Fluke multimeter for auto work?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by fixnair
Digital meters are limited to certain extent especially in automotive use. For instance they if you are reading voltage at a turn signal wire that is flashing you only get a bunch of jumbled digits. With an analog meter the needle will sweep up then down. Much easier to visualize whats going on. I have both and if I had to have only one I would have the analog type. Much more rugged and reliable in comparable cost meters.
meter.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 638
Likes: 7
From: Birmingham, AL
I also have a Fluke 78. Mine did come with the yellow rubber holster. It also came with a temp probe which has been very handy.
Keep in mind that in addition to the automotive uses that have been mentioned in previous post, the 78 is a good general purpose meter as well.
It's a good, solid meter with many accessories available. When you shop for Fluke meters or their accessories, you have to shop in a place that is task appropriate. In other words, you won't find a 78 at an electrical supply house, you will need to go through automotive supply houses etc.
Gene
Keep in mind that in addition to the automotive uses that have been mentioned in previous post, the 78 is a good general purpose meter as well.
It's a good, solid meter with many accessories available. When you shop for Fluke meters or their accessories, you have to shop in a place that is task appropriate. In other words, you won't find a 78 at an electrical supply house, you will need to go through automotive supply houses etc.
Gene
!["Beemer Nut"'s Avatar](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 50 50'><circle class='avatar-circle-default' fill='%23bc5285' cx='25px' cy='25px' r='20px'></circle><text class='avatar-text-default' x='49%' y='53%' fill='white' text-anchor='middle' alignment-baseline='middle'>"</text></svg>)
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
fixnair, I beg to differ on your statement against a digital meter that can't read a blinker voltage because of variable voltage readings, a Fluke 87 will record Minimum and Maximum voltage readings. Granted cheapo meters will not respond but then that's like having a box wrench with a pipe cheater to torque head bolts. Don't blame the type of meter on improper intended use.
.....=o&o>.....
.....=o&o>.....
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by Gene W
Does the 87 not have the analog bar graph feature for that purpose like the 78?
Gene
Gene
You ought to check out their website, Fluke.com.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
The 88 is one sweet meter that I would buy should the 78 get destroyed.
The 87's low resistance reading is .1 ohm vs the 88 at .01 ohm which is great when reading a starter, alternator or relay coils.
The 87 has saved me alot of trouble while reading injector pulse widths.
.....=o&o>.....
The 87's low resistance reading is .1 ohm vs the 88 at .01 ohm which is great when reading a starter, alternator or relay coils.
The 87 has saved me alot of trouble while reading injector pulse widths.
.....=o&o>.....
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
I would definately go with a Fluke. I work with fire alarms, security systems, cameras, etc all the time for my job. I have found that my Fluke has never let me down and is very accurate. With the fluke, you can replace the leads should they die on you.
Bottom line is that the Fluke is an excellent meter. It should be the last one you should ever need to buy.
Bottom line is that the Fluke is an excellent meter. It should be the last one you should ever need to buy.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
reelstuff
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
21
Nov 20, 2021 02:15 PM
moonley
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Nov 21, 2016 07:12 AM
lasermike
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
0
Aug 15, 2016 04:56 PM
jasvid
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
May 20, 2012 04:25 PM
