Tool Time: A Close Look At The Power Probe IV

You all know that I am not a Power Probe user much beyond the power and ground supply at the push of a button feature. However I have several Power Probes because heck, who doesn't like buying new tools!? I feel that a lot of folks who have the Power Probe only use that feature too. Let's take this time to explore ALL of the features and functions on the Power Probe IV and see if it can be a useful diagnostic tool. Be sure to leave your thoughts and comments in the comment box! -Enjoy!

THANKS A MILLION!!
--Eric O.

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South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
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Avoca, NY 14809

Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair

[markusdd]

"I'm not a Power Probe - Makes most educational video on Power Probe on the whole internet. Welcome to SMA. Thanks Eric ;)

[mib]

who else watches SMA videos both unconscious and conscious? 5 minutes in I'm sleeping . when I wake up I gotta watch it again. This method absorbs the most info. lol

[lamune]

I purchased a Power Probe IV based on an earlier SMA video. As a person coming from a digital electronics background I immediately saw the advantages of what is essentially a digital logic probe for cars. In a nutshell it allows you tell if the thing you're touching with the tip is connected to 12v, ground, or open. The third item there is the key since a plain voltmeter doesn't distinguish between ground and open and reads zero in both cases. I used it on my own car to determine that I had an open ground connection, and by flipping the switch and connecting the tip to ground to bypass the break I could immediately see the result. It made troubleshooting an almost instant event. It may not be a DIY tool for everyone but I was really glad I had it. Thanks for the tip Eric!

[fomocok]

At 37:38 Eric gives the best explanation of frequency, duty cycle and pulse width I’ve ever heard in my life!!
Then goes on to explain how they relate to each other.
Then does an excellent job of showing an instance of how this info is useful and how using this tool can provide every bit of information you need to make this useful in your diagnostics!
Thank you!!

[angeloperezceo]

1 million dollars worth of value.
you just showed me how to fish.
I don't need hand outs anymore.
love you man. not alot of people have lefts in their garage for nothing. you have proven yourself to be in the top 1%.

[greanstreak]

I've been using a pp3 for years, great tool, checking fuses, basic circuits, lights, switches etc. I've never accidentally fried a module because I keep my finger off the switch. I've been hunting for decades, and have never accidentally killed anyone or anything because I keep my finger off the trigger.

[carlellis]

I've watched about three or four videos recently on using a Power Probe and yours was by far the best. Great job, Eric! :)

[MDMDI]

I find this tool to be really useful, got me out of a fix more than once, great for diagnosing bad connections and switches/relays, have recently checked injectors with it, and managed to locate a faulty injector using this tool when no other tool I have could.

[davidb.fishburn]

I've never owned one, been doing things my way for years. A co-worker has one, and it has piqued my interest. This video is really educational and has satisfied my interest. Now, i'm thinking about buying one. Thank you Eric, for such a good video.

[steveobrien]

I've been watching this channel for a few years now and love it. I some how missed this episode when it came out. I've been wanting a power probe for some time now and ran into a few instances where I thought it would be handy (Mainly for the initial basic function). I got a PP4 for Christmas this year and saw that it had more functions then I was expecting. I decided to jump on YouTube to see if there was anyone showing how to use all these features and boom! South Main Auto was on top of it. Thank you so much for taking the time to go into detail on the features of this tool.

[angeloperezceo]

I'm watching this 6 years later. I hope your still kicking butt and making the big bucks.

[klwtherd]

I like the min and max feature so if you're testing for an intermittent short you can wiggly the suspected wire and see if the voltage jumps or cuts off. That is really useful. It's a shame power probes "short finder" wasn't more popular. I thought the concept was awesome but nobody seems to use it. Great instructional video.

[Gotgofishin]

I’ve had a powerprobe since the first one and have grown dependent on them and I’ve had the IV for well over a year but have never used that one. Funny thing is, I just got home from a training class on electrical diagnostics and utilizing your tools. And the teacher talked highly of the IV so when I got home I searched a power probe IV video and found this one. I’ve watched several of your videos and I really wish you were one of my technicians. Your definitely a sharp guy. Thanks for contributing your knowledge and experience. I’m like you, I see new cool stuff on the tool truck and I buy it and a lot of them just collect dust. I’m going to try and make my IV the go to tool for quick and easy tests.

[prestonhoutary]

Watching this video I have learned about this tool and learned more about duty cycles. This Chanel is my favorite out of all the ones like it. Great job! Been watching for 4 years!

[istvanmeissler]

This was good because a lot of new techs would be drawn to buying this because of cost (130.00) and some obvious handy functions. Those same techs might be guilty of not reading the manual to fully understand what this tool can/can't do. This video becomes very helpful in that regard. And you're right. You gave the power probe people at least 3, maybe 4 ideas for improved functionality. I hope they take your ideas into account (power probe 5) and I hope you at least get a free PP5 out of the deal. Thanks Eric.

[andrewmoore]

I really enjoy watching you show use how some of your tools are used on a daily life and I greatly appreciate you taking the time out of your day to show use.

[Conqueef-tadoor]

I own a Power Probe III and I absolutely love it. I have no desire to get the PP IV though, as the few additional features are not worth it to me. I also use a conventional test light or "scope on a rope" as you call it. Plus the DMM is yet another useful tool, all three honestly have their place, you just need to know how to PROPERLY use them!!

[juliosantos]

Thanks for the these videos. When I first bought my power probe I had no idea how to do use it and now I can. It's awesome for electrical.

[EATSLEEPFARM]

One of the best explanations of the power probes I’ve seen. Great job as usual Eric

[noelhernandez]

Power probe also offer an adapter to drop voltage on the tip to 5volts to test 5volt circuits