3-1/2 Digit LCD Multimeter with

Tachometer Kit

Item 95670

Instructions and precautions

Visit our website at:

http://www.harborfreight.com

Read this material before using this product.

Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
Save this manual.

When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged.
If any parts are missing or broken, please call
1‑800‑444‑3353 as soon as possible.

Copyright© 2008 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this document

or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express
written consent of Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this document may not be drawn
proportionally. Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the
product described herein. Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1‑800‑444‑3353.
Email our technical support at: [email protected]
Manual Revised 11h
 Specifications
CAUTION, used with the safety
alert symbol, indicates a hazardous
Electrical situation which, if not avoided, could
One 9V battery
Requirements result in minor or moderate injury.
Fuse F250mA L 250V
Display LCD 3.5 digits (to 1999)
V~ Testing
45 to 450 Hz
Frequency NOTICE is used to address practices
See individual test not related to personal injury.
Accuracy
operating sections

Save This Manual

CAUTION, without the safety alert
Keep this manual for the safety warnings symbol, is used to address practices
and precautions, assembly, operating, not related to personal injury.
inspection, maintenance and cleaning
procedures. Write the product’s serial
number in the back of the manual near
General Safety Warnings
the assembly diagram (or month and year
WARNING Read all safety
of purchase if product has no number).
warnings and instructions.
Keep this manual and the receipt in a
Failure to follow the warnings and
safe and dry place for future reference.
instructions may result in electric
shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings
Important Safety and instructions
for future reference.
Information
1. Electrical shock can cause death
In this manual, on the labeling, and all other or injury! NEVER TOUCH exposed
information provided with this product: conductors of electricity.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is
used to alert you to potential 2. Inspect the Multimeter/
personal injury hazards. Obey all Tachometer before use. In
safety messages that follow this symbol to addition to a general inspection,
avoid possible injury or death. carefully check the following:
a. Pay special attention to the
insulation protecting the connectors.
DANGER indicates a hazardous b. Check the leads for exposed metal,
situation which, if not avoided, will damaged insulation, and continuity.
result in death or serious injury. c. Replace damaged test lead
immediately, before use.

WARNING indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. SKU 95670

 3. Do not use the Multimeter/ 11. Observe work area conditions. Do
Tachometer if: not test voltages in damp or wet
a. The test lead is damaged locations. Don’t expose to rain.
in any way. Keep work area clean and well lit.

b. The battery is low. 12. Keep children away. Children must

c. Near any explosive never be allowed in the work area.
gasses or fumes.
13. Stay alert. Watch what you
d. Any abnormal operation is are doing, use common
detected. sense. Do not operate any
(If in doubt about the condition meter when you are tired.
of the meter, have it serviced.)
14. Do not operate Multimeter/
e. The battery cover is open.
Tachometer if under the influence
4. This meter should be powered of alcohol or drugs. Read
only by a single, correctly warning labels on prescriptions
installed 9V battery. to determine if your judgment
or reflexes are impaired while
5. Use caution when working near taking drugs. If there is any doubt,
voltages above 30V RMS, 42V do not operate the meter.
peak, or 60V DC. Voltages this high
present a risk of electric shock. 15. Due to the danger inherent in such
work, only a licensed electrician
6. Disconnect the circuit’s power should work on high-voltage or other
before connecting the meter in potentially dangerous circuits.
series (when measuring current).
16. Do not test voltage on circuits higher
7. Connect the common (COM) test than 750 volts AC or 1000 volts DC.
lead first and disconnect last. This type of testing should only be
done by a qualified electrician.
8. Hold the probes with
fingers behind guards. 17. Do not test current on
circuits higher than 10 A.
9. Avoid electrical shock. Use
extreme caution when working 18. Store idle equipment. When not
near uninsulated conductors or bus in use, meters must be stored in a
bars. Prevent body contact with dry location to decrease exposure
grounded surfaces such as pipes, to moisture. Lock up meters and
radiators, ranges, and cabinet keep out of reach of children.
enclosures when testing voltages.
19. Dress properly. Protective,
10. Do not apply more than the rated electrically nonconductive
voltage, as marked on the meter, clothes and nonskid footwear are
between terminals or between recommended when working.
any terminal and earth ground.
20. Wear ANSI-approved
impact safety goggles.

