Multimeter is mostly used to measure AC/DC voltage, resistance, current, and temperature. It doesn’t matter if you are a DIYer or professional, but multimeter accuracy is important. You may want to test your car battery or car electrical circuits. An inaccurate multimeter will give you the wrong signal. Thus, you need a quality automotive multimeter. Brands such as Fluke, Klein tools, Mastech, Craftsman, and Amprobe offer the best quality. But, how to find the best automotive multimeter for the money?
Related: 10 Best Multimeter brands on the market
Safety is an important feature when you consider buying a multimeter. After that, look at multimeter Accuracy, Construction, Brand, Reliability, Display, Price, Warranty, etc., features. To make your job easier, We have listed top-rated automotive multimeters that have those features.
Related: Technical specification of the Fluke 115 multimeter
Top 5 Best Automotive Multimeter Comparison Table
| Images | Automotive Multimeter | Voltage | Feature Details |
|---|---|---|---|
2023 Editor's Choice Check Price | Fluke 77-IV Automotive Digital Multimeter with a NIST-Traceable Calibration Certificate with Data Read Review | 600mV - 1000V | |
Advanced 1000V Multimeter Check Price | Fluke 88V 1000V Automotive Multimeter Read Review | 0.01mV - 1000 V(DC), 0.01 mV - 1000 V (AC) | |
DIYers Choice Check Price | INNOVA 3340 Automotive Digital Multimeter Read Review | 400mV - 600V | (AC & DC) |
Professional Budget Choice Check Price | AstroAI Digital Multimeter Read Review | 600mV - 1000V (1%+5) | |
Student Choice Check Price | Innova 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter Read Review | 0 to 600V |
This tool plays an important role when it comes to electrical problems with your car. Multimeter performs three functions in one, which is voltmeter, ohmmeter, and ammeter. But with several forms and brands of multimeters on the market, it is crucial to select the best. Depending on what you want the automotive meter to perform, you can select one with several features or a type that is particularly created for a specific purpose. Learn more about the best automotive meters in this review.
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Summary of Contents
What is the main use of an automotive multimeter?
The most use of an automotive multimeter is testing the car battery. Also, you can test your car with some parts, electrical connections, spotting the hot wire, etc. Not only this, you can use this multimeter to test your electronic devices too. If you’re an avid car driver, then you definitely understand the importance of possessing various tools in your vehicle to help you diagnose a wide range of issues. Among the different auto tools, you should have a handy automotive multimeter.
Factors to consider in the best automotive multimeter
Construction
When selecting a quality meter for your vehicle, it is vital to look at its construction. Buying a poorly built and fragile multimeter will be a waste of resources. Go for a car meter that is well built and compact in design. This will easily fit in tight areas and offer longer use.
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Accuracy
This is another thing to look at when selecting a quality vehicle multimeter tool. Not all multimeters offer accurate devices, and thus, it is vital for the motorist to single out which meters offer the best accuracy.
Reliability
Also, one should check if the meter they are buying is a reliable one. This can be done by looking at product reviews online. Here, one can get to know if the automotive meter they want to buy is dependable or not. Customers don’t lie and always provide an honest view of the experience they had with a product.
Display
Some displays are easier to read than others. Look at how the information or results on the meter is displayed. Analog meters are very difficult to interpret, while digital meters are very easy to read.
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Ensure you pick a good automotive digital meter with a backlit display so that you can read the results even in darkness.
Brand
There are so many brands to select from, and not all of them offer top quality. Consider buying from brands with a great reputation. Brands such as Fluke, Mastech, Klein tools, Craftsman, Innova, and Amprobe offer the best quality. You can be assured of great performance and accuracy when you buy from one of these multimeter brands.
Price
Price shouldn’t be a big deal when buying a meter for your car. All you’ve to do is to ensure that you pick one that is able to identify electronic issues for you to diagnose. If you want a meter with several features, then you can go for the highly-priced automotive meter for the electronics.
Warranty
Last but not least, you should consider buying from brands that provide a warranty. This will assure you, just in case the meter comes with damage or some issues.
You can always get a replacement or be assured that the multimeter is a quality one.
10 Best Automotive Multimeter Reviews 2024
We have selected the top 10 multimeters, and as an auto owner, you should look at this list.
Fluke 77-IV automotive digital multimeter (Our Top Pick)
Fluke brand is among the most sought after on the market. It is ergonomically designed and very easy to use. The Fluke 77-IV has a large LCD screen that is backlight to provide brightness in a dimly lit area. If you want a high-quality best automotive multimeter, then buy this Fluke 77-IV digital meter.
