Getting the best automotive test light among so many models out there in the market might seem a bit difficult. The auto test light is a very useful diagnostic tool for your vehicle.
It can be used for various purposes. Including, checking the condition of fuses, testing the brake light, finding grounds, and monitoring the condition of your alternator.
In short, a test light is useful to determine whether you are getting current and for ground testing. The best thing about this tool is that it is really easy to use and it is inexpensive.
Short on time? Check out our full list at a glance:
| Image | Test Light | Description | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Katzco Voltage Continuity and Heavy Duty Tester | Best budget option | |
 | Jastind Heavy Duty 3-48V Backlit Digital LCD Circuit Tester | Our top pick | |
 | OTC 3631 Heavy-Duty Logic Probe Tester | Best LED tester and our premium pick | |
 | ATD Tools 5513 Heavy-Duty Circuit Tester | Highly reviewed | |
 | Innova 3420 Smart Circuit Test Light | Smart LED test light | |
 | Performance Tool W2992 Computer Safe LCD Digital Circuit Tester | A good computer safe option | |
 | VXSCAN EM285 Automotive Test Light | Highly reviewed | |
 | ABN Automotive Circuit Continuity Tester | Mid-range option | |
 | Lisle 28830 Digital Circuit Tester | Highly reviewed | |
 | ALLOSUN Multi-Function Electric Circuit Tester | Last but not least |
Auto Test Lights – Detailed Reviews
Below I will be going into detail about each product we recommend. So, let get straight into the best automotive test lights:
1. Katzco Voltage Continuity and Heavy Duty Tester
Best budget option
PROS
CONS
Summary
Through this auto test light by Katzco, you can easily test connections, light sockets, and find short circuits without hassle. It is a high-quality current tester that can help you to check your car headlights, taillights, signals, connections, fuses, wires, etc.
The light bulb of this automotive test light is self-powered. The light bulb will power up to help you know whether the circuit you are testing is running or not.
This current tester by Katzco has an extra-large 54 inches of the core, which helps with great flexibility. The reinforced spring of the current tester helps to prevent the damage to the test lead at the base.
Here are some features, pros, and cons of Katzco’s voltage continuity and current tester:
Key features:
- Choose from 4 1/2″ lead & 12″ lead
- It has a long probe with alligator clip
- Helps to detect power shorts and breaks
- It can test fuses, switches, armatures, & distributors
- It can check car’s headlight, turn signals, taillights, sockets, fuses
2. Jastind Heavy Duty 3-48V Backlit Digital LCD Circuit Tester
Our top pick
PROS
CONS
Summary
Another digital circuit tester in our list is by Jastind. This is the digital LCD circuit tester that comes with 3-48V wide range.
You can use this tool to check the car’s electrical circuits and other circuits. The accurate digital display of the tool enhances your experience.
The circuit tester is made up of high-quality acetate fibre body and overall strong materials.
Its length extended to 140 inches long PU spring wire so that you can have easy and hassle-free automotive testing. It includes an accurate LCD digital display which includes decimals in its readout.
Here are some features of this digital LCD test light.
Key features:
- 3-48V wide range
- Accurate LCD digital display
- Made up of high acetate fibre body
- It has high-toughness
- It is shatterproof
- Long 140 inches PU spring wire
- Hassle-free automotive circuits testing
3. OTC 3631 Heavy-Duty Logic Probe Tester
Best LED tester and our premium pick
PROS
CONS
Summary
Another automotive test light in our list is by OTC. This circuit tester by OTC has a multi-functional design, which allows the testing of 3 volts to 26 volts.
With the tester, you get high efficient bright green and red lights that help you to know the volt signals like ground power and frequency. This tool can check the power and ground circuits.
With the circuit tester, you get all the essential information, which helps you to resolve your issues efficiently. This tester will provide you with all the things you look in a functional circuit tester.
Key features:
- Multi-functional design
- It has a range of 3 to 26 volts
- It comes with bright red & green LEDs
- Tests fuel injectors, solenoids, presence of serial data, and Tach reference signals
4. ATD Tools 5513 Heavy-Duty Circuit Tester
Highly reviewed
PROS
CONS
Summary
The first automotive test light in our list is ATD’s 5513 Heavy-Duty circuit tester. It can quickly check six and 12V systems.
