Hook Probe Circuit Tester
(33 reviews)
Price: $16.90
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Hook Probe Circuit Tester
Item # PTW2993
Retail:$28.98
Our Price: $16.90
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- Reviews (33)
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- Videos (2)
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Performance Tool Electrical Tools - PTW2993
- Testers
- Circuit Tester
- Performance Tool
- Circuit tester easily identifies shorts in 6V, 12V and 24V circuits, fuses, test connections, and wiring harnesses
- Wire-piercing molded hook locks onto wires to free your hands while working
- Extended molded hook allows for testing in confined spaces or with limited access
- High-intensity light bulb
- 4' Long cord is insulated and resistant to oil and heat
W2993 Performance Tool Circuit Tester
Replaces Draw-Tite 3808
California residents: click here
Video of Hook Probe Circuit Tester
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Video Transcript for Performance Tool Hook Probe Circuit Tester Review
Hi there, do-it-yourselfers. Today, we're gonna be taking a look and covering some of the features of Performance Tool's, hook probe circuit tester. A test light's a great object for verifying whether you've got power and ground at a specific location. It's also really useful if you're setting up lights on your vehicle for trailer lighting, so you can test your circuits and get those installed. So real quick, we're just going to show you here, how it works, one end needs to have ground, and the other end needs to have power in order to light the light. So we're gonna take the clip end here, we're gonna put this on the negative side of our battery for brown.
And then if we press in on the plastic sleeve here, that'll expose the probe at the end. We're just gonna touch this to the positive side. You can see there that it lights up our test light. This will also work if you we're to hook it up backwards. So if he's got the clip on power and you we're to use your probe and touch any ground point, it should also light up.
So you can see your ground on the battery or ground over here on anywhere on the vehicle frame or anything like that. Lets see if there's a bolt right down here. Look at that there, we got the power, it's lighting up our test light because that's ground and we've got power coming from the clip side. Our customers typically use these to check their circuits, especially if they're either setting up a four-pole connector on their vehicle, or if they've recently just taken their vehicle and they hooked it up to their trailer and they found, "oh no, the lights aren't working on my trailer." Well now you've got to figure out why the lights don't work and the test light can be a great tool to help you determine that. One of the first things that I would do if I had an issue with my trailer not working properly is I wanna verify is the issue with my trailer, or is it with my vehicle And I'd start here on the vehicle and check this out.
So we've got our four pole tester here which gives us all of our necessary lighting signals, in order to get these to operate without an assistant, we can go ahead and turn on our hazard lights that will operate both the left and the right turn signal. And we can go ahead and turn on our tail lights for our last circuit, the fourth circuit there is your ground and that's the exposed lug there. We went ahead and used the clip to clip it onto the ground side. So now we've got those lights operating. We should get some signals from the first one here next to it's going to be our tail lights.
We should have a constant voltage it should light up our light and look at that, there we go. So we know our taillight signal is working properly on the vehicle. Next is the yellow circuit, which is our left turn signal. And we can see it's flashing, so we know that our left turn signal is working properly. And lastly is the green circuit that's our right turn signal and it's working as well. So we plugged this vehicle into a trailer and the trailer doesn't function, there's some issues on our trailer side, maybe there's a ground missing to the light that's not functioning or maybe there's just an open and the power circuit go into it. But we know, at this point that our vehicle is working properly and we can continue the diagnosis over on that side. And while we we're showing it off on a four-pole here, it's also great for testing out your six and seven-pole connectors as well. You just need to make sure you've got a way to activate the particular circuits to make sure they're working. For example, like your seven way, your auxiliary circuit probably is going to have 12 volts on it at all times, but some of those require the vehicle to be started in order to get that 12 volt output. Likewise, your brake output circuit for your trailer brakes aren't gonna activate unless you've got an assistant inside either pressing the brakes or activating the manual slider. But if you've got somebody to help you out, you can check all those circuits with this as well. So now, since we know that our problem is not with our vehicle, you can go ahead and plug your vehicle out to your trailer, or you could use a test box. We've gone ahead and plugged up and got our tail lights turned on and our light here is not functioning. So let's check our circuits and see if we can figure out the issue. I've gone ahead and clipped the wire there where the ground wire was attached. We could potentially just have an issue with our ground, but we're gonna go ahead and use that and see if we can get a reading here. So here's our two circuits coming from the front, you got a green wire there and a brown one. Brown is your typical color for your taillight circuit. So I'm just gonna push this away from the probe there. Gonna slide it over and then I'm now letting it return. And we're gonna stab into the wire. And with our taillights on, if we've got a good ground here at the back, we should get a reading. Now, even though brown is the most common color, that's not always the case though sometimes it can be another color. So we have nothing here. So we're just gonna go ahead and probe the other wire. 'Cause even though brown is the most common, it doesn't necessarily mean that the manufacturer, followed that particular color coding. So now we are on the other one, we're gonna probe into that one, and we've got nothing on that one either. So that probably leads us to believe that we either have a short from, other than just to believe that we have an open in our circuit here preventing current from getting to the back or that we've potentially got a bad ground here at the back. We're gonna take that clip off the ground circuit, where we had it, where it was getting ground from before. And we're gonna move it to a new spot here on the trailer. 'Cause we should have good ground just about anywhere on the frame, as long as the paint's not too thick. And look at that, we moved it over to the other stud there. We kinda rocked it around to clear up some of the rust on it and we've got power which we now know that from the vehicle all the way back to our circuit here is good. So the only issues that's potentially left is our ground or the bulbs could be burnt out. But since we moved our circuit from where the ground wire is here over to a different spot we got our lights light up. I suspect our issue is more than likely with our ground here. So we're just gonna go ahead and tighten the circuit up, kinda clean up that rust there and see if we can't get this light to come back on. And that's all it took, I just took that bolt loose. I knocked some of the rust off with a wire brush, re-installed it and now our light's functioning. So you can see our test light was able to help us determine that the issue was on the trailer side and also figure out where that issue was. And that completes our look at Performance Tool's, hook probe circuit tester..
