________ 2006 Dodge 2500 QCLB 4x4 Goerend 48RE 1977 F250 RCLB 4x4 "High Boy" 12 valve, 180 pump, 5x.014, S363/S475, Goerend 47RH, NP271, 2007 D60/Sterling 10.5, 40" Toyo MTs

09-13-2012, 08:02 PM	#3
cumminz90 Name: cumminz90 Title: Cant leave um alone Status: Not Here Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Hartly Delaware Member`s Gallery Posts: 164	One of the best most handy tools ive bought so far, its one of those tools you don't know how you've got by without it. I deffinatley recommend you get the master kit i bought just the probeIII and plan to trade it on the master kit. __________________ 1990 Cummins D250 : Pump by Seth Valve train from Hamilton Cams Injectors Infinite performance Head by C-tech performance Other Parts From EATSOOT, Cooler Tubz, Autometer, SCS, extreme studs 00 Jetta Tdi 3in kerma exhaust 04 Ram 3500 tow rig

09-22-2012, 07:50 PM	#4
wdimig Name: wdimig Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Frederick, MD Member`s Gallery Posts: 584	Dustin i sell at least one of those kits every week, the power probe 3 is a very handly tool, it saves alot of time diagnosing electrical problems, the ability to see battery voltage, voltage drop across a load, apply power to a device to see if it works, find ground, power, open circuits all with one tool, it's nice. there are acutally 3 kits offered from power probe, the stand power probe 3 kit, which has just the tool, a extra add on lead set, the 12v dc adaptor, and the probe end for the tool, the next kit up has all that plus two different sized wire piercing tools that are of a twist design, and some extra leads. the final "master" kit has everything plus the ECT2000 circuit chaser. The ECT 2000 is a awsome tool, it does exactly what it says it does, it will find a break in a wire, or a short to ground on any wire located in a vehicle. it works by hooking up a device to the circuit in question, it then emits a signal throught the wire that will be used by the tracer box, the tracer box emits a beeping signal, the signal gets stronger the closer you get to the wire, you don't actually have to hold it on the wire to get a signal, you can be a couple of inches away from the wire and it will pickup the signal, now the neat thing about the "locator" box if you want to call it that, is that it can actually determine the direction of where a wire is going in a harness. For example, you come to a junction in the harness, and your unsure of which way the wire goes at the junction, just use the tool to follow the harness, if after a couple of inches past the junction you loose the signal, just back track untill you find the singal again, which will probably put you back over the wire harness junction now follow the next branch of the junction and see if the signal stays, if it does you've found the direction that the wire is heading, now say your follwing and harness and you lose the signal, but there no junction in the harness, you've most likely found the problem in the wire, because the signal in the wire will end at either the break in the wire, or where it is shorted to ground. i had a cust. that used to tool to dianose a brake light that was out on a late 80's chevy truck, he had no continuity in the harness, broke out that tool, and followed the circuit, he lost the singal about 1/2 way under the pickup bed, located the wire in the harness, but to his suprise the wire appeared to be good, the then used the tracer to really pinpoint the loss of the signal on the wire, once he found that, he cut the wire to find it had corrorded internally even though the wire sheath was still intact. he swears it's the best damn tool he's ever bought. Hope this helps! the master kit is well worth the money. if you have no way of getting one, PM me, and we'll talk, i can drop ship anywhere in the lower 48. Wes __________________ 2010 Ram Mega cab, Deep water pearl blue/tan two tone, Cooper ATP's, Retrosolutions 55w 4300k HID's, ARP 625's, GDP S3 intake horn/grid reloc. & air boss plate, S&B intake w. scoop, Sinister Egr del., H&S MM w. OD tuning, Dia. Eye 5" TBE, 437/963 @ 2013 Fall Brawl

09-22-2012, 08:50 PM	#6
4x4dually Name: 4x4dually Title: Moderator Status: Not Here Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Stillwater, OK Member`s Gallery Posts: 31,811	What I'd like to have: Automotive Multimeter \| Automotive Digital Multimeter \| Automotive Multimeters by Fluke Corporation __________________ Jory 2009 4x4 3500 MCLB "There are people far less intelligent than you making a living doing this stuff." - Jeff Mumau

09-22-2012, 08:51 PM	#7
AHall Name: AHall Title: Hobbyist Status: Not Here Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Slope, CO Member`s Gallery Posts: 4,603	Had one for years. My favorite electrical tool. Used it today actually. __________________ -Adam Prostreet F-100 Build Thread http://www.competitiondiesel.com/for...112541&page=24

