Ancel PB50 Automotive Circuit Tester User Manual

1. Introduction

The ANCEL PB50 Automotive Circuit Tester is a versatile diagnostic tool designed to simplify electrical system testing in 6 to 30-volt vehicles. This manual provides detailed instructions for safe operation, setup, testing procedures, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your device.

Image: The Ancel PB50 circuit tester, showing the main unit, probe tip, auxiliary ground lead, and battery hookup clips.

2. Important Safety Information

WARNING: Read this material before using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury. SAVE THIS MANUAL.

To prevent personal injury or damage to vehicles and/or the test tool, read this instruction manual first and observe the following safety precautions at a minimum whenever working on a vehicle:

• Always perform automotive testing in a safe environment.
• Wear safety eye protection that meets ANSI standards.
• Keep clothing, hair, hands, tools, test equipment, etc. away from all moving or hot engine parts.
• Operate the vehicle in a well ventilated work area: Exhaust gases are poisonous.
• Put blocks in front of the drive wheels and never leave the vehicle unattended while running tests.
• Use extreme caution when working around the ignition coil, distributor cap, ignition wires and spark plugs. These components create hazardous voltages when the engine is running.
• Put the transmission in PARK (for automatic transmission) or NEUTRAL (for manual transmission) and make sure the parking brake is engaged.
• Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline/chemical/electrical fires nearby.
• Don't connect or disconnect any test equipment while the ignition is on or the engine is running.
• Keep the tool dry, clean, free from oil/water or grease. Use a mild detergent on a clean cloth to clean the outside of the test tool, when necessary.
• When the power switch in the tool is depressed, battery current/voltage is conducted directly to the tip which may cause sparks when contacting ground or certain circuits. Therefore the tool should NOT be used around flammables such as gasoline or its vapors. The spark of an energized tool could ignite these vapors. Use the same caution as you would when using an arc welder.

3. Setup and Quick Self-Test

3.1 Parts List

3.2 Tool Description

The ANCEL PB50 is an electrical tester designed to reduce diagnostic time in 6 to 30-volt vehicle electrical systems. It features:

• Probe Tip: Contacts the circuit or component to be tested.
• Head Lights: Illuminates dark work areas or work areas at night.
• Red/Green Polarity Indicator: Identifies positive (RED), negative (GREEN), or open circuits.
• LCD Display: Indicates test results.
• Power Switch: Allows conducting positive or negative battery current to the tip for activating and testing electrical components.
• Mode Button: Selects work mode (AC voltage, DC voltage, resistance, diode).
• Auxiliary Ground Lead: Assists in testing as a ground lead.
• Battery Hookup Clips: Connects to vehicle battery to power on the tool.

Image: Diagram highlighting the advanced features of the ANCEL PB50, such as self-check, audio reminder, active component testing, LED light, positive and negative detection, and overload protection.

3.3 Powering the Tool

The tool is powered via the vehicle battery. Connect the RED battery clamp to the POSITIVE terminal of the vehicle's battery, and the BLACK clamp to the NEGATIVE terminal. When the tool is first connected, it will sound a beep and the Head Lights will turn on to illuminate the test area of the probe tip.

Image: The Ancel PB50 circuit tester connected to a vehicle battery, illustrating the power connection.

3.4 Quick Self-Test

Before testing any circuit or component, perform a quick self-test to ensure the tool is in good working order:

1. With the tool connected to the battery, locate the momentary rocker Power Switch on the tool's body (flanked by positive and negative markings).
2. Press the Power Switch forward to activate the tip with a positive voltage. The Red LED should light, the LCD will display the battery voltage, and a beep tone will sound. Release the switch; the LED will turn off and the tone will cease.
3. Press the Power Switch rearward to activate the tip with a negative voltage. The Green LED should light, the LCD will display 0.0V (ground), and a beep tone will sound. Release the switch; the LED will turn off and the tone will cease.

If these steps are successful, your tool is working correctly and ready for use.

IMPORTANT: When powering-up components, you can increase the life of the power switch if you first press the switch, then contact the tip to the component. The arcing will take place at the tip instead of the contacts of the switch.

