I don't know how to use a multimeter

[cbrsmurf]

So I bought one, tested it out on a AAA battery... works fine, I get a reading. But I cant get any readings to show on my bike, with battery on or off and even with the engine turned on. I haven't tested the multimeter on the main battery yet, cuz that involves taking the tank off. I've tried all combos of the + and - jacks, but no reading at any settings. I usually try it at 20V though... reads 0.00.


How do you use this damn thing??

[tjb]

Originally posted by cbrsmurf
So I bought one, tested it out on a AAA battery... works fine, I get a reading. But I cant get any readings to show on my bike, with battery on or off and even with the engine turned on. I haven't tested the multimeter on the main battery yet, cuz that involves taking the tank off. I've tried all combos of the + and - jacks, but no reading at any settings. I usually try it at 20V though... reads 0.00.


How do you use this damn thing??
what do you mean by the + and - jacks? Does your meter have Ohm and voltage? It should also have settings for different levels of voltage. one way to test it is to unplug one of your connectors in your wiring harness (definately helps to know what the connector is for) and see if you can get a reading across it. Put the red lead on the connector that is still connected to the battery and the black (ground) lead to the fairing stay or some other metal. You should see a spike on the voltmeter. Do it with the ignition on, but bike not running, also, don't do it too long or you will wear down your battery.

[Ikazuchi]

If you want to come by, I'll show you all the ins and outs of a multimeter.