Voltage Question

[Jon Abbondanza]

General Voltage Question: If you disconnect a car battery's negative cable, and put a voltmeter with one lead on the cable and one on the negative terminal, will it register voltage? I ask because when I do this, I get approximately 8 volts as a reading. My battery doesn't drain even if the truck sits for days, and fuses do not blow.

Thank you.

 

[exp500]

That should show about 12.5v. Try across battery terminals to verify bat voltage. What you are technically measuring there is load to ground. So you should set meter to amps, only if the amps are within the meters capacity. I hate when I blow a fuse in the Fluke.
Any more questions ? Post away! Lots of knowlegeable folks here willing to help.