If you don’t know how actually to use this tool, there’s nothing to worry about as it’s really simple. To use it, all you need to do it is attach the built-in clip to the ground and then touch the tip of the metal prong to positive.
If there is some power at the positive, the light will glow up. The cord of this circuit tester is heavy. Also, the clamp is large and it gets a great connection.
Let’s take a look at some features of ATD’s 5513 heavy-duty circuit tester:
Key features:
- Pretty heavy cord
- Strong clamp
- Flexible in low temperatures
- It can quickly check 6 & 12V systems
- 5 ft. heavy duty circuit tester
- The shipping weight is 6.4 ounces
- The product dimensions are 12.3 x 8.1 x 7.2 inches
5. Innova 3420 Smart Circuit Test Light
Smart LED test light
PROS
CONS
Summary
Innova’s Smart circuit tester is designed to check the voltage of different electrical systems safely. This test light gets connected using a cigarette lighter, a power plug, and detachable twin alligator clamps.
The 6-foot long leads help to get the secure long reach connection. Depending on your choice, you can choose from digital, smart and the standard test light. The prices of all these three will be different.
The LED lights of the test light make it easy to identify the connection. The white light states a proper connection to the source, the red light states the voltage is present, and the green light of the circuit tester states ground presence.
Here are some features of this auto test light:
Key features:
- Built for safety voltage checking
- 6-foot leads
- Bright LED lights
- Ergonomic grip design
- It can connect using the cigarette lighter
6. Performance Tool W2992 Computer Safe LCD Digital Circuit Tester
A good computer safe option
PROS
CONS
Summary
With Performance Tool’s W2992 digital circuit tester, you get a large LCD display. The surge-protected circuitry displays the DC from 3 to 48 voltage. This automotive test light is used to detect the power, ground and voltage.
Furthermore, because it is ‘computer safe’ you can use it to test you cars circuit integrity without doing any harm.
When you have got a circuit tester by Performance Tool, there is no need to spend huge amounts on other high-end testers. While buying this tester, you will find that you have other options available.
You can choose from a multicolour test lead set, twist-on wire connector, back probe lead set, heavy-duty circuit tester, LCD digital circuit tester, and universal multimeter test lead.
Here are some features of this digital test light:
Key features:
- LCD digital circuit tester
- Display DC from 3 to 48 voltage
- Large LCD display
- Used to detect power, voltage, ground, & circuit integrity
- Detect voltage, power, & ground with increased accuracy
- Product dimensions are 11.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches
7. VXSCAN EM285 Automotive Test Light
Highly reviewed
PROS
CONS
Summary
VXSCAN’s EM285 automotive electronic circuit tester can be used for testing continuity, the polarity of voltage, lamp, testing the electric motor, testing bad ground contacts, etc.
The cable length of this circuit tester is around 16 feet, through which you can check any electrical system without hassle. For safety, it comes with short-circuit protection, and it can test for bad ground contacts promptly.
To use it, all you need to do is unroll the unit’s cable, clamp the red clip to the vehicle battery’s positive terminal, and lastly, clamp the black clip to the battery’s negative terminal.
With this brand’s circuit tester, you get the operation voltage of 6 to 24 volts DC.
Here are some features of this automotive test light by VXSCAN:
Key features:
- It provides a wide range of applications
- The tool comes with an extended test lead
- For safety, it comes with short-circuit protection
- 6-24V DC kit
- 16ft cable length
8. ABN Automotive Circuit Continuity Tester
Mid-range option
PROS
CONS
Summary
ABN’s circuit continuity tester will help to diagnose different electrical issues. The LED digital display provides you with the proper navigation. The LED digital display will give you information regarding the power, ground, electrical voltage, etc.
If you are finding a tool that can help you with checking voltage or voltage drop without digging out a multimeter, then this tool is for you. With this tool by ABN, you can promptly detect the broken plug wire as well as carbon clogged plugs on 6-48V DC systems in different vehicles.
The voltage measurement of this device is 4 to 60 volts. The digital display of the device provides you with a proper indication with a red and green light that makes the process smooth.
Here are some features of this tool:
Key features:
- It can diagnose different electrical issues
- Compatible with all automotive
- Digital display
- LED indication
- Cable length of up to 12 feet
9. Lisle 28830 Digital Circuit Tester
Highly reviewed
PROS
CONS
Summary
This is another digital circuit tester on our list. This digital circuit tester by Lisle comes with the operating range of 3V to 49V DC, which makes it suitable for most of the vehicle electrical systems.