SKU 95670 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 3

21. Only use accessories intended 31. Use the proper settings, terminals,
for use with this meter. techniques, and range for the tests
performed. Always start with the
22. Avoid damaging Multimeter/ range stated in the instructions.
Tachometer. Use only as
specified in this manual. 32. Have the Multimeter/Tachometer
calibrated by a qualified technician
23. Prior to testing, resistance, diodes, every year. A Multimeter/Tachometer
or continuity; disconnect all power that is not calibrated yearly will
to the circuit and discharge all not yield accurate results.
high-voltage capacitors.
33. This product contains or produces
24. Before use, verify the Multimeter/ chemicals, including lead, known
Tachometer’s operation by to the State of California to cause
measuring a known voltage. cancer and birth defects (or other
reproductive harm). (California Health
25. Use the proper settings, terminals, & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
techniques, and range for the tests
performed. Always start with the 34. WARNING: Handling the cords on
range stated in the instructions. this product will expose you to lead,
a chemical known to the State of
26. Do not apply voltage to the Test Leads California to cause cancer, and birth
when the Multimeter/Tachometer is in defects or other reproductive harm.
the Ohms testing setting. Damage can Wash hands after handling.
occur to the Multimeter/Tachometer. (California Health & Safety
Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
27. Do not switch between testing
modes with the Multimeter/ 35. The warnings, precautions, and
Tachometer connected to a circuit. instructions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible
28. Never attempt to use the meter
conditions and situations that may
at a setting combination marked
occur. It must be understood by the
as blank on the scale.
operator that common sense and
29. Prior to testing capacitors, resistance, caution are factors which cannot
diodes, or continuity; disconnect all be built into this product, but must
power to the circuit and discharge be supplied by the operator.
all high-voltage capacitors.

30. Check fuse before testing current. Save these

instructions.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. SKU 95670

 Note: This unit is equipped with an
Operating Instructions automatic shut off feature to extend the life
of the battery. If the Function/Range Switch
has not been operated for 15 minutes, the
Read the entire Important power turns off. To turn the Meter back on,
Safety Information rotate the Function/Range Switch or press
section at the beginning the Power Button. Check that the power
of this manual including is on before each test/measurement.
all text under subheadings
therein before set up or
use of this product. Installing Battery
Before first use or when the “Battery
Low” symbol ( ) appears on
the LCD, the battery needs to be
To prevent serious injury from replaced. To replace the battery:
accidental operation: ELECTRICAL
SHOCK CAN CAUSE DEATH OR 1. Turn off the Power and
INJURY. AVOID TOUCHING EXPOSED disconnect Test Leads.
CONDUCTORS OF ELECTRICITY.
2. Remove the rubber casing
Disconnect the Test Leads from from the back of the unit.
all live circuits before performing
any inspection, maintenance, 3. Unthread the two screws on
or cleaning procedures. the back of the Multimeter and
remove the back cover.
Do not use damaged equipment.
If abnormal noise or vibration 4. Install a 9V battery, being
occurs, have the problem careful to position the battery
corrected before further use. with the correct polarity.

Do not test voltage on AC circuits 5. Replace the cover and

higher than 750 volts. secure with the screws.

Do not test voltage on DC circuits 6. Replace the rubber casing.

higher than 1000 volts.
Note: Performance of this meter may
Do not test current on circuits vary depending on battery condition.
higher than 10 amps.
Work Piece and Work
Do not apply voltage to the Test Area Set Up
Leads when they are connected to
the COM and Jacks and 1. Designate a work area that is clean
the Multimeter/Tachometer is in and well‑lit. The work area must
an Ohms testing setting. Damage not allow access by children or pets
can occur to the Multimeter/ to prevent distraction and injury.
Tachometer or the fuse may blow.
2. There must not be objects, such
Do not switch between testing as utility lines, nearby that will
modes with the Multimeter/ present a hazard while working.
Tachometer connected to a circuit.
SKU 95670 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 5
General Operating
Instructions
Use the following instructions to measure
and test using the Multimeter/Tachometer.
LCD
Controls
Power Hold
Button Button
POWER Button - Used to turn the power
on and off. Press the POWER Button to
turn the power on. Press the POWER Temperature
Function/ Testing
Button again to turn the power off. Range Socket
Switch
HOLD Button - Used to freeze a reading Transistor
on the LCD screen. Press the HOLD hFE
button to lock the present reading Testing
Socket
on the LCD. Press the HOLD button
again to release the LCD reading. Amp Jack
Red General Jack
( )
Function/Range Switch - Used to select Red
the desired function of the meter. Rotate Milliamp Jack Common
the dial to select the desired function. Red (COM) Jack
Black

