Check out the video below for more on how to perform a parasitic draw test on a battery with a multimeter. Multimeters can also perform a parasitic draw test to see if the battery is drawing too many amps and causing it to die. How to Perform a Parasitic Draw Test with a Multimeter Information CAR CLINIC BY MORT SCHULTZ Racked up Because of limited. For example, if the multimeter is set to 10 amps and the draw exceeds that amperage, the multimeter will shut down or in some cases may break.įor example, if you wanted to test a fan that you know is not at its spec, in this case 4 amps, you want to cut the wire or disconnect the wire leading to the fan and place a lead on either end of the wire to test how much current the fan is actively drawing.

Be careful when checking the current draw because the max amperage the multimeter can draw is what the setting is at. Like the other settings, the scale will move the decimal point on the digital numbers to change the range. Turn the dial to the amperage icon (marked with an A and two parallels lines with a lower dotted line) to measure the current. How to Perform Resistance and Continuity Tests with a Digital Multimeter How to Test for Continuity Depending on the circuit type, the reading could be between 5 and 12 volts.ģ.Place a red/positive lead on the other end to the circuit.Add the alligator clip to the RED test probe only, connect it to the distributor side of the plug wire. Place a black/negative lead to the negative battery terminal. Connect BLACK test lead to a good vehicle ground.How to Test Circuits with a Digital Multimeter The load test tool will put a load on the battery and reads how it reacts.Ģ. Switch on ignition and measure primary voltage. Connect multimeter to terminals 2 + 6 of connector to control module for Diesel-Direct fuel injection system for voltage measurement. A battery load test tool is needed for an accurate battery test. Harness connector of oxygen sensor is located at vehicle floor under a synthetic cover. In this video, I show how to test the 7 pin trailer connector with a typical Multimeter. The reading won’t indicate if the battery is good or bad but just what the charge is. My trailer lights and brake controller recently stopped working and I had to troubleshoot the problem. If it reads less than 12 volts, the battery needs to be charged. Check the Voltage Reading on the Digital Screen.Place the negative/black lead to the negative battery post and the positive/red lead to the positive battery post. Place the Leads to the Corresponding Battery Terminals.Turn the headlights on for one minute to remove the surface charge from the battery. Steps for Testing a Car Battery’s Voltage

Multimeter to check auto connector plug