Innovative Electronic Test Equipment: Car Edition

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The performance and complexity of automotive electrical systems is consistently developing. As such, diagnostic techniques—from maintenance work to repairs or overhauls—have become more necessary than ever before.

Speaking of automotive diagnostic procedures, there is a variety of necessary factors, and one of them is the test equipment. As automobiles have gotten more advanced and complicated, so have the tools and equipment needed to diagnose those vehicles.

In this article, we have narrowed down the choices to a more manageable list of electronic test equipment to consider. There are three general classifications of test equipment that experts find a good starting point to think about when diagnosing today’s modern automotive electrical systems.

These are:

• Generic System Testers
• Speciality Testers
• Diagnostic Testers

Electronic Test Equipment: Three Main Groups

Generic System Testers

The largest category of electrical testing tools and equipment, generic or general testers are designed to perform a range of diagnostic functions on a variety of vehicles and systems. As the name suggests, these types of tools can work on different vehicles as well as to conduct general tests on various systems.

Testers such as multimeters, battery-load testers and voltage test lights fall under this category. These tools provide the groundwork for a complex testing process, including on complicated vehicles.

To further explain, let us understand what multimeters are, their importance, and how versatile they are. Multimeters, also known as Volt-Ohm-Milliaimeters (VOM), are designed to measure basic circuit properties, such as voltage and resistance.

Standard multimeters can measure resistance, current, and voltage. While other models (e.g. digital capacitance meter) have the ability to calculate capacitance and inductance.

If your circuits stop working due to faulty wires, any multimeter is accurate enough to verify the presence or absence of voltage or check any circuit issue and troubleshoot the electrical connection.

You can browse a selection of our range of Multimeters below.

• Digital Multimeter Low Cost (ME3080) – Featuring an LCD display and compact design, this low-cost digital multimeter is user-friendly, perfect for novice and amateurs alike. The diode test measures the forward resistance of a semiconductor junction at a test current of 1.5mA max.
• Analogue Meter (ME3022) – This digital multimeter has almost completely taken over, but there are some who prefer to use the analogue meter. This well-made meter has audible continuity, in addition to the normal set of functions.
• Digital Auto Range Multimeter (ME3083A) – This model features a large LCD display, full-function protection and auto power off. Great value for what you are getting!

Speciality Test Equipment

Speciality testers are essential tools to verify a diagnosis prior to replacing an expensive component. Most of these testers such as oxygen sensor testers, ABS wheel speed sensor testers and fuel injection signal testers, are not utilised every day.

But on those occasions when you need them, you will be at ease knowing that you have them. For instance, an ABS wheel speed sensor tester.

Attached to the hub of a drive tyre, an ABS sensor is responsible for monitoring multiple vehicle functions from traction control, anti-lock braking systems to the vehicle’s speed. Also known as an Anti-Lock Braking System, this tool is a type of tachometer that measures the rotational speed of a wheel and passes it to the car’s Engine Control Module (ECM).

Basically, it records the actual wheel speed and reports the speed data to the vehicles Engine Control Unit (ECU). Note: Keep in mind that the wheel speed sensor is different from the speed sensor attached to the cars or any vehicles transmission.

Overall, this type of speciality test equipment is designed to ensure your tyres do not break loose while the throttle—a critical piece of the air intake system that controls the amount of air flowing into the engine—is applied.

Diagnostic Test Equipment

Diagnostic test equipment is considered the most valuable, complex and compelling equipment that a technician can have. What makes this test equipment effective is it renders possible answers or a diagnosis of what might be wrong with the vehicle. Not only that but diagnostic test equipment also has the potential to receive, interpret and analyze multiple sources of data input, unlike the other tools.

The latest generation of battery testing equipment is one example of diagnostic test equipment. These tools use microprocessor technology and occasionally perform multiple tests at a time to verify the condition of a battery.

Innovative Electronic Test Equipment: Car Edition

Listed below are some of our great selection of innovative automobile test equipment. Get the best prices and deals here at Wiltronics, and get the testing tool that will help you diagnose your vehicle safer, quicker and reliably!

Tyre Pressure Gauge

Tyres are one of the most essential parts of a vehicle, so it is important that they are inflated to the correct PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) value. With the help of a tyre pressure gauge, this diagnostic tool will quickly determine whether or not you need to inflate any of your tyres.

Here, we have the Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge – No longer available (JQP2285) that will keep you informed of your tyre pressure in all conditions. You can check your tyre pressure before you set off with confidence.

Simply push onto the valve, press the button and the pressure will be displayed on the screen. Other features include:

• Air Pressure Units: psi, bar, kPa, kgf/cm2
• Weight: 48g (Including Battery)

Also available, this Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge with Deflator – No longer available (JQP2287) is an excellent addition to your diagnostic test equipment, helping you determine the proper pressure of your tyre.

This digital gauge also lets you reduce pressure on the tyres when you plan to travel on sand or muddy terrain. Plus, it also displays current pressure while it deflates and helps prevent over-deflation of tyres.

Features to look out for:

• Units of Measurement: psi, bar, kg/cm2
• Bright LCD and LED torch

Car Battery Testers

Battery problems are common, but when neglected, can cause further problems. When a battery is not fully charged, you may not be able to use your vehicle, particularly if you try to start the engine on a cold morning.

If you are running late to work, that is the last thing you want to happen. So it is best to check your car battery’s status. There is a range of car battery testers that can inform you whether or not your battery needs to be charged.

Just like this Battery, Charger and Alternator Tester (JQP2258). It is a compact and lightweight tester that will quickly indicate the condition of your 12V battery, charger, or alternator.

What’s more, it features 3 LEDs to indicate battery and charge under the engine on/engine off conditions. Other features include:

• 3 LEDs to indicate battery and charge under the engine on/engine off conditions
• Includes 600mm leads with croc clips
• Inbuilt magnet to secure the unit while taking measurements

Note: A battery is fully charged when the reading is 12.66v.

You also might like:

• Clamp Meter AC/DC True RMS 1000Amp (JQM1634)

Multi-Functional Automotive Circuit Tester

No longer available

This Multi-Function Automotive Circuit Tester with LCD (JQM1494) is the most revolutionary circuit tester. Designed to test the electrical system of an automotive vehicle running on 12V or 24V.

By pressing the mode button, it will enable you to accurately diagnose DC voltage, AC voltage, resistance, and diodes of the 12-24v electrical system. And also, the LCD is backlit so it is bright enough to light up your work area.

Product features also include:

• Activate components with positive or negative without using a jumper wire – on and off the vehicle
• Quickly test the voltage and polarity of a circuit – whether it’s short or open
• Check continuity
• Locates misfiring cylinders
• Diagnosed circuit failure
• Measure the frequency of ignition pulses
• Test solenoids, lights, and more

Picking a test tool is not an easy task. We hope our Innovative Electronic Test Equipment: Car Edition article will help you find the best automobile testing tool that will both benefit you and your car in the long run.