Jack Sockets - Used to connect Frequency Resistance, Diode

the positive and negative test leads. pg. 9 and Continuity
pgs. 9-11
Insert the red and black test leads Temperature Hz 200 2k 20k
20k 200k
into two of the Jack sockets as pg. 14 ºC 2M
instructed for the desired reading. ºF 20M
DC 20m 200m
Current
Transistor hFE Testing Socket - Used pg. 8
200m 2 DC
10 20 Voltage
when testing transistors. Insert the three pg. 7
pins of the transistor into the socket 8CYL 200

to test and determine the current. 6CYL 1000

Dwell 5CYL 750

Angle 4CYL 200 AC Voltage
Temperature Testing Socket - Used pg. 11 3CYL hFE pg. 7
to measure temperature. Insert one end 3CYL
4CYL 5CYL 6CYL
8CYL
Transistor
of the thermocouple into the socket and Tachometer/RPM pg. 14
touch the object to be measured with pg. 12-13
the other end to read the temperature.

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. SKU 95670

Measuring DC Voltage Measuring AC Voltage

Range Resolution Accuracy Range Resolution Accuracy

200mV 100µV ±(0.5%+5) 200V 100mV ±(1.0%+5)
2V 1mV 750V 1V ±(1.2%+5)
20V 10mV ±(0.8%+5)
• Input Impedance: approx. 450kΩ for all ranges
200V 100mV • Frequency: 45Hz~450Hz
1000V 1V ±(1.0%+5) • Indication: Average (RMS of sine wav
• Input Impedance: 1MΩ for all ranges. • Overload Protection: 1000V DC/AC RMS
• Overload Protection: 1000V DC/AC RMS
(For 200mV range: 250VAC) 1. Connect the red test lead to the
“ ” Jack and the black
1. Connect the red test lead to the test lead to the “COM” Jack.
“ ” Jack and the black
test lead to the “COM” Jack. 2. Set the Function/Range switch to the
desired V~ range. If the voltage to be
2. Set the Function/Range switch to the measured is not known beforehand,
desired range. If the voltage to be set the switch to the highest range and
measured is not known beforehand, set then turn it down range by range until
the range switch to the highest range satisfactory resolution is obtained.
and then turn it down range by range
until satisfactory resolution is obtained. 3. Connect the test leads to the
source or load to be measured.
3. Connect the test leads to the
source or load to be measured. 4. Read the voltage value
displayed on the LCD.
4. Read the voltage value displayed
on the LCD along with the
polarity of the red test lead.

SKU 95670 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 7

Measuring DC Current 1. Connect the black test lead to
the “COM” Jack. Connect the
red test lead to the “mA” Jack for
testing currents less than 200mA,
or connect the red test lead to
the “10A” Jack when measuring
current between 200mA and 10A.

2. Set the Function/Range switch to the

desired A range. If the current to be
measured is not known beforehand,
set the switch to the highest range and
then turn it down range by range until
satisfactory resolution is obtained.

3. Open the circuit in which the current

is to be measured, and connect the
test leads in series with the circuit.

4. Read the current value displayed

Range Resolution Accuracy on the LCD along with the
20mA 10µA polarity of the red test lead.
±(1.8%+3)
200mA 100µA
10A 10mA ±(3.0%+7) 5. CAUTION! Only test currents
higher than 200mA for 15 seconds
• Overload Protection: F 250mA L 250V
or less. The meter must cool,
fused (Range 10A unfused)
• Maximum Voltage Drop: 200 mV
disconnected, for 15 minutes between
measurements of that kind.

Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. SKU 95670

Measuring Frequency Measuring Dwell Angle

Range Resolution Accuracy Cylinder Range(º) Resolution Accuracy

20kHz 10Hz ±(1.5%+5) 3 CYL 0~120
• Overload Protection: 250V DC/AC RMS 4 CYL 0~90
5 CYL 0~72 0.1º ±(2.5%+5)
1. Set the Function/Range 6 CYL 0~60
switch to the “Hz” range. 8 CYL 0~45
• Overload Protection: 250V DC/AC RMS
2. Connect the black test lead to (<10 sec.)
the “COM” Jack and the red test
lead to the “ ” Jack. 1. Connect the black test lead to
the “COM” Jack and the red test
3. Connect the test leads to the lead to the “ ” Jack.
source or load to be measured.
2. Set the Function/Range switch
4. Read the frequency value to the desired “DWELL” range
displayed on the LCD. according to the cylinders of
the motor to be measured.

3. Connect the black test lead to a

grounded bare metal part of the
vehicle’s frame or the negative
pole of the battery, and the red test
lead to the connecting pole for the
low voltage of the distributor or the
negative terminal “-” of the firing coil.

4. Start up the motor. Read the dwell

angle on the LCD.

SKU 95670 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 9

Measuring Resistance Note: The 200 and 2K resistance
modes offer additional features: a
Diode Test and Continuity Test. See
the following sections for details.

Diode Test

Range Resolution Accuracy

200Ω 0.1Ω ±(1.0%+5)
2kΩ 1Ω
20kΩ 10Ω
±(0.8%+5)
200kΩ 100Ω
2MΩ 1kΩ Range Description Test Condition
20MΩ 10kΩ ±(2.0%+7) The approximate The forward
forward voltage DC current is
• Open Circuit Voltage: Less than 2.8V of the diode approx. 1mA,
• Overload Protection: 250V DC/AC RMS under test will the reversed
be displayed DC voltage is
1. Connect the red test lead to the on the LCD. approx. 3V.
“ ” Jack and the black
test lead to the “COM” Jack. 1. Connect the red test lead to the
“ ” Jack and the black test
2. Set the Function/Range switch lead to the “COM” Jack. The polarity
to the desired Ω range. of the red test lead is positive “+”.
3. Connect the test leads to the 2. Set the Function/Range
resistor to be measured and read switch to “ ” range.
the value displayed on the LCD.
3. Connect the red test lead to the anode
Note: For resistance above 1MΩ, the of the diode to be tested and the black
meter may take a few seconds to stabilize test lead to the cathode of the diode.
reading. This is normal for high resistance The approximate forward voltage drop
measuring. of the diode will be displayed on the
Before measuring in-circuit LCD. If the connection is reversed,
resistance, be sure the circuit under only figure “1” will be shown.
test has all power removed and all
capacitors are fully discharged.

Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. SKU 95670

Audible Continuity Test

Range Description Test Condition

If the resistance
of the circuit
under test Open circuit
is less than voltage is
30Ω, the approx. 3 V.
built-in buzzer
will sound.

4. Connect the red lead to the

“ ” Jack and the black
test lead to the “COM” Jack.

5. Set the Function/Range

switch to “ ” range.

Connect the test leads to the two

terminals of the circuit to be tested.
If the resistance is less than about
30Ω, the built in buzzer will sound.

SKU 95670 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 11

Tachometer/Measuring RPM 1. Connect the Clamp to a spark plug wire
with the arrow on the Clamp pointing
Clamp to the spark plug. Position the Clamp
as far away from the distributor and
Multimeter/ Spark the exhaust manifold as possible.
Tachometer Plug Wire
2. Connect the black Lead of the
clamp to the “COM” Jack of the
Multimeter/Tachometer and the red
Test Leads
Lead to the “ ” Jack.

3. Set the Function/Range switch to

the vehicle’s number of cylinders.

4. Read the value on the display. The

distance between the spark plug and
the Clamp of the unit must be less than
4" (10cm) during the test. Multiply the
reading by 10 to get the actual RPM.

Note: If no reading is received, unhook the

clamp, turn it over and reconnect.

Cylinder Range(º) Resolution Accuracy

3 CYL
4 CYL
5 CYL 180~10,000 1x10RPM ±(2.5%+5)
6 CYL
8 CYL

Page 12 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. SKU 95670

RPM for Independent RPM for a 4-cylinder
Cycling Ignition Grouping Ignition System

I
12 V
II

4 3 2 1

1. Set the Function/Range 1. Set the Function/Range

Switch to 4-cyl TACH. switch to 4-cyl TACH.