Customer Satisfaction Score:
99% were satisfied with this product
1% of customers were not satisfied
- Alternate product found
- Wrong item was ordered
- Product did not meet expectations
Customer Reviews
Hook Probe Circuit Tester - PTW2993
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (33 Customer Reviews)
by: Randy 04/29/2023
Looks to be well constructed & easy to use. Frees up your hands for other tasks, & has many other circuit tracing applications as well.
by: Scamper11/09/2022
I bought this prob/circuit tester in order to make some minor electrical repairs to our Scamp 13. I carry it along on all our trips. It has been tremendously helpful isolating shorts that result from vibration and wear and tear. Furthermore, the tutorial videos here on etrailer have been equally helpful.
by: Joseph07/27/2023
great company to deal with. thanks
by: Thomas05/10/2023
Vary good for my trailer.
by: Daniel 04/22/2023
Fast service for the tool I needed.
by: Robert 11/06/2022
I have yet to use it. It looked like something I should have so I ordered one.
by: Kamil09/12/2022
Easy to use and definitely helpful when looking for a specific wire.
by: Harry 07/21/2020
I had a tester like this years ago and I broke the end off.
I really liked the tester as you can hook it over a wire and probe it to see
if you have voltage.
Been looking for one for a long time.
You can find cheap junk ones but this one is just like the good one I had years ago.
Glad I found it and is is very well built.
Should last me a long time.
Was shipped fast also.
Will try and not break this one.
Thanks e trailer.
by: Terry 03/18/2021
Probe works really good
Comments
Tester has worked out really well, only used it a few times
Terry - 03/19/2022by: Mike05/06/2022
Looks good, haven't used it yet
by: Laura05/03/2022
Works perfect
by: Ricky 01/25/2021
Comments
Works Fine
Ricky L - 01/26/2022by: Don 12/02/2021
Nice tool to own!
by: Roger 12/31/2021
This will be very handy when working with circuits.
by: Eli 06/13/2023
by: Paul 04/23/2023
by: Elmer 04/03/2020
Very friendly service, thank you Korren. Ordered on Tuesday, received on Thursday.
by: Scott 06/12/2023
by: Alex 10/11/2022
by: Eugene 01/03/2022
by: Edward 08/24/2023
by: Kevin 04/11/2023
by: Erik 01/21/2023
by: Cleveland06/28/2023
by: John 04/10/2023
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33
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See what our Experts say about this Performance Tool Electrical Tools
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view full answer... - Trailer Lights Work on One Trailer but Not on Three Other Trailers Towed by 1998 Toyota TacomaIt sounds like a problem with the ground or wiring on the trailers, but it would be wise to check all of the components in your wiring system. You can test the trailer connectors on the 1998 Toyota Tacoma and the trailers with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. I am including a link to a FAQ page on trailer wiring that will show you the functions of each pin on your connector, depending on if it is either a 4-Way, 5-Way, 6-Way, or 7-Way. This will help you determine if there is a problem...
view full answer... - Prodigy Brake Controller Flashes SH After Moving it from One Car to AnotherThe circuit breaker would reset so the power would be interrupted, and you wouldn't see a display during that time, so I don't think it is the circuit breaker. The white ground wire, if hardwiring in the controller, should go to the negative battery terminal. It needs a substantial ground and that is the best place to get it. The SH is indicating a short circuit It could be the red wire. On a brake switch there can be more than 1 wire that shows power with the brake pedal. If the wire...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Draw-Tite Activator ll Brake Controller On 2002 GMC SierraSince you said the trailer lights work great on other vehicles that helps narrow down the probable cause of the problems you are having. There is some testing you can do. In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override or brake pedal. If it shows power at idle, then...
view full answer... - Electric Trailer Brakes Make Noise But Will Not EngageThe first thing you will want to check is the output voltage on the brake controller. If it is set too low, it will not send enough power back to engage the trailer brakes. For testing purposes, it is easiest to set it to full power. Using a meter or circuit tester like # PTW2993 make sure that power is getting back to the trailer connector, which it does sound like it is. Then with the trailer connected make sure power is getting to the brake magnets which again it sounds like it is. That...
