Using a meter is quite simple. What you look for on controls is DC VOLTS. Set to 20 if it is not autoranging. Go to battery, touch red to red, black to black. Should read(+12.4 - 12.7 ) volts. Reverse leads, Red to Black, Black to red, should read negative volts(-12.4) same as before. That shows direction of current flow. (+-) Next practice is battery + Red to body or bolt ground - black. Volts. Do not connect meter to this set in AMPS. You will let the smoke out.
You can plug meter directly into fuse top and read a current ( DC Amps) if current flowing in circuit, like a shorted or mis connected wire (stereo) or bad control module. That helps determine exactly where problem is.
The caution for meter use is Like the fuse check. Very important to switch meter to what you are measuring. Current or voltage. Max current for meter is about 20 amps. A Big leak. Also a big spark. Fuse reading should start an amp range. If no Big reading, switch to milleamp range try again. !00 MA ok draw for a week before battery drains. 100-200 MilleAmp is usually where you find the drain.
There is a conversion chart that lists MA drain on top of fuse. Print it and keep with meter.
Utube using a meter automotive test. Good luck and keep posting results.
You can plug meter directly into fuse top and read a current ( DC Amps) if current flowing in circuit, like a shorted or mis connected wire (stereo) or bad control module. That helps determine exactly where problem is.
The caution for meter use is Like the fuse check. Very important to switch meter to what you are measuring. Current or voltage. Max current for meter is about 20 amps. A Big leak. Also a big spark. Fuse reading should start an amp range. If no Big reading, switch to milleamp range try again. !00 MA ok draw for a week before battery drains. 100-200 MilleAmp is usually where you find the drain.
There is a conversion chart that lists MA drain on top of fuse. Print it and keep with meter.
Utube using a meter automotive test. Good luck and keep posting results.
