Product Test: Digital Multimeters
It’s the one tool every owner should have. Gary Stretton checks what’s on offer
It’s the one tool every Land Rover owner should have. Gary Stretton checks what’s on offer
No enthusiast should be without a multimeter, for they are the window on your Land Rover’s nerve centre – the vehicle’s electrical systems. Finding and diagnosing the most basic of electrical faults can save you a fortune in guessing about the condition of components. Tracing poor wiring, bad connections and dead earthing points are all essential skills for owners, and can be the difference between being left stranded for hours or back on the road in minutes.
Digital multimeters are faster to use and easier to read than their analogue predecessors, with potentially a host of functions to bolster your diagnostic prowess. The type of multimeter you choose should reflect the complexity of the electrics of the Land Rover you drive. Series I, II and III owners can solve most issues with a basic unit, but the latest models or anything with an ECU will benefit from a more sophisticated multimeter with additional features.
There are many types to choose from and not all will include the extras you are likely to find useful, such as extended cables, crocodile clips, built-in torches and so forth. It’s worth comparing kits because if you require additional fittings they can prove more expensive than buying a better kit in the first place.
The four units tested represent different budgets and skill levels on the part of the user. As a minimum bar for comparison, all four include AC/DC ranges, ohms and continuity buzzers. All the instructions and full specifications are available to read or download online before you buy.
Personally, I recommend buying a unit with more functionality than you currently think you need if you are determined to get involved with your vehicle’s electrics. And lastly, I advise you to shop around, as prices on manufacturer websites can differ wildly from prices on other retailers’ sites.