Modern day diagnostic tools you need & choosing where to get them

(Parasitic Drain tester - I bought one from Snap On and its perfect. Comes with built in circuit breakers to protect the fuse in the DMM as well as the direct connection to the battery that allows things to go to sleep)

You spend a ton of money on a scan tool you want to be able to get support when you need it and repairs/replacements. This is not a question. Value is the key words through my blog and you will see its usefulness here. Not all suppliers are created equal, and whoever has the best price may not be able to help you at all when you have a problem. When tools like a diagnostic computer can set you back thousands this is an important consideration.

Tool trucks that service your are are a greaty place for a number of these things too outside of what you can fabricate yourself. The days of having to make electrical diagnostic tools is slowly becoming a thing of the past but there are still some things not commercially available yet. I'm not only talking about sophisticated diagnostic computers or tools but rather the nuts and bolts of diagnostics where the simplest ways are often the best. The tools that provide value lightyears beyond their cost and are completely necessary much like a Phillips head screw driver.

• An intimate knowledge of the fundamentals of how most every electrical system works. Tools only give you an advantage if you know how to use them. That is what we are hear in this blog trying to add to.

• Long jumper wires with some sort of universal connection system (up to maybe 2 sets of wires that can span 10-12 feet)

• terminal lead assortment hopefully with same connection system for fitting into any number of different connection types

• 7443 bulb with bulb holder & wire - you can use this to load test wiring which is a very important skill/setup to have for diagnostic purposes (find something commercially available?)

• Power Probe or a name brand equivalent (200 percent necessary). Being able to jump power and grounds at will, with enough amperage to power things such as starters/motors/etc is very helpful. These, when new, were over 300 dollars - there are more reasonable options now but you want to steer clear of the super cheap stuff.

Autel actually sells a very reasonably price one now I believe

• Thermal Camera (amazing what it can show you that you never thought possible). You want a stand alone one that can record. Screen size is terrible unless you spend a lot of money but many of these tools can hook up to diagnostic computer or larger screen to replay footage which is way more helpful.

• Inspection Camera/Borescope with a rotatable end (very important)

• Digital Multi Meter (I have several from Snap on and Fluke - you don't have to break the bank but a quality one will be a one time purchase so its worth investing in. You do not really need a graphing DMM but some people swear by them.

• Oscilloscope - this is an absolute must even if it is a cheap one channel setup.

More obvious stuff. Places that take time as well as money/resources

• Patience (he jokes, he jokes)

• Diagnostic Resources (identifix)

• The Internet (forums have much to offer information wise then anything else really)

This is an important tip: Autel and TopDon will warranty whatever look you are using so long as you have a valid subscription for it! Even if the tool is outside of typical warranty coverage due to its age...