Multimeters

For the average tinker a Harbor Freight meter is fine they are accurate enough for most readings when you get into dealing with things like O2 sensor readings and critical voltage measurement then go with a Fluke. Current reading meters are some thing that most likely will never used that being said they do make some decent clamp on current and volt meters. I have a Fluke clamp on it was like $300. Bottom line don't go crazy buy something that matches your ability. Don't forget the test light it is the cheapest most accurate instrument you can buy for the money and is instant reading that any one can understand.

 

They also make one without the giant claw that can be used in small spaces.

 

Multimeters usually have a very high impedance so as not to add load to the circuit being tested and giving false readings.
Look for a meter with the highest input impedance for accurate readings.

 

I have a Klein clamp meter which is a nice budget friendly autoranging, but if youre looking at that price point, hard to beat this craftsman, which is what i keep in my truck.

CRAFTSMAN 3482141 8 Function Digital Multimeter

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X5TSUA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

That is correct, most low Z meters are for specialized AC measurement time was they were all low Z and had to plugged into a outlet.

 

I had a couple of Harbor Freight's cheap little VOMs. I didn't use them very often, and neither one lasted very long.
So far I am satisfied with my Fluke 101 (post #7) though I don't really like the leads plugging into the bottom of it.

 

This. And for testing higher amp draw devices (like O2 sensor heater circuit) you can make your own test light out of a halogen headlight bulb. Just mount the bulb in a plastic cup so it doesn't burn.

 

I recommend everyone invest in two things: (1) a nice DVOM (Flukes are really nice!), and (2) a nice book on how to check your wiring, electrical components, etc.

A great example of the second is this:

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/au...o-european-automotive-electrical-systems.html

I bought this last year when I first saw it. It really is a great book for "European" automobiles, but those principles are also good for most all automobile systems. Not sure Bentley will do a Japanese automobile book, but someone probably has something similar. If anyone finds a great one, let me know. I'll buy it in a heartbeat!

 

Another option once you get to the $100 range is something like this:

$90 Autel AL539B OBD2 Scanner, 3-in-1 Code Reader Battery Tester Avometer for 12 Volts Batteries, Full OBDII Diagnosis and Circuit Starting & Charging Systems Test, All Enhanced Ver. of AL519 AL539

https://www.amazon.com/Autel-AL539B-Scanner-Starting-Charging/dp/B079GXRV1M/ Automotive-grade graphing multimeter integrated with a good scanner that can show live data, freeze frame, mode 6, etc. Again, talking in the context of automotive repairs, since this is a truck forum, not measuring microchips on a circuit board.