Fluke lifetime warranty experience? Did it work?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: psydaddy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2025, 09:50:59 pm
content: Have you ever sent your Fluke multimeter for a lifetime warranty repair? (The warranty that Fluke provides for as long as the product is still in production).What model was your multimeter?What was the issue?Did you get it calibrated?Did they send you a brand-new unit or return the same one?Did they replace any internal components, such as the circuit board or screen?Did anything go wrong with the warranty process?Were you charged just to be told that the repair wasn’t covered under warranty?Share your experience!

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2025, 09:58:51 pm
content: I had to send back my Fluke 289, which IIRC developed a fault on the AC current range. I shipped it back to the distributor I bought it from, whom I believe sent it on to Fluke.It was simply swapped for a new one, which of course works fine. No cost, except maybe return shipping.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2025, 10:51:46 pm
content: I'm in the US and I mailed the unit back to Fluke directly.2010 model 289, sent back twice.First time, battery life, memory loss with battery removed. 2nd time same thing plus I mentioned there were a bit more than 200 residual counts on the AC ranges.Calibration was provided at no charge both times. I believe this is standard for warranty repairor replacement.First time they replaced the supercap and returned the unit. Second time they attempted a repair, but one of the memory (or something) chips was NLA so they sent a new unit.It took a long time, 3-4 weeks or more.I don't know if they charge you if it is not covered and you opt not to repair it, but I'm sure you'd have to pay return shipping. Note that the display is only covered for 10 years, so if that's the issue they'll likely ask for some money. Also, experiences apparently vary widely by region. I was not asked for proof of purchase either time and other than slowness to respond, there were no issues at all. The replacement unit was retail boxed and came with a new calibration certificate (done for me to the standard I selected), test leads and a thermocouple IIRC.

author: Laval
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 12:06:13 am
content: One morning last year the AC voltage of my 87V stopped working. Maybe it had stopped before since I don't use AC that often. It was sent to the manufacturer and 7 weeks later it came back repaired and readjusted at not charge. This is a 2004 model.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 12:23:52 am
content: Quote from: psydaddy on March 22, 2025, 09:50:59 pmIt ain't lifetime of course. Model up-revisions are the same as obsoleting, so an 87-IV is not covered. When I contacted Fluke Support it was basically done, bin it.i.e. when the 87-VI comes out, putting the 87-V no longer in production, I'd expect problems with warranty claims for the V.

author: mwb1100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 12:44:56 am
content: Quote from:https://www.fluke.com/en-us/support/warrantiesThe policy is pretty clear, and it seems pretty fair to me.Of course, you pay for it in those hefty price tags.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 01:31:48 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on March 23, 2025, 12:23:52 amThe 89-IV was a bit unusual, but the model change to the 187 did not have anything to do with warranty issues because the warranty on the 89-IV was stated as "lifetime" without defining the term. The warranty for the 187/189 that came out less than two years later had the additional definition of "lifetime" as 7 years past the cessation of production plus a minimum of 10 years from purchase.I believe they ran into issues servicing the 89-IV/187/189 even before the stated lifetime was up (presumably some parts being NLA) and offered discounts on a new meter as a consolation prize. It is possible that NLA parts were also responsible for the fairly short production run of the whole series--something like 9 years--because AFAIK they were still selling well.AFAIK Fluke has not churned models to limit warranty claims, in fact they respun the guts of the 289 without changing the model even though that means supplying replacement meters where the original cannot be serviced. There have been some shorter runs--the 87-III for example--but this was due to rapidly changing technology and customer requirements.

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 01:57:12 am
content: We have an original Fluke 87 from when they first came out. It's still spot on and our "Go To" handheld DMM. Wonder if it "Qualifies" for Lifetime Warranty?Best

author: TopLoser
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 02:31:41 am
content: A few years ago I sent back a very old model 83 that had been very much abused (welcome to my life!)They sent me an email with a quotation of £150+ for repair (apparently the input protection MOVs had undergone some spontaneous change of state). It was a little too high for me so I asked them to chuck it in the skip and forget about it instead of me paying them £45 to return it to me unrepaired.They were very understanding - "Please be advised that if you want this unit scrapped we can do this free of charge."A few days later a nice new one arrived in the post, no charge.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 04:27:19 am
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on March 23, 2025, 01:31:48 amSafety standards get updated around every 7 years and manufacturers servicing/warrantying old products that no longer meet or have been tested to the current standard, I would think is a liability.An original 87 certified to IEC-1010 would not pass IEC-61010 of later years, nor the introduction 61010-2-033 etc.Fluke knows their older multimeters could not pass newer safety standards. I'm not sure how they grandfather this.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 04:59:48 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on March 23, 2025, 04:27:19 amUnless there were a particular known hazard or problem IDK why that would be an issue for the manufacturer. If an end-user was required to meet a certain standard then they'd have to purchase new equipment and that's a reason for Fluke to update its new products, not to suddenly pull the warranty or stop servicing the previous ones.QuoteI'm not sure what you mean by "grandfather". The 87-III was IEC-1010 CAT III/1000V and didn't have closed-case calibration.

