Have one of these came in a kit with probe, I figured it was a gimmick or a pain to use. Can’t believe I’m saying this but now I’m kinda hoping for a short to roll in the shop. I probably should be careful what I wish for.
These are really only good simple wiring like what you are showing, I’ve had one for years and maybe used it 3 times. Once you get into big bundles of wire or thin canbus wires it send the signal into other wires and send you on a goose chase. The first step in diagnosis is a visual and get you hands on the wires has had a higher success rate then that tool. But just my experience with it
If the wire you tracing went into a loom I would imagine the tracer probe will just pick up current from other wires wouldn't it so this would only be useful if it's away from other wires with power in them.
@turbostoybox2182 I see. I was out in a field with a trailer that had no side marker lights. I got out the ect 3000 but couldn't figure out how to connect it to the pigtail to trace the side marker lights wiring. I've learned not to go forward if I'm not sure and didn't want to end up shorting something and having no lights when we went for home. I did have my powerprobe maestro with me, which allowed me to send 12v to the hot wire on the side markers, which lit up the lights and showed the wiring there was good. Did a continuity test on the hot wire from the trailer connector to the trailer lights all the way to the hot wire pigtail on trailer where I applied the 12v with the maestro and had solid tone. Then, I tested the trucks 7 blade pin for this wire and had proper voltage. At this point, I scratched my head for a bit and then it dawned on me if I had lights with 12v applied, had continuity from the 7 blade to the point I applied 12v and got lights yet I have no lights then the problem has to be in the 7blade on my truck. It turned out to be the pin of the truck was flattened down so much it wasn't making a good contact in the trailers 7 blade connector. I just spread that pin open a little and walla ..side marker lights worked again for a safe ride home.
@@A.C.71 I spent 7 years as an auto accessory installer then 10 years at an auto/Rv repair shop. Spent my fair share of time scratching my head with some trailer lights! 😂😂. Glad you got it sorted out!
@turbostoybox2182 The tools we have available today are so amazing. Even a dummy like me can be dangerous to wiring issues once I really learn these tools lol
Thanks for making this video. Still don’t really understand how you hooked it up but each time I watch something I lean so thing
Same, just got the tool and have yet to have the time to actually go through and use it correctly
Good info Andy. That tool is very similar to a Telephone wire tracer. I also have a Breaker Tracer for 120/240 power if you ever need to borrow it.
It takes me longer to set this tool up, than it takes to find your short. And it can find open circuits as well. Like this guy was looking for.
Great Video- Your wording is confusing. You are looking for an open circuit, not a short. Thank You.
I’m thinking the same thing. A short is not an open circuit. A cut wire is not a short
@@ramrod4545well it’s touching metal so it probably is a short. He didn’t mention a blown fuse though.
You made a great video! Thank You!
Have one of these came in a kit with probe, I figured it was a gimmick or a pain to use. Can’t believe I’m saying this but now I’m kinda hoping for a short to roll in the shop. I probably should be careful what I wish for.
These are really only good simple wiring like what you are showing, I’ve had one for years and maybe used it 3 times. Once you get into big bundles of wire or thin canbus wires it send the signal into other wires and send you on a goose chase.
The first step in diagnosis is a visual and get you hands on the wires has had a higher success rate then that tool. But just my experience with it
Most shorts aren't in bundles of wires so this will suffice for most jobs.
@@nickquikcorrect. Still have to follow the wire some how
If the wire you tracing went into a loom I would imagine the tracer probe will just pick up current from other wires wouldn't it so this would only be useful if it's away from other wires with power in them.
So the green wire with alligator clip goes on the wire you want to trace ?
Yes
@turbostoybox2182 I see. I was out in a field with a trailer that had no side marker lights. I got out the ect 3000 but couldn't figure out how to connect it to the pigtail to trace the side marker lights wiring. I've learned not to go forward if I'm not sure and didn't want to end up shorting something and having no lights when we went for home.
I did have my powerprobe maestro with me, which allowed me to send 12v to the hot wire on the side markers, which lit up the lights and showed the wiring there was good. Did a continuity test on the hot wire from the trailer connector to the trailer lights all the way to the hot wire pigtail on trailer where I applied the 12v with the maestro and had solid tone.
Then, I tested the trucks 7 blade pin for this wire and had proper voltage. At this point, I scratched my head for a bit and then it dawned on me if I had lights with 12v applied, had continuity from the 7 blade to the point I applied 12v and got lights yet I have no lights then the problem has to be in the 7blade on my truck.
It turned out to be the pin of the truck was flattened down so much it wasn't making a good contact in the trailers 7 blade connector. I just spread that pin open a little and walla ..side marker lights worked again for a safe ride home.
@@A.C.71 I spent 7 years as an auto accessory installer then 10 years at an auto/Rv repair shop. Spent my fair share of time scratching my head with some trailer lights! 😂😂. Glad you got it sorted out!
@turbostoybox2182 The tools we have available today are so amazing. Even a dummy like me can be dangerous to wiring issues once I really learn these tools lol
Worth EVERY PENNY!!!
Great and easy to find the short or opens
My one doesn't work sensitivity...
You are holding the receiver. The transmitter is the stationary device hooked to the battery.
Will it work on the turn signal?
Not sure haven’t tried. I would think so. It’s going to pulse power through that wire. Follow it until you loose the pulse.
This isn't a short it's a open. A short is a short route to ground.
It's not a short it's an open circuit
So you had an open. Not a short.
When people use short for open , it’s so irritating to knowledgeable electricians.
Welcome to America man, open circuit, or short where there shouldn't be, the terminology is diff but everyone understands what it means EVEN YOU
Why it's tool to make it easy even professionals will use this who has the time to un zip the wire harness we got other things to do
The tool itself says that you can’t choose on this tool it’s universally going to say rhat
unfortunately he was found dead
Your so damn happy with your toy your video sucks 😂