Technical Features Of The Fluke 77-IV Automotive Digital Multimeter
| Features | Fluke 77-IV |
| Display: | 6000-count, 3 3/4-digit display, and a bar graph |
| DC Voltage: | Ranges: 6.000 V – 1000 V Resolution: 0.1 mV Accuracy: ±(0.3% + 1) |
| AC Voltage: | Ranges: 600.0 mV – 1000V Resolution: 1.0 mV Accuracy: ±(2.0% + 2) |
| Amps AC: | Ranges: 60.00 mA – 10 A Resolution: 0.01 mA Accuracy: 2.5% + 2 |
| Amps DC: | Ranges: 60.00 mA – 10A Resolution: 0.01 mA Accuracy: 1.5% + 2 |
| Capacitance: | Ranges: 1nF – 9,999 μF Resolution: 1 nF Accuracy: ±(1.2% + 2) |
| Temperature | Operating: −10 °C to +50 °C; Storage: −40 °C to +60 °C |
| Frequency: | Range: 99.99Hz – 99.99kHz Accuracy: ±(0.1% + 1) Resolution: 0.01 Hz |
| Temperature: | Operating:−10 °C to +50 °C; Storage:-40°C to + 60°C |
| Temperature coefficient: | 0.1 x (specified accuracy / °C (< 18°C or > 28°C) |
| Electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326–1:1997): |
In an RF field of 3 V/M, accuracy = specified accuracy except in temperature: specified accuracy ±5°C (9°F) |
| Battery life: | 400 hours typical (alkaline) |
| Safety: | ANSI / ISA S82.02.01, CSA C22.2–1010.1, IEC 61010 to 1000 V Measurement Category III, 600 V Measurement Category IV |
| Price: |  Check Price |
The user can utilize hands-free operation with the optional TPAK magnetic hanger. Also, its ergonomic design makes it easy to use and can handle a wide 1000 v measurement range. With such a great accuracy of 0.3%,this is a reliable meter for any motorist.
Product Description
- Ergonomic over-molded housing
- Backlight
- TPAK magnetic hanger
- Large display
- NIST Traceable calibration certificate
- Wide 1000 v measurement range
- 3% accuracy
Pros:
- It has a backlight display that enables the motorist to view results in the dark
- Fluke 77-IV is very accurate, with 0.3% accuracy rate
- It can be used hands-free with its TPAK magnetic hanger
- It is ergonomically designed for easy use in your car or in the house
Amprobe AM-510 Commercial/Residential Multimeter
Equipped with a wide range of applications, the Amprobe AM-510 is a perfect DMM for mechanics as well as technicians. Amprobe has been in this field for more than 65 years, and they know what the customer’s demands are. The Amprobe AM-510 automotive multimeters is packed with features that will allow you to measure accurate current, voltage, capacitance, resistance, and frequency. Do you want the best automotive multimeter but at a cheap price? Then, buy this Amprobe Am-510.
The multimeter is very easy to use and meets CAT IV 600V/CAT III 1000V safety standards. Furthermore, the device has a dual reading backlit LCD display with an analog bar for easy use. Apart from that, it also comes with a built-in flashlight that will enable you to see fuses and wires in dimly lit areas. You can use this device to test alternator outputs, battery voltages, and many more.
Technical Features Of The Amprobe AM-510 Commercial/Residential Multimeter
| Features | AM-510 | Best Accuracy |
| Display: | Backlit LCD display makes it easy to view results | |
| DC Voltage: | 400 mV, 4.000 V, 40.00 V, 400.0 V, 600 V |
+/- (0.8% rdg + 1 LSD) @ 4 V to 400 V ranges |
| AC Voltage: | 400 mV, 4.000 V, 40.00 V, 400.0 V, 600 V |
+/- (1.0 % rdg + 3 LSD) @ 45 Hz to 400 Hz, 4 V to 400V ranges |
| Resistance: | 400.0 Ω, 4.000 kΩ, 40.00 kΩ, 400.0 kΩ, 4.000 MΩ, 40.00 MΩ |
+/- (1.0% rdg + 2 LSD) @ 4 kΩ to 400 kΩ ranges |
| DC Current: | 400.0 μA, 4000 μA, 40.00 mA, 400.0 mA, 4.000 A, 10.00 A |
+/- (1.2% rdg + 3 LSD) |
| AC Current: | 400.0 μA, 4000 μA, 40.00 mA, 400.0 mA, 4.000 A, 10.00 A |
+/- (1.2% rdg + 3 LSD) @ 400 μA to 400 mA ranges |
| Frequency | 10 Hz to 10 MHz | +/- (0.1% rdg + 4 LSD) |
| Capacitance: | 40.00 nF, 400.0 nF, 4.000 μF, 40.00 μF, 100.0 μF, 4000 μF |
+/- (3.0% rdg + 5 LSD) @ 400 nF to 40 μF ranges |
| Temperature: | -40 °F to 1832 °F -40 °C to 1000 °C |
+/- (1.8% rdg + 6 °F) @ >32 °F to 212 °F +/- (1.2% rdg + 3 °C) @ >0 °C to 100 °C |
| Price: |  Check Price |
Pros:
- It has a dual thermocouple for taking different temperature readings on
- This meets the high safety, health, and environmental protection demands of the European Economic Area (EEA).
