Help suggest a voltmeter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 401
Likes: 2
From: Odenton, MD
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?
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 1,362
From: Aurora, CO
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,735
Likes: 17,572
From: Driftless Area
That little red one that comes from Harbor Freight (sometimes free with a coupon), is a piece of crap. Smokes if you put it on your battery. Must be why it's free. I see guys at swap meets trying to sell them for around $10.
Get a Fluke. It will be useful lots of times.
Get a Fluke. It will be useful lots of times.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
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
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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,125
Likes: 51,446
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
For a newbie garage guy any under $20 meter you can get will work just fine , no reason to spend $60 to $200 on something your gonna use once before the battery dies 5 years from now , HomeDepot, Lowes, Sears all have them.
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
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From: Sunshine State
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; Jul 16, 2015 at 09:08 PM.
