Power Probe IV User Manual

Power Probe IV

Users Manual

www.powerprobe.com · 800-655-3585

The Next Generation of Diagnostics

Page 1

Power Probe IV

Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................. 2

Safety ........................................................................................... 3

Appearance and Controls .......................................................... 4-5

Start Up ........................................................................................ 6

Mode Navigation ........................................................................ 7

Testing and Measuring Operations

• DC Voltage in VDC Mode .............................................................

• Activating Components ..................................................................

• Power Feed Test ..............................................................................

• AC Voltage Measurement (RMS) .................................................

• AC Voltage Measurement (P to P) ................................................

• Frequency Measurement ...............................................................

Advanced Testing Operations

• PPECT Mode ........................................................................ 15

• Fuel Injector Mode .............................................................. 16-17

• Driver Test Mode ................................................................. 18-19

8
9
10-11
12
13
14

Tool Repair Operations ............................................................... 20-21

Specifications ............................................................................... 22

Notes ............................................................................................ 23-24

Warranty ...................................................................................... 25

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Page 2

Introduction

Power Probe IV

Thank you for purchasing the Power Probe IV Diagnostic Elec­tronic Circuit and Component tester. The Power Probe IV is the
next generation of Power Probe Circuit Testers. Now loaded
with powerful multi-meter functions, advanced diagnostic test
modes, an easy to read color LCD display and a new rug­ged water and dust resistant housing, the Power Probe IV is
designed to give you years of trouble free testing, even in the
most demanding work environments.

The unique configuration of Power Probe testers gives them
many advantages over using conventional test lights or multi­meters for circuit testing.

(1) Since the Power Probe IV is connected to the battery, you
can apply battery power or battery ground directly to the tip of
the tool. You can energize and activate components to verify
their correct operation. This is real dynamic component testing
and the only true way to test an active component.

(2) The Power Probe IV is always connected to the vehicle’s bat­tery, so the tool maintains a permanent connection to the source
power and ground voltage. Circuit voltage checks are quickly
performed with just a single probe connection, unlike using two
meter leads.

(3)Using the PPIV, all your voltage checks are referenced back
to the source battery and account for every connection and
possible voltage drop between the source and the probe tip.

(4) Automatic Voltage Drop Indication - When probing a
circuit, if the voltage measured at the tip is 0.5 volts lower (or
more) than the source battery voltage, the red LED will not Illu­minate and no speaker tone will sound. This will instantly alert
you that there is a voltage drop that may need to be investigat­ed or repaired.

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Page 3

Power Probe IV

Safety

CAUTION - PLEASE READ

To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury and to avoid damage to the Power Probe or
item being tested, please use the Power Probe according to the following safety procedures:

• Power Probe recommends reading this manual before using the Power Probe IV.

• This product is designed to be powered from DC power sources such as found in Automo­tive, Small Craft Marine and Small Craft Aviation electrical systems and will be damaged if
connected to line voltage such as 115V AC power sources or 24V AC Control circuits.

• Do not connect to electrical system with higher than rated voltage specified in this manual.

• Do not test voltage exceeding the rated voltage on the Power Probe IV.

• When testing voltage exceeding 30V AC RMS, 42V AC Peak, or 60V DC, be particularly
careful to avoid any electric shock.

• Check the Probe IV case for cracks or damage. Damage to the case can leak high voltage
causing a potential electrocution risk.

• Check the Probe IV cables for any insulation damage or bare wires. If damaged, do not use
the tool, please contact Power Probe Technical support.

• Use only shrouded leads and accessories authorized by Power Probe to minimize exposed
conductive electrical connections to eliminate shock hazard.

• Do not open the Power Probe IV, no serviceable parts are inside. Opening the Power Probe
IV voids the warranty. All repairs should only be performed by authorized Power Probe ser­vice centers.

• When maintaining the Power Probe, use only replacement parts specified by the manufac­turer.

• Use only in well ventilated areas. Do not operate around flammable materials, vapor or
dust.

• Be careful when energizing components that have moving parts, assemblies containing mo­tors or high powered solenoids.

• Power Probe, Inc. shall not be liable for damage to vehicles or components caused by mis­use.

• Power Probe, Inc. shall not be held liable for any harm caused by unintentional or intentional
misuse of our products or tools.

• If you have any questions please go to our website www.powerprobe.com or contact Pow­er Probe’s Technical Support: 800-655-3585.

