electrical testing equipment

[Bally]

hi most problems on e30 seem to be electrical i have a basic knowledge of mechanics but struggle with electrical work want to be able to basic checks what equipment should i get any recommendations appreciated all i have is an electrical screwdriver with a buld and crocodile clip, ohmeter and voltmeter are they the same things thanks

[Speedtouch]

A good digital multimeter is a very useful tool, and you can buy ones dedicated to automotive electronics if you want, which measure such things as distributor dwell angle, etc.

Most multimeters include both voltmeter and ohmeter, along with current measuring and sometimes, diode/transistor test function. A very useful function to have is a continuity buzzer, for testing whether wires are broken or not, but you can use a low resistance range to perform a similar test, albeit visual and not audio, so not as convenient.

An oscilloscope can be a useful tool, for observing the signal traces of sensors, ECUs, etc., but are rather expensive for the average DIY mechanic, although cheap pocket-sized ones are available on E-bay, which can be handy.

[Brianmoooore]

My main electrical testing tool is a 5W 12V bulb connected to a couple of bits of wire with the ends bared off. It is actually an E30 side indicator bulb and lead, with the plug cut off. My next testing tool, in order of times used, is a four fit length of 0.75mm wire with a crocodile clip on each end.
A multimeter is required as well, but the above two are used many times more than the meter.

[Bally]

Cheers will make up as above and look for a multimeter thanks

[broadie]

Multi meter is essential.
As Brian said with the bulb is good, but I prefer to use a 12volt buzzer so I can concentrate on where I'm prodding.

[Bally]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350244544293? ... EBIDX%3AIT

ordered this today mulyimeter with buzzer just need to learn what to do with it

[maxfield]

I use a snap on test light, very handy.

Also use a power probe very often, very handy for diagnosing.

It's rare i use my multimeter

[Brianmoooore]

Beware of commercial test lights, such as the Snap On type mentioned above. The conventional ones only draw around 30 - 50 mA, and the LED ones even less.
While this may make them 'safer' for probing around in modern car electronics, it also tends to make them much more likely to give misleading results. It's often important that there's a load applied to a circuit when checking for voltage that is at least an appreciable percentage of the circuit's normal running current, and my side indicator assembly comes much closer to this than a test light.
My four foot length of wire makes an adequate substitute for a 'power probe' in most cases.