nelstomlinson
Full Access Member
Has anyone ever used a circuit tracer to find wires in a bundle, locate shorts or opens?
Can anyone recommend one suitable for automotive use?
Can anyone recommend one suitable for automotive use?
Has anyone used a circuit tracer?
- Thread starter nelstomlinson
- Start date
I have the power probe kit, I use it at work for industrial generators. PPKIT04, I got mine from napa for around 400. I think you can get the short/open tracer separately if that's all you need but the power probe is a tool you didn't realize how much you needed until you have it. The knock offs work but I've never had an issue with reliability using power probe products.
nelstomlinson
Full Access Member
Wow, $540 on amazon, that's not an impulse buy.
XOLATEM
Full Access Member
This is just the first thing that popped up when I searched for automotive short circuit tracer.
I bought something like these off the tool truck many years ago and never used it...somehow, I always got by without dragging the thing out of the toolbox. It used an analog device like a magnetic compass. The method was to energize the dead wire and then follow it until you find the break.
I bought an inexpensive power probe kit years ago and never used it until I started working on tractors and large 'n small equipment...when I had a dead machine in the yard and wanted to get it running to bring into the shop I found the power probe to be extremely useful...almost 'sine qua non' to the point that it was the first tool I grabbed before I left the building.
You can find a much more affordable power probe setup to get you started. I bought a second one to have in reserve because the first one was getting a little ragged. Get the long lead accessories for checking trailer lights.
This is similar to what I had back then....
Here is another...
Good luck on it...
Just my .02.
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It's one of the few things that are cheaper to buy at napa vs Amazon. I just checked and it's 415.99, the short/open tester by itself PPECT3000 is 240. They're pricey but I've used power probe tools for years and never had an issue with reliability, but for personal use at the house it's probably excessive. The Chinese ones on Amazon are cheap and if it gets you out of a jam once it's paid for itself, just wouldn't count on longevity.
mblaney
Full Access Member
Check out a 'tone tracer'... Amazon has a Klein tools VDV500-705 for less than $100. I use mine mostly on house wiring but it works perfect for anything. You do need to be mindful to not attach it to a hot (110V) wire. I just used it to help trace a wiring problem at my sons house; he suspected the problem was in the attic - I found the problem in the basement and took about 3 1/2 minutes.
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