It comes with a proper LED light indication, which makes it easy for users to use. And, two LED light in the device gives a 360-degree view of polarity.
The red light in the digital circuit tester indicates the positive polarity, while the green light in the device indicates the negative polarity. The long, 12 feet of coil cord makes it hassle-free to use.
For secure connections, it has a heavy-duty alligator clamp.
Here are some features, pros, and cons of this tool by Lisle:
Key features:
- Range of 3 to 49 volts
- Ideal for most vehicle electrical systems
- Two LEDs
- 12 feet coil cord
- Computer safe
10. ALLOSUN Multi-Function Electric Circuit Tester
Last but not least
PROS
CONS
Summary
Another great option in our list is Allosun’s multi-function tester.
This LED test light provides a wide range of applications. You can use this tool to test continuity, test the polarity of the voltage, test electric motor, lamp, and you can also locate short circuits.
Through this device, you would be able to measure the DC voltage from 2V to 24V. It comes with the illumination function, allows you to test the electrical system of the vehicle even in the darkness.
The tool comes with an in-built flashlight so that you can indicate the DC voltage measurement.
Here are some features of the best led test lights:
Key features:
- It has a wide range of applications
- Measures voltage from 2V to 24V
- It has a long test lead
- The length of about 5m
- Illumination function
- You get in-built flash DC measurement
How to Use a Test Light to Help Fix Automotive Electrical Problems on Circuits
This video provides some insight:
Test Light Buying Guide
There are so many tools and accessories for the different automobiles in the market. Among various mechanisms, choosing the essential ones is very important. It is crucial because, in the absence of the required device or accessory, you would find an issue with your vehicle.
Among different tools and equipment out there in the market, the automotive test light is the important one. it can be used for many different diagnostic purposes.
You can use it to check the fuse condition, test the brake light, find grounds, and for monitoring the alternator condition. When it comes to buying the best automotive test light, there are a few many factors you need to keep in mind.
Here are some of them:
Quality
The first and foremost thing to keep in mind is the quality of the product you are selecting. You don’t need to choose the automotive circuit tester that is made up of poor quality material and delicate features.
Before buying, you need to make sure that it is capable of sufficient volts, and it can work on different parts of the car. For example, it should be capable of working for car headlights, taillights, faulty sockets, broken wires, fuses, etc.
Range
The next important thing you need to keep in mind that the automotive test light is its range. You need to buy a wire with a good range so that you can get benefits of flexibility.
Depending upon the brand of the test light, the code wire length varies. To provide sufficient wire length, most of the code wires have reinforced spring into it. What code length you need to choose is based on your requirements.
You may want to select a 54-inch long cord or more than 54-inch long cord for the great flexibility, or you may want to choose a test light with less than 54-inch of range.
The important thing is to make sure that you are getting a proper scale and freedom while testing the circuits.
Voltage
Another crucial factor to keep in mind while choosing the right test light is to check out the energy. You don’t want to select the circuit tester that does not correctly check the voltage.
Depending upon the automotive test light, mostly, the voltage testing may vary from 6 to 12 voltage. 6V to 12V testing capacity is DC. Mainly, circuit testers check 6V to 12V DC and 24V AC circuits.
Price
Price is one of the most crucial factors when you go to buy any product on the market. Just like any other product, pricing plays an equally important in purchasing the automotive test light.
You don’t want to pay the higher price for the product that does not provide any extra features or benefits. For the circuit testers with additional features, benefits, or quality, you need to pay some extra price.
Hence, make sure you compare the prices of different products with their features, functions, benefits, and disadvantages so that you can get the idea about which test light product is priced reasonably.
LCD test lights vs. bulb test lights
The digital display is another crucial factor that most of the people consider while buying a circuit tester for their vehicles. Having an in-built digital display in the circuit tester provides a great experience and flexibility while using.
But, circuit testers with digital displays are priced higher as compared to those without digital displays. But, getting an in-built digital display is worth it.
While choosing a test light with a digital display, you need to make sure that it has an accurate LCD digital display.
Construction
You also need to take a look at the development of the automotive circuit tester you are choosing. It is essential because selecting the test light made up of low-quality materials will result in less lifespan.
The test lights we have mentioned in the list are quality made and of heavy-duty. You will also find test lights with acetate fibre body and high toughness.
