Auto Repair Advice by Professional Automotive Experts
Diagnostic Testing
/ Multi Meter
How to Use a Multi Meter (Voltmeter)
A digital voltmeter is ideal for home and shop use and aids
in troubleshooting and locate faulty wiring. A digital voltmeter can also
check and test electrical components such as a control relay or an ignition coil
to help pinpoint a problem area and determine which components need repair or replacement.
A digital voltmeter checks AC/DC voltage, amps, resistance, transistors and diodes
and has a large digital display for easy viewing. Most digital voltmeters are battery
operated (batteries not included) and have detachable color-coded test leads. Warranties
can vary on digital voltmeters but most have a 1 year guarantee with free replacement.
A digital voltmeter can be used to check for continuity of an electrical circuit. A
digital voltmeter utilizes two test leads to probe wiring using a sharply pointed
rod which is optimal for piercing a
wire,
or testing a
fuse
and checking the surface charge of a
battery.
A digital voltmeter is easy to use, first connect the ground clip to a ground source
to test power related issues, and to the positive battery terminal to test ground
related issues.

Actron Multimeter (voltmeter)
Digital Voltmeter Function Range
- DC Voltage 200mV to 1000V
- AC Voltage 200V to 750V
- DC Current 200μA to 10A
- Ohms200 to 2M
- Diode Check
- Transistor Check

Using a Digital Voltmeter to Test a Battery Surface
Voltage
To check a battery surface voltage remove the positive terminal protective
cover. Connect the + positive side meter lead (red) to the positive side battery
terminal. Connect the - negative (black) side meter lead to the negative battery
terminal. With the vehicle not running and the car sitting over night the
battery voltage should be between 12.5 and 12.8 volts.
Diagnostic Testing /
Multi meter
Check Manufacturer Specific Multi
Meter Voltmeter
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