- It has a built-in flashlight for use in dim areas
- Easy to use with a large display and clearly labeled device
- Offers a wide range of applications making it be versatile
Cons:
- It is not a true RMS meter
Fluke 88V 1000V Automotive Multimeter
The 88V multimeter has lots of similarities with the Fluke 87V multimeter. Fluke 88V automotive multimeter is not only made by one of the best multimeter brands on the market, but it is also one of the top-rated multimeters. The multimeter is made in the USA and very suitable for high energy use. That’s why it is loved by both mechanics and professional technicians. This is the best automotive multimeter for electricians and mechanics.
The Fluke 88V is rated to measure voltage ranges of up to 1000V and can as well detect temperature and frequency changes. In addition, it can also measure resistance and capacitance. The 88V automotive multimeter can defy high voltage spikes, and it performs millisecond pulse width measurements for fuel injectors. With its manual and auto-ranging modes, using this device is very easy. All the readings are displayed on the display screen, and the device is clearly labeled. If you try to find the all-time best automotive multimeters, then Fluke 88V will be one of them.
Technical Features Of The Fluke 88V 1000V Automotive Multimeter
| Features | Fluke 88V |
| AC Voltage: | Maximum voltage: 1000 V Best resolution: 0.01 mV Accuracy: ±(0.5% + 2) AC bandwidth: 5 kHz |
| DC Voltage: | Maximum voltage: 1000 V Best resolution: 0.01 mV Accuracy: ±(0.1% + 1) |
| AC current: | Maximum amps: 10 A Best resolution: 0.001 mA Amps accuracy: ±(1.2% + 2) |
| DC current: | Maximum amps: 10 A Best resolution: 0.001 mA Amps accuracy: ±(0.4 % + 2) |
| Capacitance: | Maximum capacitance: 9,999 µF Best resolution: 0.01 nF Accuracy: ±(1% + 2) |
| Temperature | Operating: −10 °C to +50 °C; Storage: −40 °C to +60 °C |
| Frequency: | Maximum frequency: 200 KHz Best resolution: 0.01 Hz Accuracy: ±(0.005% + 1) |
| Duty cycle: | Maximum duty cycle: 99.9% Best resolution: 0.1% Accuracy: within 2% per KHz + 0.1% |
| Temperature measurement: | -200.0°C – 1090°C -328.0°F – 1994.0°F, 1.0% excluding probe |
| Operating range: | Operating temperature: -20°C – 55°C Storage temperature: -40°C – 60°C |
| Warranty: | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Price: |  Check Price |
Pros:
- It can defy voltage spikes and surges
- Can measure up to 1000V AC/SC
- It has both manual and auto-ranging modes for easy use
- Sleek and compact design for easy handling and storage
- It has a thermocouple and sensors for temperature measurement
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- The leads are not universal and thus not compatible with other multimeter brands
INNOVA 3340 automotive digital multimeter
This is another top quality and versatile automotive digital multimeter. It is compactly designed for great performance and easy use.