author: psydaddy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 01:39:42 pm
content: Thanks.Did you opened it before send it to them? If you opened it, did they refused to fix it for you?I opened my 289 to take a look on the cap, which looks bad as you guys mentioned. I had no problem with that cap but well I would like to have it calibrated for free. I know for some videos on youtube that when fluke returns the multimeter also calibrates it for free. Calibration is quite expensive, i did that once and after a few months I got 2 new flukes and values don't quite match.

author: CapLeaker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 05:12:55 pm
content: Look at my 289 thread here:https://www.badcaps.net/forum/troubleshooting-hardware-devices-and-electronics-theory/troubleshooting-game-consoles-other-weird-devices/65697-fluke-289-bad-supercapacitor-replacement-repairThat answeres a lot of questions you got.

author: CapLeaker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 05:27:27 pm
content: After 10 years you need proof of purchase @ Fluke for warranty repair to happen.

author: Gregg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 05:39:37 pm
content: About 25 years ago I sent in a 89-IV and the returned unit had a new board. I did have a copy of my original receipt from when I bought it new but I don't remember if I needed it. This was just before the 189/187 models came out. It has been rock solid ever since.

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 07:03:36 pm
content: In a late Warner Brothers Roadrunner cartoon, the coyote purchased an Acme flying suit that was “guaranteed for the lifetime of the purchaser”.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 07:06:49 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on March 23, 2025, 04:59:48 amI'm speaking of "grandfathering clauses" when an updated safety standard comes out, there is a transition period allowing manufacturers to continue production under the old certificate. Eventually, they have to meet the new standard, which can mean big design changes and essentially a new model/revision.An ex-employer certified product to an antique safety standard (mechanical switches) instead of the new (functional safety MCU) version, as a loophole. I did not go along with that. I can't quite remember the rules for making products, or repairing them when certified to an older safety standard revision. It's been a while since I had to deal with this, so I could have it wrong.For Fluke to do warranty repairs on older products, the question comes up as an example how safe is the 87-III for use today? The standards were up to 27 years back and different that today. When does a corporation/HSE retire these. Coveralls and PPE they are crazy about safety and upgrades etc. but not a peep over test equipment {hey Fortive possible sales angle lol}.Also, there were old Fluke multimeter recalls as a design flaw, which needed H/W changes. So they can't support those and it might explain the swap out for a new one some of the time.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 07:53:13 pm
content: Quote from: CapLeaker on March 23, 2025, 05:27:27 pmI was not asked for this and my meter was >12 years old at the time I first sent it it. I don't think I can find the receipt at this point either. I think this varies a lot by region, even between Canada and the US. European users have reported proof of purchase requirements for any warranty service. Also, my meter was in absolutely mint condition and had a common, known problem. If it looks like a truck ran it over and all of the MOVs are blown off the board, then YMMV.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 08:20:19 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on March 23, 2025, 07:06:49 pmOK, like Boeing. IDK about the timing of standards changes and requirements in the test equipment industry, but as I said I'd think this would be mostly driven by customer requirements vs liability concerns.QuoteI don't consider it a given that a meter certified to an old standard would not pass the new tests, depending on which meter and which tests we're talking about. A meter certified to IEC-1010 CAT III/1000V might very well be good for the newer standards and CAT IV/600V or there might be some modification needed. That might be minor or not. In any case, I really think the hazards of using an undamaged 87-III or 27 (CAT III/1000V) meter would minimal to nonexistent. Perhaps some improvements have been made somewhere in later models, but they use the same components and general input design.The 187/189 in particular are marked CAT III/1000V and the original 2000 manual lists them as such, but the 2002 revised manual includes CAT IV/600V. So either they made some sneaky inline updates or the design was good enough as is to meet the new standard.

author: psydaddy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 08:22:54 pm
content: Quote from: CapLeaker on March 23, 2025, 05:27:27 pmThe Fluke representative of my country told me i wont need to send the proof of pourchase. Which is fine. Did you get it calibrated with a calibrated certificate?