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view full answer... - Trailer Right Turn Signal Problems with a 2006 Chevy SilveradoFirst thing I would do is disconnect the trailer from your 2006 Chevy Silverado so you can check the vehicle side connector with a circuit tester like # PTW2993. Test the right turn/brake signal. You should experience the same issue here since it sounds like you've isolated the issue to the truck and not the trailer. Make sure the connector is clean and free of any dirt or corrosion. Using a wire brush should suffice. If the wires behind the connector are frayed, cut them off at the damaged...
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view full answer... - Troubleshooting Trailer Running Lights that Arent WorkingThe first step to troubleshoot your problem would be to determine if the wiring problem exists with the vehicle or the trailer. Turn on the vehicle headlights, and use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 on the pin on the trailer connector that feeds the running light circuit. If your vehicle has a 4-pole connector, test the pin being fed by the brown wire. If you are dealing with a 7-way connector, you would test the pin in the 11:00 position. If the tester indicates voltage on the...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes on a Toy Hauler Even After New AxlesThis could be a magnet wiring problem. It is unlikely that the magnets are bad on new assemblies, but if the wiring is not properly connected, it could cause problems. Check to see that the magnets are properly grounded to a clean, bare metal surface free of corrosion. A bad ground would not allow the circuit to be complete and lead to the brakes not performing like they should. You can also try running all of the brake grounds back to the main ground of the trailer. The new brake assemblies...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Low Taillight Circuit on Trailer Taillight ConverterWhat you will want to do is test the wires going into the box of the converter box for voltage with a circuit tester like the # PTW2993 to see if there is voltage going into the box when the taillight functions of your vehicle are applied, and then test the output side of the box to see if the current is making it through the converter. If not then the problem is that the converter box has shorted itself out and would need to be replaced. Before you replace it you will want to inspect...
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view full answer... - Trailer Brakes Activate Every Time Turn Signal is UsedIt sounds like you wired the brakes into the combined stop/turn signal circuit on the trailer. Trailers use what is called a combined system meaning that the brake lights and turn signals are on the same tire. So when you are using the turn signal the wire is energized and will apply the trailer brakes when the light blinks. To use the electrical trailer brakes you have to have a dedicated wire just for the brakes and you must use a brake controller in the tow vehicle. The most common...
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view full answer... - Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring When Turn Signal Is Not WorkingOne of the most common causes of trailer light failures is the ground. You will want to make sure the ground wire is secured to a clean, bare metal surface and that there are no signs of damage to any of the wires on the trailer. Check the harness connector to make sure it is clean and free of rust and corrosion. If that all checks out on the trailer you will want to check the output from the vehicle with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993.
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view full answer... - While Installing Light Bar Connector Arced and Light Bar Will Not Come OnIt is possible that a fuse is blown. Use the trucks owners manual to find the fuses related to the tow package wiring since it sounds like that might have been what you were plugging or splicing into. There is likely a fuse and/or relay or more than one related to the tow package circuits that you can check. Or if you have a meter or circuit tester such as # PTW2993 you can test the connector or wires you were tapping into while someone sits in the truck and runs through the lighting functions....
view full answer... - Dome Lights Are Not Working In Enclosed Trailer With 7-Way ConnectorThe first thing I recommend is to use a tester like part # PTW2993 and check the 12V circuit on the wiring connector on the truck. If you have no current showing there may be a fuse missing or blown for that circuit. You would want to check the owner's manual or with your dealership to see which fuse is dedicated to that circuit. There are times when the dome lights may be attached to the running light circuit. You may want to try turning on the truck headlights when the trailer is hooked...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Trailer With Malfunctioning Brake Lamps Towed By 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500It sounds like you've used a circuit tester to check the brake lamp functions on the 7-way on your truck. With the brake pedal applied, you should get a signal both the right and left turn signal pin, as shown in the photo I've provided. If you or a friend have another trailer handy, you might try plugging that in, to see if the lights behave the same way. I'm doubtful it's a fuse, because the tow package on your Silverado combines the signal for the trailer turn signals and brake lamp...
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- Passenger Side Tail Light Wire Functions for a 2001 Chevy SuburbanIt looks like GM is using the black wires as the ground wires since that is the only common wire color on the 3 connectors in your picture. And they all go to a terminal indicated with the letter G which likely stands for ground. It looks like the center and right connectors in the picture have a single function and the one on the far left either has 2 functions or it also has a neutral wire. The easiest way to determine the functions of the wires is to use a circuit tester such as #...
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Info for this part was:
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Expert Research:
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Expert Research:
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Edited by:
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Video by:
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Installed by:
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Installed by:
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Video Edited:
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Updated by:
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