The complex electrical systems in modern vehicles are more vulnerable to faults than the wiring in cars from decades prior. Being able to troubleshoot electrical problems saves a lot of time and frustration but requires the right diagnostic tools. For checking the strength of a car’s battery, integrity of an electrical connection or resolving similar issues, a multimeter proves quite useful.
Automotive multimeters measure electric current, voltage and resistance over several ranges of value. Digital types are more user-friendly with a screen that displays numerical readings. Analog types require manual selection of settings and use a needle and gauges to display measurements.
Regardless of type, a good automotive multimeter has accurate readings, a durable body and easy controls. Here are five of the best multimeters for addressing common electrical problems in cars.
- Klein Tools MM400 : Best Overall
- Fluke 117 : Best For Professionals
- Innova 3320 : Best for Beginners
- AstroAI 6000 : Best Display
- AstroAI 2000 : Best Value
Featured Products
Editorial Picks
The Klein Tools MM400 is a feature-rich auto-ranging multimeter that can measure up to 600 volts, 10 amps and 40 ohms resistance on AC/DC current. It comes with test leads and a thermocouple for taking temperature readings and two AAA batteries. A low battery indicator plus an accessible battery compartment makes it easy to swap them out when it’s time.
- Large, high-quality display
- Can withstand drops up to 3.3 feet
- Flexible lead wires
- Fuses short out easily
- Limited additional features
The Fluke 117 is a highly technical multimeter geared toward advanced users. It accurately measures frequency and capacitance and features a low-impedance input that can detect AC or DC voltage without a second tool. It also has a handy function that helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage. This powerful tool is small, compact and runs on one AAA battery which comes included.
- Backlit LED display
- Integrated probe holders
- Non-contact voltage detection
- Expensive
- No transistor gain measurement
- No included thermocouple for temperature measurement
The Innova 3320 is an auto-ranging device with a simple color-coded interface. Its single-setting resistance function for AC/DC makes it a great choice for beginners to learn to use. This UL-certified device has equal applications for automotive and household use. It includes attachable test leads, a built-in stand and a wrist strap.
- Color-coded LED battery lights
- Versatile size
- Protective rubber corner guards
- User complaints that the LED lights don’t work well
- No backlight
The AstroAI 6000 offers a notable suite of capabilities at an affordable price. Beyond measuring AC and DC current and voltage, it can assess capacitance, frequency and temperatures with the included thermocouple. The double ceramic fuse tube is burn-resistant and serves as a safeguard for the rest of the device. Its most notable feature is a large, LCD backlit screen that makes it easy to read measurements in lowlight conditions.
- Automatic shut-off feature
- Includes dedicated transistor measurement
- Comes with magnetic hanging strip
- Large size; not very portable
- Kickstand is hard to deploy
- Probe covers are tough to pull off
The AstroAI 2000 is a quality multimeter with extra features in an affordable package. It measures AC and DC voltage, DC current and resistance and comes with a continuity meter. This multimeter requires manual range setting but is otherwise user-friendly. It features a large, LCD display for operating in environments with poor visibility and a kickstand for hands-free operation.
- Data hold function
- Backlit digital display
- Includes a low battery indicator
- Manual range selection
- Not very durable; cheap leads
- Poor instruction manual
Featured Picks
METHODOLOGY
Forbes Wheels chose five multimeters to evaluate after combing through hundreds of user reviews. They were rated on accuracy, display, ease of use and extra features such as hands-free operation, LED indicators and data hold functions. We selected five products to meet a wide range of budgets, with prices varying from under $15 to more than $200.