Technical Features Of The INNOVA 3340 Automotive Digital Multimeter
| Features | INNOVA 3340 |
| Display: | 3-3/4 digit LCD display (maximum reading of 4000) |
| Storage temperature: | -4° to 140° F (- 20° to 60° C) |
| Diode test: | Test current:1±0.6mA Test VoltageApprox. 2.8V |
| DC volts: | Ranges: 400mV, 4V, 40V, 400V, 600V Resolution: 100μV, 1mV, 10mV, 1V Accuracy: ±(0.8% of reading + 5 digits) Overload protection: 250V DC RMS, 600V DC/AC RMS Input impedance: 10MΩ for all ranges. |
| AC volts: | Ranges: 400mV, 4V, 40V, 400V, 600V Resolution: 100μV, 1mV, 10mV, 1V Accuracy: ±(1.2% of reading +8 digits), ±(0.8% of reading + 8 digits) Input impedance: 10MΩ for all ranges Overload protection: 250V DC RMS, 600V DC/AC RMS Frequency response: 50 – 400Hz |
| Temperature | Range: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C), -58°F to 392°F(-50°C to 200°C)392°F to 752°F(200°C to 400°C) Accuracy: ±5°F/±3°C, ±1.5%/±5°F(±1.5%/±3°C), ±2%/±5°F(±2%/±3°C) Overload protection: 0.5A/250V fast fuse |
| Price: |  Check Price |
It has various excellent features that make it carry out accurate and reliable tests on electronics, cars, and homes. Being UL certified, it can be used without any fear with hands-free operation.
Product Description
- Auto shut off
- Compact design
- Test lead holders
- Inductive RPM clamp
- Overload protection
- UL Certified
- Hands-free testing
- Breaker points
- Duty cycles
- Tests alternator diodes
- LCD screen
Pros:
- It is UL certified and safe to use in homes and cars
- It has an auto shut off features that shut down the meter when it is idle
- The rugged corner guards offer protection from falling
- It provides hands-free testing, which makes it easy to use
- Very easy to use with the easy to read labels and large LCD screen
Mastech MS8268 digital ac/dc multimeter
It is made up of outstanding features that make the work of an electronics hobbyist or DIY be easy and fast. Fixing vehicle electrical issues need a reliable and accurate digital multimeter just like this one.
Technical Features Of The Mastech MS8268 Digital Multimeter
| Features | Mastech MS8268 |
| Display: | Display read approx. HFE value (0-1000) of the transistor under test (all type). |
| Storage temperature: | -10~60 ℃, 14℉~140℉ (<70% RH, battery removed) |
| DC volts: | Ranges: 400mV, 4V, 40V, 400V, 1000V Resolution: 0.1mV, 1mV, 10mV, 100mV, 1V Accuracy: ±（0.7% of rdg +2 digits), ±（0.8% of rdg +2 digits） Overload protection: F 10A/250V fuse for 10A range. Resettable fuse(F400mA/250V) for μA and mA ranges. |
| AC volts: | Ranges: 400mV, 4V, 40V, 400V, 750V Resolution: 0.1mV, 1mV, 10mV, 100mV, 1V Accuracy: ±(3.0% of rdg + 3 digits) ±（0.8% of rdg +3 digits） ±（1.0% of rdg +3 digits） Input impedance: >10MΩ Overload protection: 250V dc or 250Vac rms. |
| Temperature | Operating: 0~40℃, 32℉~122℉ (<80%RH, <10℃ non- condensing) Storage: -10~60 ℃, 14℉~140℉ (<70% RH, battery removed) |
| Price: |  Check Price |
It has an automatic power-off that shuts down the meter. With its large LCD display and visible buttons, this multimeter is worth every penny spent on it.
Product Description
- Auto power off
- LED/Sound Warning
- Auto and manual ranging
- Blue LED backlit LCD display
- One year warranty
Pros:
- It is very easy to operate with its visible buttons and LCD display
- It is compactly designed for simple use and storage
- Has a durable outer casing to prevent destruction from a fall
- The Manufacturer offers a one year warranty
AstroAL Digital Multimeter
The AstroAl digital multimeter is a versatile device that can be used to measure voltage, current, frequency, temperature, resistance, and continuity. Also, the gadget is equipped with an auto-ranging feature and True RMS for measuring both AC and DC voltage. Moreover, the DMM is very easy to use as it comes with a large LCD screen for displaying data, has a data hold function, and an auto shut-off feature. Other amazing features include a kickstand and a hanging magnet.
The multimeter is very secure to use as it is double protected. So, it is very secure and reliable. Also, it protects the device from overload. With a 3-year warranty, this is a good investment for checking your battery and for commercial use.
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Pros:
- Comes with a dual fuse protection
- LED backlight for convenient use
- It has a true RMS feature
- Performs a wide range of tests
- Manufacturer’s 3-year warranty
Cons:
- It has a beeping sound for every action undertaken on the multimeter
Actron cp7677 automotive troubleshooter digital multimeter
The Actron digital multimeter is ideal for beginners who want a versatile tool that can tackle electrical issues in motor controls, power supplies, electronics, wiring systems, and appliances. In addition, it comes with an easy to read large LCD screen and tiny enough to fit well in the pocket.
