AZS2KDancer

What are your recommendations for a battery tester to put in my garage, primarily for my S, but also for the other cars in the stable?

A quick search on Amazon showed battery and some combo battery/alternator testers that ranged from $10 to over $300. I know I could take the car into an auto parts store for a test, but I'd like to have one at home that would be helpful.

For some consideration, I live in Phoenix, AZ, well known for extremely hot summers. Traditionally, the rule of thumb on the auto battery is that you usually get no more than two years out of one, no matter what its rating is. I've gone up to 3 years with a battery in some cases, but I think that's a rarity in the desert southwest.

So in my humble opinion, I think it's a prudent investment to be able to check the status of my battery at home. What are your thoughts on the issue and products available today?

Slowcrash_101

Getting a good meter that can read volts ohms and amps and with a decent scanner and you're pretty much set. Remember you get what you pay for.

AZS2KDancer

Thanks for the tips. Is a digital readout better than an analog meter? I hadn't considered that there was one with a scanner in it, too. That sounds interesting to me. Do they come in one unit? Can you recommend any brands or models? Any to avoid? I don't know who the good manufacturers of these instruments are.

stupkid

I have a digital multimeter that does everything I need it to do. Has never failed me in any of my projects.

Slowcrash_101

Digital multimeter, a decent one is a little over $150, as far as a scanner is concerned, they can go from $40 to $4,000. My snap on scanner was $2,500 and it's on the lower end plus $300 for the Honda software. Some scanners are $7,000.

windhund116

IMHO, get a decent DVM. You will get a meter that is reliable for years-&-years. Accurate & precise for all kinds of electric circuits. I've had my Fluke 87 for over 20 years, now. Used it for everything from house wiring, cars, amps, to computers.




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cosmomiller

I agree with the above. Get a nice meter and it will last a lifetime. I prefer digital auto ranging ones. That way you don't have to worry about setting the correct scale going from millevolts to amps. Auto off is nice too when you forget to turn it off. I have the larger ones but I also got this "half the size of a deck of cards" that is so handy and work well, its my go to meter. Radio Shack, auto ranging, just set DC or AC.

99SH

Are you looking for a battery tester or a DMM ? Open circuit voltage (OCV) is not a reliable way to determine battery health.