Power Probe PP IV User Manual

Power Probe IV

Users Manual

The Next Generation of Diagnostics

www.powerprobe.com · 800 -655-3585

Power Probe IV

Page 1

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

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

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

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

8
9
10-11
12
13
14

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 multi­meter 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 confi guration 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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Power Probe IV

Page 3

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

1

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

LED, Green (-) - Will light indicating a path

2

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+)

3

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

4

display shows multiple readings on one
screen.

Button, Left; “CLR” Clear / Scroll Up - Used

5

to clear Min/Max in voltmeter modes or

CLR

MODE

“Scroll Up” when navigating menus.

+

+

-

-

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Button, Right; “ ” Mute / Scroll Down -

6

Used to turn the Speaker Tone On/Off or
“Scroll Down” when navigating menus.

Button, Center; “MODE” Select - Used to

7

select a test mode when navigating menus.

Rocker Switch (replaceable) Part #30-

8

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

9

ground(B-)

Power Probe IV

Appearance and Controls

14

Page 5

Rear
Cover

IP4363215

10

11

12

13

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Serial Number

Circuit Breaker
(replaceable) Part
#30-00041

USB Connecter

5 x 20mm 20A
Fast Blow Fuse;
Part #30-00040

Page 6

Power Probe IV

Start-Up

Operating Source Voltage

The Power Probe IV is designed
to connect to and is powered by
12 to 24 VDC electrical systems.
It 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.

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

Flashlight

Adapter

23 ft. Power

Lead

Red/Green

LEDs

Rocker

Switch

Battery Clips

Auxiliary

Ground

Lead

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Power Probe IV

Page 7

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.

To Change Mode

Refer to sections: Testing and Measuring Operations and Advanced Testing

Operations for further mode descriptions and suggested applications.

CLR

MODE

Press

the

“MODE”

button

CLR

MODE

Scroll up and down

the mode list using

“CLR” for up and

“ ” for down

naviagtion

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CLR

button again

MODE

Press

the

“MODE”

to select