Modern cars have complex and vulnerable automotive electrical systems that are prone to developing faults. Sometimes even professionals can’t troubleshoot wiring problems in a vehicle without the right equipment. And that’s when a multimeter for automotive comes in handy!
A multimeter is a compact, portable instrument that accurately measures current, voltage, and resistance using a series of leads. You may use one to test a battery’s strength, locate electrical “leaks,” and identify issues with circuits, fuel injectors, lights, and more.
Different brands offer different multimeters – digital and analog, basic and more sophisticated. So, deciding on the best multimeter for automotive may be a tough decision with all of the choices!
This comprehensive review rounds up top-rated models available on today’s market. We’ll also discuss what features you should look for when searching for an automotive multimeter. Interested? Then let’s get to the details!
| Name | Maximum voltage | Current | Auto range | Weight | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluke 115best overall | 600 V | 10 A | yes | 1.2 lbs / 0.55 kg | Review |
| Innova 3340under $100 | 600 V | 15 A | yes | 0.6 lbs / 0.26 kg | Review |
| AstroAI DM6000ARunder $50 | 600 V | 10 A | yes | 1.3 lbs / 0.6 kg | Review |
| Fluke 88for professionals | 1000 V | 10 A | yes | 1.4 lbs / 0.62 kg | Review |
Best Automotive Multimeter Reviews
Fluke 115 – best overall
Fluke has been in business since 1948. It’s a trusted test tool brand that helps both professionals and amateurs work safely with automotive systems. The Fluke 115 model can boast impressive features, making it even better than its professional-grade sibling Fluke 88!
The 115 multimeter is worth looking at because of the True RMS capability. The meter can provide exact data by removing electrical noise from the environment. It’s a super beneficial feature if you have to deal with older electrical equipment and technologies that produce a lot of electrical noise.
This 600-V auto-ranging digital multimeter can operate on non-peak current; it’ll work on any source of electricity up to six hundred volts including live wires. With a 10A AC/DC current measurement, the meter accommodates even the highest-power devices such as electric vehicles and air conditioners.
You can quickly check false or ghost voltages, continuity, connection, resistance, frequency, and capacitance with this gadget. A large screen and LED backlight provide precise readings even in a dark environment. It’s worth noting that the findings can be read from any angle, including 45 degrees.
Finally, the meter has undergone independent testing to ensure safe use in CAT III 600V situations.
Fluke 115 is the overall best automotive multimeter available on today’s market. It’s reliable and perfect for general-purpose electrical demands. More importantly, this meter is safe even for beginners!
Key specs
- Maximum voltage, V: 600 DC/600 AC
- Current, A: 10 DC/10 AC
- Auto range: yes
- Dimensions, mm/inch: 167 x 84 x 46 / 6.57 x 3.31 x 1.82
- Weight, lbs/kg: 1.2 / 0.55
Pros
- Sturdy, rugged, neat design
- Compact and portable – easily fits into the pocket
- Comes with a nine-volt battery and storage holster.
Cons
- Low-contrast display.
Innova 3340 – best under $100
Innova 3340 is a digital automotive multimeter with various features and measurements for electrical and automotive work. The alternator diodes, duty cycle, solenoids, breaker points, wiring, and switches may all be tested with this instrument. It also features auto-ranging and over-load protection.
Next, the meter has a higher amp rating, so you can measure up to 15 amps. This is important for device testing in the automotive industry, which might be damaging to ECUs in cars. In addition, there are specific items for automotive use such as measuring RPM, temperature, pulse width, and duty cycle. These specs help Innova 3340 outperform many strong rivals, including Klein Tools MM400.
Thanks to durable construction and rubber corner guards, the unit is perfect for use during heavy or careless work settings. Lastly, the meter has a ten megohm input impedance to protect delicate ECUs in cars.
Innova 3340 is the best automotive multimeter under $100; it’s ideal for those who need it for work or hobby and want extra protection from falls and damage. It offers all of the measurements that are necessary for automotive work.
Key specs
- Maximum voltage, V : 600 DC/600 AC
- Current, A : 15 DC/15 AC
- Auto range : yes
- Dimensions, mm/inch : 317 x 114 x 165 / 12.5 x 4.5 x 6.5
- Weight, lbs/kg : 0.6 / 0.26
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Large readout screen
- Includes temperature probe and convenient storage for them.
- Has a carrying case.
Cons
- Thin cables and small probes.
AstroAI DM6000AR – best under $50
If you’re in search of top multimeters for automotive use that won’t ruin your family budget, you can end your search here! Just take a look at the following features!
AstroAI DM6000AR can activate and check fuse status and continuity through just one switch with Auto/Man modes. Its overload protection is 600A/1000V(AC) for both voltage and current ranges.
To capture the maximum of what you are testing, this multimeter has a unique ability to prioritize the measurement range that will be used first before going on to other functions. When using AstroAI DM6000AR, make sure not to lose sight of any readings as there is a data hold function that can pause reading temporarily and fall back to normal reading afterward.
The unit comes with low battery detection so that you know when the multimeter needs power source replacement. This product also comes with an integrated thermocouple which provides temperature measurements within -50°C (-58°F) to 1350°C (2462°F).
AstroAI DM6000AR is the best automotive DMM under $50 – it’s just an amazing price/quality ratio! For more than an affordable price, you’ll buy serious performance that will last you a lifetime.