author: psydaddy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 08:24:47 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on March 23, 2025, 07:53:13 pmI'm from Europe and they told me i don't need a proof.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 09:01:08 pm
content: Quote from: psydaddy on March 23, 2025, 08:24:47 pmLet us know how it goes, I hope that work out for you. AFAIK you always get a calibration certficate with repairs, but my experience is limited to the US.

author: CapLeaker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 09:06:38 pm
content: The ones I’ve got were purchased originally with a calibration certificate. I tried to send mine in to Fluke Canada for warranty repair after 10 years and 3 months and they wanted proof of purchase after 10 years. Not having that, I repaired mine myself. It’s not that bad to do.I also got an Agilent U1253B and the OLED display died. Agilent denied warranty not having any parts and wanted me to purchase a new one. I collaborated with atomicfrenzy on eBay and came up with a replacement OLED board for it. He still has my original OLED board. My replacement OLED screen prototype from him still works A1!As Canadians we always get screwed over one way or the other by the big corporations and import duties, fees and taxes from the government.However… as long as you are willing to shell out some $$$, you can purchase anything you want by Fluke. Case, rotary dial, battery cover or whatever… no problem, even if the thing is 22 years old like my Fluke 179.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 12:23:35 am
content: Is this "7 year" Fluke warranty a selling feature?For Fortive's fat bloated price, I could buy say three multimeters albeit lesser reliability and quality, over that warranty period, from competitors. They would have more functions and modern features too.Literally toss it in the garbage, buy a new one every few years instead of the hassles getting an RMA, shipping costs, customs paperwork etc. and wondering all along what you will be charged for the repair, if it's covered or not by Fluke warranty.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 01:04:52 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on March 24, 2025, 12:23:35 amIt's a ten year minimum with a 7 year rolling window so you'll have plenty of time to think about replacing it should they stop making your model.I'll agree prices have gotten a bit rich, but for an initial investment of $400 I will get at least 21 years of warranty coverage even if they stop making the 289 tomorrow. That's $20/year and I don't like throwing things away or getting used to new products that always seem to lack the one feature that I liked. Yes, you could buy Keysight or Uni-T meters and bin them every 3-5 years. If you're a rough user and most of your meters die accidentally anyway or go missing, then perhaps that makes sense.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 01:28:24 am
content: Fluke multimeter prices I get from Digi-Key USA:289 $1,392 USD287 $1,171 USD179 $746 USD177 $676 USD117 $449 USD87-5 $831 USD87V-MAX $954 USD77-4 $654 USD17B+ $234 USD15B+ $184 USD

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 03:47:13 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on March 24, 2025, 01:28:24 amThose are more than 50% over the list price on Fluke's website--and they'll give you a 10% off welcome offer. They're also nearly double the prices on TEquipment and they'll give you an additional 6% off if you know the secret code.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 03:57:11 am
content: Oh, I was trying to find the $400 ballpark you were using. The prices are a mess. Even weirder the prices are the same in $CAD at digikey.caIt's too bad it's not the John Fluke Co legend, instead of this Fortive turd that milks the brand cash cow too much.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 04:47:10 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on March 24, 2025, 01:28:24 amActual USD prices right now on DigiKey.com:289 $874.99287 $735.99179 $468.99177 $424.99117 $281.9987-5 $521.9987V-MAX $588.9977-4 $410.9917B+ $147.3115B+ $115.36289 new in box can be found easily on eBay for around $600. Used, under $400.Also, the Fluke-bashing is a rotting corpse of an argument at this point.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2025, 04:53:20 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on March 24, 2025, 03:57:11 amI think that's a DigiKey and Canada issue there...my condolences on that mess.$400 was 15 years ago. A nice kit too! Those days are long gone, but so are $1/dozen eggs.

author: psydaddy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2025, 12:54:50 am
content: Update:I got the Fluke 289 EU version from a guy that was selling it close to me. The version is quite similar to the Chinese version I got online, even the injection molding has the same markings. But the quality is lower. It looks like some parts might not be made in china so they get it hard to manufacture (the back stand for example).So I sold my Chinese 289 and sent out my new EU version to Fluke under the lifetime warranty protection.Nobody asked me for the invoice. I sent it to a Fluke representative and the sent it to out to fluke. They changed the board and calibrated it. There's no calibration certificate but that doesn't quite matter to me.When I got it, I'm not sure why but they sent me the Fluke a Chinesium 11A fuse. I made a complaint that got them suspicious, but I had the video of the opening and sent it afterwards to the representative. In the end they sent me a good fuse and replaced it.No complains besides that fuse.