Help suggest a voltmeter
#1
Help suggest a voltmeter
My voltage dropped the other day for a little while and the check engine light and battery light came on. I would like to see if my 2012 Street Glide voltage regulator is going bad on me. (I just put a new battery in this spring)
I have the instructions on how to check the charging system. I'd like to do this myself but have limited knowledge on electrical tools. Can someone suggest a basic voltmeter I could buy from Harbor Freight or Advance auto parts that would allow me to perform all the steps. One step is to use a test light. Is that part of a voltmeter? Is a voltmeter the same as a multimeter and ohmmeter? Is there a Youtube video showing how to do this? Or would you suggest I take it to a professional?
I have the instructions on how to check the charging system. I'd like to do this myself but have limited knowledge on electrical tools. Can someone suggest a basic voltmeter I could buy from Harbor Freight or Advance auto parts that would allow me to perform all the steps. One step is to use a test light. Is that part of a voltmeter? Is a voltmeter the same as a multimeter and ohmmeter? Is there a Youtube video showing how to do this? Or would you suggest I take it to a professional?
#3
My voltage dropped the other day for a little while and the check engine light and battery light came on. I would like to see if my 2012 Street Glide voltage regulator is going bad on me. (I just put a new battery in this spring)
I have the instructions on how to check the charging system. I'd like to do this myself but have limited knowledge on electrical tools. Can someone suggest a basic voltmeter I could buy from Harbor Freight or Advance auto parts that would allow me to perform all the steps. One step is to use a test light. Is that part of a voltmeter? Is a voltmeter the same as a multimeter and ohmmeter? Is there a Youtube video showing how to do this? Or would you suggest I take it to a professional?
I have the instructions on how to check the charging system. I'd like to do this myself but have limited knowledge on electrical tools. Can someone suggest a basic voltmeter I could buy from Harbor Freight or Advance auto parts that would allow me to perform all the steps. One step is to use a test light. Is that part of a voltmeter? Is a voltmeter the same as a multimeter and ohmmeter? Is there a Youtube video showing how to do this? Or would you suggest I take it to a professional?
If you have a multimeter, there really is no need for a test light, since a test light is functionally identical to measuring voltage.
You're on the right track: Go to Advance, Harbor Freight, etc. For your purposes, any cheapo will do. If you want to get a little fancier, I do like the "audible continuity" feature.
#4
Technically, no, but you'll almost never a device that is just a voltmeter these days (aside from a gauge on a vehicle). Voltmeter in part of what makes up the multi in multi-meter. Usually it's Volts, Ohms and amps. You used to sometimes hear them called VOM's (Volt Ohm Meter). For what you describe, any basic one will do. Harbor Freight even has a free one they give away sometimes.
#5
#7
Fluke is the best...but if you are not making a living with it, no need to drop that kind of cash. Home Depot has decent meters that won't break the bank.
http://www.homedepot.com/s/multimeters?NCNI-5
http://www.homedepot.com/s/multimeters?NCNI-5
Trending Topics
#8
#9
Inexpensive digital multi meter, forget the analog meter.
Quite a few videos on youtube how to check the Harley charging system, some are just a basic test and others show hot check the rectifier/stator, etc.
Edit: Wanted to add, between the service manual for your model(specs & guides) & youtube, you can troubleshoot/repair most items on your scoot. Luk with it.
Quite a few videos on youtube how to check the Harley charging system, some are just a basic test and others show hot check the rectifier/stator, etc.
Edit: Wanted to add, between the service manual for your model(specs & guides) & youtube, you can troubleshoot/repair most items on your scoot. Luk with it.
Last edited by Tampa Fatboy; 07-16-2015 at 09:08 PM.