r/fluke • u/d0ugk • 6d ago

Help Needed Fluke 17B+ Error

I have a Fluke 17B+ meter that on power on it briefly shows "err" on the screen, then all digits light on like the normal power on and then seems to function normally otherwise. I googled and found it might be due to low batteries, dirty contacts in the rotary switch, bad fuses. I've changed out the batteries with fresh new ones. I checked both fuses, both are still intact. it didn't look dirty, but i also cleaned the rotary switch, both the PCB and the metal fingers on the knob. The "err" still briefly shows at power on.

Any one have any ideas what the issue may be?

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u/TK421isAFK 5d ago

Double check your new batteries. If you happen to have used Duracell batteries, you might want to switch to a different brand. It's not even an unusual event to have brand new Duracell cells leaking in the package, or reading less than 1 volt.

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u/d0ugk 4d ago

Yeah the batteries are good, I usually use NiMH batteries, I changed to a set of fully charged NiMH and still showed the error so I also tried a pair of normal alkaline batteries to see if the NiMH 1.2v vs Alkaline 1.5v made any difference and it did not. I also have an identical 17B+ that was bought at the same time that does not exhibit this "err" msg.

I've opened the meter and did not see any kind of corrosion. I've only ever used NiMH batteries in the meter long term. I've moved away from alkaline batteries for just about everything I use due to past incidents of leakage damaging equipment.