Before buying, Agilent 34401A reads high issue. What are the possible causes?

[StrayElectrons]

This 34401A multimeter has issues.   For example seller said voltage reads 21V for measured of 9V and other functions are incorrect.

Seller is asking 358.29 canadian dollars, shipping not included, which is shipping of 15 dollars.

What are the possible causes other than calibration to do, which I can do.   I don't mind repairing as long as proprietary parts are not damaged.

Cheers,

[Dr. Frank]

Hello,

I've never before heard about such an odd error on the 34401A.
Please give a complete and precise description of all the errors this unit shows.

Otherwise, it's not possible to make any educated guess about the possible problem(s).

Frank 

[StrayElectrons]

Thank you, I just sent asking seller's for more information about this issues.

This is all I get from the auction text, fyi.

I kept coming back to the 34401A multimeter as good choice after reviewing several chinese made bench meters posted by others via google search on each model with forums included.   I kept finding the cons which considered to be biggie for me.    Owon models I read about is not too bad but long start up is not a problem as long as other cons that are not a issues to me unless your replies states otherwise.

And I don't mind repairing as long as initial purchase does not explode my budget on initial purchase of a meter that needs repairs or not.   Older meters made by HP and other older meters, does not have diode tester which 34401A does.    This is important item as I use this the most.   I also do voltage readings.   I know this diode mode is custom programming with low voltage and limited current while meter reads this as voltage for voltage drop across diode and transistor junctions.   I could made a presdo diode tester made with external box sourcing current limited to 5mA at about 3V to 5V with multimeter set to voltage across the DUT n-p junctions

I know people would suggest handheld meters but I don't want this, already have two, have to reposition all the time and keep tipping over and hungry for 9V batteries.    While bench meter is perfect solution and out of way working on electronics.

Cheers,