Actron CP7677 Automotive TroubleShooter - Digital Multimeter and Engine Analyzer

I'm a big fan of the high-end Flukes so I've worked with the best. Well, these defintitely aren't the best, but you can't beat what you get for the price. I got it for my brother for his car and it does the job well.

First, the bad:

1. No auto shut-off. You gotta make sure you turn it off or the battery will just keep draining away.

2. No auto-sensing. You gotta set the dial for the range you're looking for. But hey, I like it so much I don't care that I can't be so lazy.

And the good:

1. All the features. You get all the standards PLUS a tach and a dwell-meter! That'll about cover your carbureted cars.

2. Price. You can find multimeters that can't do the extras for the same price and even more. Great bargain.

3. Alligator clips. Simple things but it'd be a pain without them.

Plus, this thing will handle all the home electrical work.

As for the rest: I won't vouch for its durability but Actron is a decent company. They go towards affordable but not junky. The case is made of a light plastic, but it doesn't seem fragile. As for the tolerances, they're not bad:

DC Volts

Range: 200mV, 2V, 20V, 200V

Accuracy : ±(0.5% rdg + 5 dgts)

Range: 1000V

Accuracy: ±(0.8% rdg + 5 dgts)

AC Volts

Range: 2V, 20V, 200V

Accuracy : ±(0.8% rdg + 5 dgts)

Range: 750V

Accuracy: ±(1.0% rdg + 4 dgts)

DC Current

Range: 200mA

Accuracy: ±(0.8% rdg + 5 dgts)

Range: 10A

Accuracy: ±(1.2% rdg + 5 dgts)

Resistance

Range: 200Ω, 2KΩ, 20KΩ, 200KΩ, 2MΩ

Accuracy: ±(0.8% rdg + 5 dgts)

Range: 20MΩ

Accuracy: ±(1.5% rdg + 5 dgts)

Dwell

Range: 4CYL, 6CYL, 8CYL

Accuracy: ±(3.0% rdg + 5 dgts)

RPM

Range: 4CYL, 6CYL, 8CYL

Accuracy: ±(3.0% rdg + 5 dgts)

Audible Continuity

Buzzer sounds at approximately less

than 30-50 Ohms.

So for the price, a good deal.

This multimeter is an all around good tool. It has all the features you need plus some of the features that only the more expensive ones have. Like the battery tester and backlight display. I am studying electronics right now and I find myself getting a ton more use out of it than I thought I would. It is easy to use and the instruction manual that comes with it tells you how to perform most common tests that it does with pictures to go along. There are comperable multi-meters out there that cost less but most would cost more. There are certainly better multi-meters than this one but they will cost more. The only bad things I can say about this tool is that the battery is hard to get to. You have to remove 2 screws in the back and pry it apart. Actron should have just put one of those slide off battery covers on it. Also most multi-meters come with some sort of rubber, protective sleeve, that also has a lanyard for your hand so you dont drop it. If this mult-meter had a lanyard and the battery was easier to get out, I would have given it a 5 Stars.

Buy Actron CP7677 Automotive TroubleShooter - Digital Multimeter and Engine Analyzer Now

This will perform any test a neophyte electrician will do. The instruction manual is well written and understandable. Instructions provided for most ignition tests of classic cars and sensor testing of newer cars.

Read Best Reviews of Actron CP7677 Automotive TroubleShooter - Digital Multimeter and Engine Analyzer Here

I had been eyeing this multimeter for a while, and when it went on sale for half its list price, I grabbed it. It arrived promptly and works very well. The unit has a solid feel to it and the blue rubberized case around it and the "stand" behind are good features to have when working around places where it might get bumped like in the engine compartment. I found the included alligator clips a useful bonus a lot many of the ones in the mid thirties price range don't have this.

Two minor flaws it needs a 9 volt battery and doesn't ship with one. That was a minor annoyance not many people have these just lying around the house. Why not design the meter using AA batteries or just ship it with a 9V battery?

Second is that there is no sticky film protecting the (rather large) LCD display. For a meter that is meant for harsh outdoor environments in which it might get scratched, this is definitely an oversight.

But overall I am pleased with my purchase and would definitely recommend it as a solid entry level multimeter.

Want Actron CP7677 Automotive TroubleShooter - Digital Multimeter and Engine Analyzer Discount?

I purchased my multimeter in January of 2009 and was satisfied with the ease of use and the functionality. The booklet included with the meter was very helpful. I have a classic car and purchased the meter to find shorts and set the dwell. Recently as I began to use the tool, the dwell read 45 when turned on and not connected. When connected it was obviously way off as the car would not have run if the reading had been correct. I tested the rpm reading which also was incorrect. I tried several times to switch it off and on, but that didn't have any effect nor did removing and reinstalling the battery. I emailed customer service describing my problem. Their response was to ask about the purchase date. Once they had that information,they informed me that my meter was out of warranty and there was no way to repair it.

I realize that there are much more expensive multimeters, but I used this meter 4-5 times in two years. That seems like a quality issue.

Save 46% Off