8 types of automotive electrical measuring instruments
The definition of an electrical measuring instrument itself is a measuring instrument that is used to measure electrical quantities such as electrical resistance, current strength, electrical power, potential difference, and so on.
However, in the automotive world, electrical measuring instruments tend to be addressed to measuring instruments that work electrically (using electricity) and are used to measure and diagnose engine conditions.
Some examples of electrical measuring instruments that are not used to measure electrical values are timing light, dwell and tacho tester, and gas analyzer. So, in this article, Ombro will share information about 8 types of automotive measuring tools that are commonly used in car repair shops. Check out the information on 8 types of electrical measuring instruments below...
1. Multimeter
The first electrical measuring tool most often used in car repair shops is a multimeter. Multimeters are often referred to as AVOmeters or multimeters. A multimeter has several functions, including measuring electric current (Ampere), electric resistance (Ohm) and electric voltage (Voltage).
In general, multimeters are divided into two models. The analog model uses an analog needle and the digital model uses a digital number display. In terms of convenience, digital multimeters are considered easier and more accurate in displaying measurement results.
2. Scanner Tools
The next most frequently used electrical measuring tool in car workshops is Scanner tools. The function of scanner tools is to diagnose the vehicle's electrical system, display streaming data, delete DTCs that appear, initialize the system and rewrite the ECU.
The scanner tool can be used for several systems on vehicles such as EFI, Common rail, TCU, ABS ECU, and others. However, each car brand uses a different scanner tool because not all scanner tools can be used by all car brands.
3. Timing light
The next electrical measuring tool that is commonly used in car repair shops is the timing light. The function of the timing light is to determine the angular position and ignition timing in "real-time" when the engine is running.
Generally, a timing light is shaped like a flashlight and can emit stroboscopic light based on high voltage pulses flowing in the spark plug wires. To use it, we only need to direct a stroboscopic light at the crankshaft pully and read the ignition timing angle that appears on the pulley when the engine rotates.
Along with the development of technology in cars, timing lights are now more often used in cars from 2010 and below or cars with an injection system but still using a distributor.
4. Ampere meter
The next electrical measuring tool that is often used in car repair shops is the ammeter. This ampere meter is specifically for measuring the output current produced by the alternator (dynamo ampere).
Yes, the ampere dynamo output current has a fairly large current value (at least more than 60 amperes) and measuring this value cannot be done by a multimeter. By knowing the output current produced by the alternator, we can determine whether the alternator is working properly or not.
5. Battery Tester
An electrical measuring tool that is often used in other car repair shops is a battery tester. The function of this battery tester is to measure battery voltage, electric current, CCA, and determine the condition of the battery, such as whether it is good, needs to be charged, or needs to be replaced.
Apart from that, the measurement results on this battery tester can also be printed directly so that it can give consumers more confidence in the condition of their car battery.
6. Gas Analyzer
This gas analyzer will display the content values in the exhaust gas in the form of digital numbers such as oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC), and others. This gas analyzer is often used as a motor vehicle emissions test tool.
7. Oscilloscope
The last electrical measuring tool commonly used in car repair shops is an oscilloscope. Oscilloscopes function more when handling trouble shooting that occurs in vehicle electrical systems such as EFI systems, common rail, especially for diagnosing currents and voltages produced in the form of digital or analog waves.
This is because the oscilloscope has many electrical measurement functions, for example:
Distinguish AC and DC current
Measuring the frequency of the oscillating signal
Check the signal frequency on the circuit
Measuring the amount of electrical voltage and its relationship to time
Checking sound or noise in an electrical circuit and its relationship to time.
8. Dwell and tacho tester
The next electrical measuring tool commonly used in car repair shops is the dwell and tacho tester. The dwell and tacho tester functions to measure the dwell angle of the vehicle's ignition system, while the tacho tester functions to measure engine RPM.
However, this measuring tool is now not widely used because in the majority of today's cars, their ignition systems no longer use platinum.
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