2. Connect the black Lead of the 2. Connect the black Lead of the
clamp to the “COM” Jack of the clamp to the “COM” Jack of the
Multimeter/Tachometer and the red Multimeter/Tachometer and the red
Lead to the “ ” Jack. Lead to the “ ” Jack.

3. If clamping to the “V” high-voltage 3. If clamping to ignition line I or II, multiply

line (coil wire) between the coil and the display reading by 20 to obtain
distributor, the reading on the Display the actual RPM value of the engine.
is the actual RPM value of the engine.

4. If clamping to any spark plug wire

after the distributor, multiply the
displayed reading by the number of
cylinders x 10 to obtain the RPM value.

SKU 95670 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 13

Measuring Temperature Transistor hFE Test

Range Resolution Accuracy Test Test

-20ºC -20~0ºC: ±(6%+5) Range hFE
Current Voltage
~ 1ºC 0~400ºC: ±(1%+5) PNP
750ºC >400ºC: ±(2%+5) 0 ~ 1000 Ib≈10µA Vce ≈ 3V
& NPN
-4ºF -4~32ºF: ±(6%+7)
~ 1ºF 32~752ºF: ±(1%+9) 1. Set the Function/Range
1382ºF >752ºF: ±(2%+9)
switch to “hFE” range.
Note: Use type K thermocouple
while measuring temperature. 2. Determine whether the transistor
to be tested is NPN or PNP, and
1. Insert the type K thermocouple locate the E (emitter), B (base),
to the temperature testing and C (collector) leads. Insert the
socket. It will only fit one way. leads into the proper holes of the
hFE socket on the front panel.
2. Set the Function/Range switch
to the ºC or ºF range. 3. The display will show the
approximate hFE value (current
3. Connect the tip of the type
gain) at the test condition of base
K thermocouple to the
current 10µA and Vce 3V.
object to be measured.

4. Read the temperature value

displayed on the LCD.

Page 14 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. SKU 95670

 Maintenance and Servicing Replacing the Fuse
The fuse may blow if the unit is
used incorrectly or if the reading
Replacing the Fuse and
is beyond the capacity of the
procedures not specifically
meter. To replace the fuse:
explained in this manual
must be performed only by 1. Turn off Power to the unit.
a qualified technician.
2. Connect the black Test Lead to
the “COM” Jack of the Multimeter/
Tachometer and the red Test
To prevent serious injury:
Lead to the “ ” Jack.
Disconnect the Test Leads from the
meter before performing any inspection, 3. Touch the probes of the Leads to each
maintenance, or cleaning procedures. other to neutralize any residual current
in the Multimeter/ Tachometer, then
To prevent serious injury from
disconnect the Test Leads from the unit.
tool failure:
Do not use damaged equipment. 4. Remove the rubber casing
If abnormal noise or vibration from the back of the unit.
occurs, have the problem
corrected before further use. 5. Unthread the two screws on the back
and remove the back cover.
1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the Holes for Large Screws
general condition of the tool. Check 6. Unthread
for loose hardware, misalignment the six Fuse
or binding of parts, cracked or screws on Holes Holes
broken parts, damaged electrical the smaller for for
Small Small
wiring, and any other condition that circuit Screws Screws
may affect its safe operation. board.
Underside of Smaller Circuit Board
2. After Use, wipe external surfaces 7. Being careful to not strain the wire
of the tool with clean cloth. connections, tilt the circuit board
so you can access the Fuse.
3. Store indoors, out of reach of children.
8. Pull out the fuse and replace with a
4. Dispose of unit according to new Fuse of the same type and rating.
governmental guidelines.
9. Replace the Circuit Board and
secure with the six screws. Put the
four small screws in the correct
locations, then secure the two large
screws. Do not overtighten.

10. Replace the cover and

secure with the screws.

11. Replace the rubber casing.

SKU 95670 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 15

 90 Day Warranty

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet
high quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that
this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period
of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage
due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or
alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal
wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for
death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or
consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do
not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty is
expressly in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied,
including the warranties of merchantability and fitness.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us
with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation
of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies
the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may
elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you
with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our expense, but if we
determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within
the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.

3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 •

Camarillo, CA 93011 • (800) 444-3353

Record Product’s Serial Number Here:

Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of
purchase instead. Replacement parts are not available.

3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • (800) 444-3353