Image: Illustration demonstrating the correct method of inserting the probe tip into the device to prevent damage.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Work Modes

The PB50 offers four diagnostic modes, accessible by pressing the Mode Button:

• DC Voltage Mode: Contact the probe tip to a circuit; the LCD displays the DC voltage with 0.1 volt resolution.
• AC Voltage Mode: Contact the probe tip to a circuit; the LCD displays Max. voltage, Min. Voltage, and frequency.
• Resistance Mode: Contact the probe tip to a circuit; the LCD displays the resistance between the tip and the auxiliary ground lead.
• Diode Mode: Contact the probe tip to the positive terminal of a diode and the auxiliary ground lead to the negative terminal. The screen displays the forward voltage drop (forward bias). Exchanging the connections will not display voltage (reverse bias).

Image: The ANCEL PB50 display illustrating various measurement modes including AC Voltage, DC Voltage, Diode Test, Resistance Test, Data Graph (Duty Cycle), and Frequency.

4.2 Voltage & Polarity Testing

In DC Voltage mode:

• Positive Circuit: Probe tip to a positive circuit. Red LED lights, LCD displays voltage (0.1V resolution), beep sounds.
• Negative Circuit: Probe tip to a negative circuit. Green LED lights, LCD displays 0.0V (ground), beep sounds.
• Open Circuit: Neither LED lights.

4.3 Continuity Testing

In Resistance mode, use the probe tip with chassis ground or the auxiliary ground lead to test continuity on wires and components:

• Good Ground: Probe tip contacts a good ground. LCD displays "0.0Ω", Green LED lights, beep sounds.
• Resistance Value: For other cases, the LCD indicates the resistance value. If resistance is > 100KΩ, LCD shows "OL".

You can also prove continuity by powering up the connection with the power switch. If the circuit breaker trips, you have a good, low-resistance connection.

Note: The probe tip can pierce plastic insulation, allowing circuit testing without disconnection.

4.4 Signal Circuit Testing

To test sensor circuits (e.g., MAP sensor):

1. Set the tool to AC Voltage mode, using the probe tip with chassis ground or the auxiliary ground lead.
2. Connect a vacuum pump to the MAP sensor.
3. Contact the probe tip to the MAP sensor positive terminal. Observe the LCD readings, which should show a sine wave in normal condition.
4. Apply vacuum and observe the LCD readings. Abnormal readings indicate a sensor problem.

4.5 Activating Components

The PB50 allows activating components both in your hand and in the vehicle.

4.5.1 Activating Components in Your Hand

In DC Voltage mode, use the probe tip with the auxiliary ground lead:

1. Connect the auxiliary ground lead to the negative terminal or ground side of the component.
2. Contact the probe tip to the positive terminal of the component. The green LED should light, indicating continuity.
3. Quickly press and release the power switch forward. If the green LED goes out and the red LED comes on, you can proceed.
4. Rock and hold the power switch forward to supply power to the component. Power flows from the battery, through the probe tip, into the component, and back to the vehicle's ground via the auxiliary ground lead.

If the green LED goes off instantly or the circuit breaker trips, the tool is overloaded. This can happen if:

• The contact is direct ground or negative voltage.
• The component is short-circuited.
• The component is a very high current component (e.g., starter motor).

If the circuit breaker trips, allow 15 seconds for it to cool down and reset.

4.5.2 Activating Components in the Vehicle

Similar to activating components in hand, but with additional precautions:

In DC Voltage mode, contact the probe tip to the positive terminal of the component. The green LED should light, indicating continuity to ground. While observing the green LED, quickly depress and release the power switch forward. If the green LED went out and the red LED came on, you may proceed with further activation.

WARNING: Haphazardly applying voltage to certain circuits can cause damage to a vehicle's electronic components. Therefore, it is strongly advised to use the vehicle manufacturer's schematic and diagnosing procedure while testing.

4.5.3 Activating Components with Ground

In DC Voltage mode, contact the probe tip to the negative terminal of the component. The red LED should light. While observing the red LED, quickly depress and release the power switch rearward. If the red LED went out and the green LED came on, you may proceed with further activation.

Overload conditions and circuit breaker reset procedures are the same as for activating components in hand.

WARNING: If you are contacting a protected circuit, a vehicle's fuse can be blown or tripped if you apply ground to it.