09-22-2012, 09:26 PM	#8
jeremy153624 Name: jeremy153624 Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: May 2009 Location: Northern KY Member`s Gallery Posts: 565	They work great, Love mine __________________ 1990 Ford F350 4x4, 1994 12 valve swapped in, zf 5 speed tranny, ceramic dual disk from ky clutch, he351 turbo, 181 dvs, 4gsk, timing, and studded 1998 VW Jetta TDI, bone stock, 44 MPG on its worst day

09-22-2012, 10:31 PM	#9
AHall Name: AHall Title: Hobbyist Status: Not Here Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Slope, CO Member`s Gallery Posts: 4,603	I bought the master kit but dont really know how to use the short finder. Pretty much only use the probe, extension, alligator clip plug and cigarette lighter adapter. __________________ -Adam Prostreet F-100 Build Thread http://www.competitiondiesel.com/for...112541&page=24

09-22-2012, 10:40 PM	#10
bosshogg Name: bosshogg Title: Running with the best... Status: Not Here Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Franklin, OH Member`s Gallery Posts: 510	I have a pp3 with the extra lead set and I love it!!! That being said, I just saw the Hook tool from power probe. If I didnt already have a PP3 I would be all over the Hook. Its supposed to take the place of a DVOM and even does some oscilloscope work for you. Look into it before you pull the trigger on that PP3 __________________ 2013 2500 Crew/Long 6.7 68RFE NV273 stock until 2018 2011 Jeep CJ7 304/T18/D300. D44's F&R on 35x12.50's

09-23-2012, 07:53 AM	#11
05chevy Name: 05chevy Title: gear head Status: Not Here Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: maryland Member`s Gallery Posts: 635	I have a pp2 and I would be lost with out it. __________________ 05 lly s475, 40% nozzles, stock cp3 11.69@115 685hp/1100ftlb

09-23-2012, 08:56 AM	#12
HightechRedneck Name: HightechRedneck Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Northeast Ohio Member`s Gallery Posts: 2,753	I think im going to pull the trigger on the PP3 master kit. I looked into the hook but I have a snapon 596 iirc meter already. It has the USB cord and everything. I'm just trying to find a more efficient way to go at electrical gremlins. The only issue I have thought of on these units it's if your testing sensors and wiring you need to be positive on the voltage of the sensors. I can see someone putting 12v to a sensor that might only need 3v-9v to operate. I honestly don't see me doing this but there is always what if I forget. I have heard a few guys that burnt up computers, but I feel that's user retardedness I know I won't be one of them but it's always a thought in my head. Adding another question. What's a master kit worth to you? I have found them cheaper but I want to see what you guys think is a good deal. Also I talked to a guy that will make a master kit with any choice of coloring for me. Thinking the carbon fiber one __________________ Dustin Bagged 00 Jetta big turbo TDI - DRTY DZL Bagged 03 Jetta Wagon TDI - DALY DZL 07 Dodge Ram Dually 12v swapped g56 - HULN DZL ISSPRO GAUGES, XS BATTERY DÜRTY DZL PERFORMANCE Last edited by HightechRedneck; 09-23-2012 at 08:58 AM.

11-17-2012, 09:36 PM	#13
akoch209 Name: akoch209 Title: Rookie Status: Not Here Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: nebraska Member`s Gallery Posts: 25	Awsome tool i use it almost every day

11-18-2012, 08:27 AM	#14
Chevycummins Name: Chevycummins Title: Bad case of Tinkeritis! Status: Not Here Join Date: Jul 2008 Member`s Gallery Posts: 3,488	Straight from power probe is cheaper than I found on any tool truck. I have the master kit also it works great to diagnose things. Especially being able to supply ground and voltage. __________________ 2020 Ram 2500 4x4 Big Horn

11-18-2012, 11:34 AM	#17
Dazed&Confused Name: Dazed&Confused Title: Surfing my own world Status: Not Here Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Morning View Kentucky Member`s Gallery Posts: 2,533	Ive been contemplating buying one of these myself. __________________ Big Andy 1983/93 Dodge short bed Cummins toy 2001 Excursion Fummins project. 2004 CTS-V

11-18-2012, 01:26 PM	#18
morkable Name: morkable Title: Just Over Broke Status: Not Here Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Stony Plain, Alberta Member`s Gallery Posts: 5,956	Wes, what kind of price could you do for me on one of these? And would you ship to Canada?