Technical Features Of The Actron cp7677 Multimeter
| Features | Actron cp7677 |
| 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) |
| Resistance | Range:200Ω, 2KΩ, 20KΩ, 200KΩ, 2MΩ Accuracy:±(0.8% rdg + 5 dgts) Range: 20MΩ Accuracy:±(1.5% rdg + 5 dgts) |
| Price: |  Check Price |
Besides this, the meter has various features that enable it to provide reliable and accurate results. Also, the manufacturer offers a one year warranty to purchasers of the engine analyzer meter.
Product Description
- Overload protection on all ranges
- Alligator clips
- Automatic zero adjustments for volts and amps
- Large display
- Protective boot
- Automatic reverse polarity indication
- One year warranty
Pros:
- It is compactly built for easy use
- Has a large display for showing outcomes of examinations
- It has an automatic zero adjustment for volts and amps for accurate measurements
- The manufacturer offers a one year warranty
ESI 585K Deluxe Automotive DMM
The ESI 585K Deluxe automotive multimeter may be sold at a lower price, but it has a very high safety rating. This makes it be a great option for auto mechanics.
Even though many people prefer Fluke or Innova multimeters, it is a good idea to try out some coveted brands like ESI. They may not be popular, but they still offer similar performance. For instance, the ESI 585K DMM is sleekly built and compact in design for easy handling and storage. It will fit in tight places, and it has a high safety rating. Additionally, the multimeter comes with a dual fuse and outstanding auto-ranging feature, which uplifts its image in the field of multimeters.
Whether you are a newbie or a professional mechanic, this device will still be easy to use as it has a dual display with analog and bar graphs and digital readings. Other excellent features of this device are that it carries out 45 test ranges and 14 test functions. Overall, this automotive scanner is a quality device, and the manufacturer offers great customer support.
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Pros:
- Comes with a dual fuse protection
- Great for high voltage and current operations
- It has a dual display for showing the analog bar graph and digital results
- Has built-in temperature readings
- Compact design for easy use
Cons:
- It is not a true RMS meter
- It can’t measure capacitance
Innova 3320 Auto-ranging Digital Multimeter
If you are looking for a top, affordable, and accurate multimeter on the market, then the Innova 3320 DMM is the best choice for you. This is one of the best selling Innova multimeters, and it is highly recommended by many users. The 3320 multimeters are compactly designed with well-labeled sections for easy use. In addition, it features a large display screen and color LED for use in dimly lit areas. It is the auto-ranging best automotive multimeter.
The Innova 3320 is also compactly designed for easy handling and storage. It will fit in tight areas while working and has a rubber cover for drop resistance. The auto-ranging scales get rid of dialing in the correct range when making electronic measurements. Also, it has a single-setting resistance function for DC and AC voltage. This device will never let you down as it is famous for its accurate and safe troubleshooting functions. The manufacturer has made an upgrade to this device, which is the Innova 3340 auto-ranging DMM. So, this is an option for those who want an upgraded version of the same unit.
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Pros:
- Durable construction
- Easy to use
- Wide display screen for easy viewing
- Compact and sleek design
- It drops resistance
- Affordable price
Cons:
- It is good for testing low energy
Conclusion
Automotive multimeters are a great tool to have in your car as they can help troubleshoot electrical issues of your car. In addition, most of them can be used even at home or in the field. Choosing the best automotive digital meter is important if you want to get accurate and reliable results. Pick from our 10 best automotive multimeter lists or use our technical data if you want to get the best.
FAQs
How to know when to tune up a digital multimeter?
Answer: If you test all the other ranges and find them to be correct and one range to be wrong, then you may need to tune up the multimeter. In most cases, the problem is fixable, and you should look at the instructions to know what the problem is. In some cases, poor or low-quality multimeters may give the wrong range. If possible, call a professional to guide you or to detect the issue.
How to measure current if a meter has different ranges?
Answer: Most multimeters come with two ranges for current measurement. The A range is used for high current measurements, while the mA range is used for low current measurements. In addition, one has to take note of the rating if a meter can withstand continuous measurements of high current ranges or not.
How do I get rid of the buzzing sound from the multimeter?
Answer: There are many things that can cause the buzzing, such as the auto-ranging feature and when the positive test lead is placed in the wrong input jack. If this happens, you should switch off the multimeter and change the test leads to the right input jack.
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