Power Probe Review and Demo

A ton of you guys have asked me for a Power Probe review and demo. Well today we take a look at the Power Probe II AND the Power Probe III.

Power Probe II
Power Probe III with Voltmeter
The Newest Power Probe Hook (this thing is AMAZING!)
Checking fuses with a Power Probe
Powering components with the Power Probe.
Add-ons for the Power Probe.
The sights and sounds of the Power Probe
Customizing a Power Probe
Replaceable parts
Lighting a lightbulb
Powers and Grounds
and more

Power Probe 2 (the blue one in the video)

Power Probe 3 (red one in video)

Power Probe Hook (the newest pimpest one)

Humble Mechanic Podcasts

Failed VW parts videos

Tool Reviews

How To videos

MK1 VR6 Swap Videos

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GOOD STUFF ON AMAZON

[MotorCityMechanic]

I never leave home without it, literally. Can't count the number of times it's saved my rear on the side of the road on my own or other people's vehicles. The guys at power probe are awesome as well. If you have a failure on an older model, you can send it in and get a brand new version of your model at a reduced price. I was privileged to be part of the field testing of the power probe 3 when it first came out and was rewarded with a complementary unit. It's not an end all tool but it's a great quick checker before having to break out the multimeter and load tester

[shawnlathrop]

First time i used one of these was testing a 4wd actuator on a tundra. A master tech showed me a quick way to test continuity and to power the motor manually with one. I use one almost daily now. Such an awesome tool to have!

[tonymetallicaify]

I Work on heavy-duty trucks and can't believe I went this long with out one, after you know how to use it this little tool is a life saver

[LynxStarAuto]

I still have and use the PP I. Back from my BMW days (circa 2k3). Still going strong, and did you know you can hook them up as a jumper lead? Simply connect the negative lead to Batt positive, leave the positive lead disconnected, and take your auxiliary lead and connect it to whatever you want positive feed to. Boom positive jumper lead.

[oby-]

Just picked up a Power Probe III for just over $50 special deal on Amazon. Been wanting one forever but the price point was too high before. Thanks for the positive review. Was hoping for more in depth demonstration but this was ok.

[benito]

Thanks for your review I seen my mechanic (Im an Electronic Tech) using 1 and I played with it for a little bit, I prefer my multimeter but Im probably going to add this to my tool box just as another tool, it may get me out of a bind 1 day never know. I was concerned with powering something with 12v that should not be so Im glad you mentioned that. The Power Probe IV seems a little more advanced, they seem to be making a name for themselves. Great Review!!

[socali]

Just purchased the tool today. Problem with my 2003 VW Jetta 1.8t. Installed new battery in car, while driving back home car died out. Tried to restart car, will not crank motor only sound is starter spinning. OBD2 test P2181 replaced coolant sensor, code cleared. Replaced camshaft sensor still spinning starter. Next test Relay 175 and or relay 100.        Oh yeah, Good job with your Youtube videos. Very informative, keep up the good work.

[SteveRobReviews]

Nice review- I too have the power probe 3 and yes it is a good tool for certain uses. In the salt belt I don't use it for checking fuses under hood or any exterior harness, actually I have stopped using it at all except to apply a power or induce a ground. I have chased my tail too many times reading good voltage or hearing a beep and seeing a light . Corrosion under a fuse panel or at a connector will display system voltage but unable to carry sufficient amperage. I don't like testing any circuit unloaded and the power probe only beeps or displays a polarity or voltage in an insufficient loaded state like a test light that will only put a .050 to .300 mv load. My go to tool is the Voltpro and the Loadpro for testing the circuit loaded and they both have served me well. Take Care. Steve

[sethjones]

I have the hook.  Its awesome.  I used it to wire up a 1965 MG Midget last summer.  I dont use it as often as I'd like because I'm stuck in the express lane at chrysler.  I am training to move up in the world, but for now its just drain fill inspect.

[Rcing]

in the middle of rebuilding a 71 Corvette and saw one of the PP3 at a pawn shop for $40 so I made sure to snag it. Should save me some time when I tear out and replace the dash. Great video!

[arcdraw]

Thanks, Charles! This was really helpful. I've been looking around at different testers. My test light and DVOM have been great but the having the ability to apply power and ground to components is a big plus.

[Smartymcnotsosmart]

I have a 3, big big fan! Great for quickie diagnostic. i seem to get lots of window-work, and they make it quick to verify a good/bad motor... that and a good wiring diagram with highlites do 90% of my electrical diag. (I'm guilty of piercing wire insulation with it sometimes... oh the shame!)

[alcyr]

Picked up a PP3 a while back on E-Bay. But I still tend to go for the test light or DVM, out of habit. The more videos I watch about the PP3, the more I want to try it out.

[kaseykesner]

Yeah! So glad you made this video.  This helped me to easily discern the differences between these two products.  Since I already have a nice multimeter, I think I'm going to go with the Power Probe II.  Going back and forth between products on their website consumed a lot of time and energy, and your video allowed me to see what they look like in action quickly and simply.  Thanks!

[SonomaComa]

How can you check continuity if you were tracing trailer brake wires? For instance,
if wires to were at the back of a 4-Door Long Bed truck and you were under the dash or in the engine compartment.
How can you check continuity and map out wires on 20 foot wires?

[alm]

Thanks for the great review HumbleMechanic I think you said it has a 23 ft cord, but is there a shorter cord too? what if you are 3 feet from the battery, do you still have to use the long cord coiled up all over the place?

[davidfulkerson]

I love my power probe. I also went to UTI in 1988.

[williamcattr]

Can the Powerprobe be used on 6 volt riding lawnmowers to diagnose electrical issues?

[josediazasmr]

I just blew my seat warmer fuse cause I gave it 💥 power when it didn’t need it 😅🙃 just learned this here 😉

[panzerveps]

I've been thinking of buying one of these for some time now (Such a hassle to install the VAS rack on my work computer).
Would you recommend going for the master kit, or just the basic one? $110 is a lot of money for some extra equipment..