4.6 Testing Trailer Lights and Connections

In DC Voltage mode:

1. Clip the auxiliary ground lead to the trailer ground.
2. Probe the contacts at the jack.
3. Apply voltage to the probe tip. This allows checking the function and orientation of the connector and trailer lights.

If the circuit breaker trips, that contact is likely a ground. Reset the circuit breaker by letting it cool down for 15 seconds.

4.7 Red/Green Polarity LED

The Red/Green Polarity LED lights up when the probe tip voltage matches the battery voltage within ±0.4 volts. This provides valuable information to the technician.

If the circuit being tested is not within ±0.4 volts of the supply voltage, the LCD will show a voltage reading, but no tone or LED will activate. This indicates a voltage drop exceeding 0.8 volts from battery voltage or an increase of 0.8 volts or more over battery voltage.

To determine battery voltage, remove the tip from the circuit and press the power switch forward. The difference between this reading and the circuit reading indicates voltage drop or increase.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Auto Circuit Breaker

The tool is short-circuit protected. Its internal circuit breaker will trip if it becomes overloaded. This protects the tool from damage.

When the circuit breaker trips, all other functions (like probing and voltage reading) remain active. However, the tool will not conduct battery current to the tip even if the power switch is pressed. This acts as an added precaution against accidental power switch presses.

5.2 Following & Locating Short Circuits

Short circuits often manifest as blown fuses or tripped electrical protection devices. Start your search at the fuse box:

1. Remove the blown fuse.
2. Use the probe tip to activate and energize each of the fuse contacts. The contact that trips the circuit breaker indicates the shorted circuit. Note its wire identification code or color.
3. Follow the wire along the wiring harness.
4. If following a short in a specific circuit (e.g., brake light), locate the color-coded wire in the harness and expose it.
5. Probe through the insulation with the tip and depress the power switch forward to energize the wire.
6. If the circuit breaker trips, the wire is shorted. Cut the wire and energize each end with the probe tip. The end that trips the circuit breaker again is the shorted circuit.
7. Follow this wire in the shorted direction, repeating the process until the short is located.

5.3 Checking for Bad Ground Contacts

To check a suspected ground wire or contact:

1. Probe the contact with the probe tip.
2. Observe the green LED.
3. Depress the power switch forward then release.

If the green LED went out and the red LED came on, and a beep sounded, it is not a true ground. If the circuit breaker tripped, it is likely a good ground. Be aware that high current components (like starter motors) can also trip the circuit breaker.

6. Maintenance

• Keep the tool dry, clean, free from oil/water or grease.
• Use a mild detergent on a clean cloth to clean the outside of the test tool, when necessary.
• Store the tool in a safe and dry place when not in use.

7. Specifications

8. User Tips

• Computer and Airbag Safety: The tool's LED and LCD draw minimal current (less than 1 milliamp), making it safe for use as a test light or multimeter around computer and airbag systems. However, avoid pressing the power switch when near sensitive electronics, as this conducts full battery current.
• Preventing Overload: To prevent accidental power delivery to sensitive components, connect the extra ground lead to the tool and press the power switch forward until the circuit breaker trips. This disables power to the tip while still allowing multimeter functions.
• Resetting Circuit Breaker: After an overload, simply press the reset button to restore full functionality when away from sensitive components.
• Piercing Insulation: The probe tip is designed to pierce plastic insulation, allowing you to test circuits without needing to disconnect wires.

9. Warranty and Support

9.1 Limited 90 Day Warranty

ANCEL warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage due to misuse, abuse, negligence, accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or lack of maintenance.

ANCEL is not liable for death, injuries, or property damage, or for incidental, contingent, special, or consequential damages arising from the use of this product.

To claim warranty, the product must be returned with transportation charges prepaid, proof of purchase date, and an explanation of the complaint. ANCEL will repair or replace the product, or refund the purchase price if a replacement is not readily available. If no defect is found or the defect is outside warranty scope, the cost of returning the product will be borne by the customer.

This warranty provides specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary by state.

9.2 Manufacturer Contact

OBDSPACE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
Address: D03, Block A, No.973 Minzhi Ave, Longhua District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Support Email: support@anceltech.com
Website: www.anceltech.com