Getting a heavy-duty, high toughness, and shatterproof test light will make sure that your test light will have a higher life span.
Brand
For the sake of price, you must not be compromising on the quality of the test light. Selecting the popular circuit tester brand will make sure that you will get quality and heavy-duty products with a higher lifespan.
All the test light brands we have mentioned in this list provide great-quality with high toughness. Some popular brands for automotive test lights that we have mentioned in the list are ATD, Jastind, Katzco, Innova, Performance Tool, VXSCAN, and Lisle.
How to Find the Blown Fuse in Your Car:
Frequently Asked Questions about Auto Test lights
While buying an automotive test light for your vehicle, you may have so many questions or queries in your mind regarding the test light. Here we will answer the most frequently asked questions on automotive test lights:
Question: Can I check the car fuses with the circuit tester?
Answer: The answer to this question will vary from one circuit tester to another. If you want to check the car fuse with the help of a circuit tester, you need to make sure that it can check DC.
If the circuit tester is capable of testing DC, then it can check the car fuse. So, the answer to this question is yes; you can check your car fuses through the circuit tester.
Question: How large should the cord wire of the automotive test light be?
Answer: The length of the test light is solely based on your requirements. Choosing one with a large cord wire ensures that you get great flexibility and hassle-free experience.
Depending upon the brand, the code wire length varies. To provide sufficient wire length, most of the code wires have reinforced spring into it.
What code length you need to choose is based on your requirements. You may want to select a 54-inch long cord or more than 54-inch long cord for the great flexibility, or you may want to choose the automotive test light with less than 54-inch of range.
Question: How can digital display LCD circuit tester help me?
Answer: Getting a circuit tester with a digital LCD display has great benefits. While buying a circuit tester, you will find that the ones that come with LCD digital display are priced higher as compared to those light testers that do not include digital LCD displays.
But, having a digital display can help you in many ways. It gives proper data of your vehicle testing on the screen. While selecting it, you need to make sure the display is accurate.
Question: Which company’s automotive test light is the best?
Answer: As there are so many brands for test lights out there in the market, it can be a bit confusing to decide about which company is the best for it. In this detailed guide, we have mentioned all the top brands for automotive test lights.
Choosing the famous brand’s test light ensures that you will get high-quality, constructed, and a high-toughness test light. Here are some of the most popular brands for automotive test lights: ATD, Jastind, Katzco, Innova, Performance Tool, VXSCAN, and Lisle.
Question: What is PU spring in the automotive test light?
Answer: The polyurethane (PU) spring is the type of spring attached in the automotive test light so that the user can have a hassle-free and great experience. The motive of PU spring is to provide secure, worry-free, and convenient operation.
The length you will get with the test light will vary from one product to another. You will see that the product without PU spring attached into it would have the cord wire of around 54-inch large.
But the test light with PU spring attached into it would have the capacity of extending around 140-inches. Hence, we can say that the circuit test light that has PU spring makes the operation easy and convenient.
Question: What parts of the vehicle can be checked with an automotive test light?
Answer: The automotive circuit testers are made up to help you check the issues in different parts of different vehicles. It ensures that you get accurate signals while checking.
With the help of an automotive test light, you can check your vehicle’s headlights, taillights, the turning signals, sockets, fuses, broken wires, connections, and much more. By providing the facility to check all these parts of the vehicle, it becomes the best and must-have tool.
Question: Why do automotive test lights include LEDs?
Answer: Depending upon the company of the test light, you will find different variations. In various test lights, you will see that they include LED lights in them. The LEDs in the test lights help to identify connections.
Depending upon the test light brand, you will see the changes in the LED colour of the test light. You will find the test lights with colours like white, green, and red.
Question: Should I consider the warranty?
Answer: While buying a test light for your vehicle, another important thing you need to keep in mind is the warranty policy of the company. Depending on the company, the warranty policy will be different.
You may be getting so many features and functions with a particular brand’s test light, but what it is of no use if the product arrives damaged in a short time.
Conclusion
Our detailed guide will help you to filter out the best circuit tester for your vehicle. A circuit tester can be a handy tool. It can help you in different situations and smoothens the process.
As there are so many brands out there in the market, it can be a bit difficult to make a decision regarding which is the best automotive test light.
To help you select the right one, here we have seen the top 11 test lights, buying considerations and some FAQs.