Key specs
- Maximum voltage, V : 600 DC/600 AC
- Current, A : 10 DC/10 AC
- Auto range : yes
- Dimensions, mm/inch : 220 x 58 x 170 / 8.66 x 2.28 x 6.69
- Weight, lbs/kg : 1.3 / 0.6
Pros
- Safe – intelligent protection system
- Includes versatile socket
- The cable leads are thick and durable.
- Has a magnetic strap.
Cons
- No carry bag.
Fluke 88 – for professionals
If you’re seeking an automotive digital multimeter for professional use, Fluke 88 has a lot to offer! It can do duty cycle, pulse width, Min/Max/Average records, and diode checks in addition to the typical meter features (current, voltage, continuity, and resistance measurements). Moreover, this model is made for high-energy settings, such as those seen in hybrid automobiles. The maximum capacitance of this meter is 9,999 µF, and the maximum frequency is 200 kHz, making it incredibly powerful.
The Peak Min/Max feature on this meter allows you to capture transients as quickly as 250 μs. Further, the auto-ranging mode allows better flexibility, while the manual ranging mode gives you more control over the measurements.
The device has a pre-installed sensor, so you may take temperature readings without having to use another instrument. Finally, it is safely rated to 1000V and can withstand 8000V spikes.
Fluke 88 automotive digital multimeter is an excellent pick for professional mechanics. It provides troubleshooting functions, measurement features, and accuracy levels that specialists want in order to address issues on standard or hybrid cars. Overall, Fluke 88 delivers much more than general-purpose meters, even such a powerful as Fluke 115!
Key specs
- Maximum voltage, V : 1000 DC/1000 AC
- Current, A : 10 DC/10 AC
- Auto range : yes
- Dimensions, mm/inch : 201 х 52 х 98 / 7.93 х 2.06 х 3.86
- Weight, lbs/kg : 1.4 / 0.62
Pros
- Robust, rugged body – helps in rough uses
- Measures to 1000V AC and DC
- Operating temperature of -20 °C to 55 °C
- Improved display.
Cons
- Bulky.
Klein Tools MM400
The MM400 from Klein Tools is a high-end automotive meter. This unit is equipped with various features and includes functions such as capacitance, frequency, and temperature. The patented metering system allows for automatically detecting AC/DC voltage and current ranges. The readings are clearly shown on the large LCD screen, and you also have a bright illumination for low-light work settings.
The MM400 model features a CAT III 600V safety rating, making it suitable for a variety of applications. Next, this multimeter can resist a 3.3-foot (1-meter) drop as well as everyday wear and tear on the worksite. The low battery indication and easily accessible battery pack also make it simple to maintain this device charged and ready to use.
The test leads, thermocouple with adapter, batteries, and user manual are all included, so you may use this multimeter straight away.
Klein Tools MM400 is both a versatile and accurate multimeter for cars. If you are a newbie or have a limited budget, this model may be the right pick for you – although it doesn’t have sophisticated features, it still does the job well.
Key specs
- Maximum voltage, V : 600
- Current, A : 10
- Auto range : yes
- Dimensions, mm/inch : 152 x 45 х 78 / 6 х 1.78 х 3.07
- Weight, lbs/kg : 0.5 / 0.23
Pros
- Durable design
- Clear readout
- Nice leads
- Compact size.
Cons
- Not good for circuitry troubleshooting.
Automotive multimeter buying guide
Auto-ranging feature
Auto-ranging is an excellent feature to have on a multimeter because it allows you to use the meter on different types of circuits. However, it’s also a good idea to make sure that you always note what range your meter is set on, as this will require a different type of test for smaller circuits.
Voltage range
An automotive multimeter is designed to measure a number of different voltages. The voltage range is the maximum amount of voltage that the device can read. A wide voltage range means the device can measure higher and lower voltages. A narrow voltage range does not mean that the device can’t measure higher voltages; lower voltages are all that it will read.
Safety ratings
When purchasing a multimeter, it is critical to consider the safety ratings. A good meter will have a protection system that is high enough to protect you from electrical shock.
Besides, the unit should have four safety levels. The first level is operating voltage, and the second is insulation for AC currents. The third level is isolation and grounding, and finally, grounding for DC currents. When all four of these requirements are fulfilled, then the multimeter can be considered entirely safe.
Size and weight
When it comes to size and weight, automotive multimeters are not as bulky as some of the other automotive units on the market. In fact, great multimeters for auto are lightweight and portable; some models can even easily fit into the pocket. This is definitely a plus, especially if you are working on a car and need to move around quickly.
Accuracy of automotive multimeter
The accuracy of an automotive multimeter is an essential factor to consider when purchasing one. An inaccurate meter can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of a problem with your vehicle.
There are a few things you can do to ensure that you purchase a multimeter that has high accuracy:
- Choose a reputable brand
- Read reviews of the product before purchasing
- Ensure the meter has been calibrated recently
- Check the specifications of the multimeter to see how accurate it is.
FAQ
What is a True RMS Multimeter?
What does OL mean on a multimeter?
What’s the difference between auto-ranging and manual range?
Are Innova multimeters any good?
What can I measure with an automotive multimeter?
What is the difference between an analog meter and a digital meter?
Is calibration required for automotive DMMs?
Russell Folkes is a mechanic and has been working with cars for over 10 years. He uses his knowledge and experience to write expert and helpful articles on Reviewerst.com.