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Page 4

Power Probe IV

Appearance and Controls

Removable Probe Tip -Uses standard 4mm banana

1

type connector enabling use of different probes, leads,
or extensions.

CLR

H

MODE

H

2

3

4

5

6

7

LED, Green (-) -Will light indicating a path to ground.
More than10Ω resistance and/or more than 0.5 volts
on a ground circuit, the Green LED will not illuminate.

LED, Red (+) -Will light indicating (B+) Battery pos­itive. If the circuit voltage drop is more than 0.5 volts
from battery voltage, the Red LED will not illuminate.

Color Screen - Large Hi-resolution LCD display shows
multiple readings on one screen.

Button, Left; “CLR” Clear / Scroll Up - Used to
clear Min/Max in voltmeter modes or “Scroll Up”
when navigating menus.

Button, Right; “ ” Mute / Scroll Down - Used to
turn the Speaker Tone On/Off or “Scroll Down” when
navigating menus.

Button, Center; “MODE” Select - Used to select a

J

J

8

9

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test mode when navigating menus.

Rocker Switch (replaceable) Part #30-00087 ­When rocker switch is pressed forward(+) battery pow­er(B+) is applied to the probe tip. When rocker switch
is pressed rearward(-) battery ground(B-) is applied to
the probe tip. Can only be used when in either of the
DC voltmeter modes.

Speaker - Distinct tones for power(B+) or ground(B-)

Power Probe IV

Appearance and Controls

Page 5

Rear

IP4363215

10

11

12

13

Serial Number

Circuit Breaker
(replaceable)
Part #30-00041

USB Connecter

5 x 20mm 20A

14

Cover

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Fast Blow Fuse;
Part #30-00040

Page 6

Start-Up

Operating Source Voltage

The Power Probe IV is designed
to connect to and is powered by
12 to 24 VDC electrical systems
and comes supplied with a 23 ft.,
heavy duty power cable and a
Y-connector with 2 battery clips.

Connecting to the Vehicle’s
Battery (Voltage Source)

Connect the red clip to the positive
terminal of the vehicle’s battery
source and the black clip to the
negative or ground terminal. The
Power Probe IV start-up tone will
sound.

Power Probe IV

Flashlight

Red/Green

LEDs

Battery Clips

Auxiliary Ground Lead

The auxiliary ground lead provides
ground to circuits and components
that are not already connected to
ground. It also serves as the neg­ative lead for resistance testing. To
test the auxiliary ground lead, con­tact the probe tip and the auxiliary
ground lead together. The Green
LED should illuminate. This shows
that the auxiliary ground lead
is working properly. If the green
LED does not illuminate, check the
replaceable 20 amp fuse in the
auxiliary ground lead. The fuse
is for protection in the event the
ground lead inadvertantly contacts
the battery positive.

LED Flashlight

Flashlight is a standard feature on
the Power Probe IV. The two bright
white LEDs are always ON mak­ing it possible to see under dash­boards and in dark areas.

Alligator Clip

Adapter

23 ft. Power

Lead

Rocker

Switch

Auxiliary

Ground

Lead

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Page 7

Power Probe IV

Mode Navigation

The Power Probe IV has 8 different test modes available:

1. VDC – For DC voltage measurements. This is the default mode on startup. Max. 200 VDC

2. FEED TEST – For measuring loaded resistance in Ohms and display voltage drop.

3. AC RMS – For AC voltage measurements. Displays a True RMS averaged AC voltage. Max

200 VAC.

4. P-P – For AC voltage measurements. Displays Peak to Peak AC voltage. Max 200 VAC.

5. Hz FRQ CTR – For measuring signal Frequency. Also displays + and - Pulse Width.

6. FUEL INJ – Tests Fuel Injectors and Injector circuits.

7. DRV TST – Supplies safe voltage for testing computer driver circuits.

8. PPECT – Detects the open circuit signal from Power Probe ECT2000 to assist in locating opens.

Refer to sections: Testing and Measuring Operations and Advanced Testing Operations for further

mode descriptions and suggested applications.

CLR

MODE

To Change Mode

CLR

MODE

CLR

MODE

Press

the

“MODE”

button

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Scroll up and down

the mode list using

“CLR” for up and

“ ” for down

naviagtion

Press

the

“MODE”

button again

to select