Wondering if your car’s battery is still good? ChrisFix, popular YouTube mechanic, is ready to show you how to test it using a multimeter. It’s fast and easy, so watch the video to see what you need to do.
How does ChrisFix say to test your car’s battery using a multimeter?
- Set the multimeter to a setting above 20 volts
- Connect the red line to the positive and the black to the negative
- Check for 12.6 volts
- Start the car and make sure the reading stays above 10
The process is really simple. Check out the video, then read on to learn how you can tell you have a bad battery, test it, and what other problems could cause this issue. Don’t forget to subscribe to his channel!
Symptoms of a Bad Battery
There are several symptoms to watch for that can indicate you have a problem with your car’s battery.
If the battery light switches on, then you know there’s an issue. Also, if the engine cranks slowly or not at all.
Chris indicates a clicking sound when you turn on the car engine is a potential issue. If the headlights or interior lights seem weak or dead, then that can indicate battery issues.
These types of problems often stem from a weak battery, but they can also stem from the alternator. Testing the battery is the first step in narrowing down the issue.
How to Test the Battery Using a Multimeter
To test your battery, turn on your car’s headlights and leave them on for a few minutes. This will burn off any excess charge that the battery has.
Next, set the multimeter somewhere above 20 volts. Connect the black line to the battery’s negative terminal and the red line to the battery’s positive terminal.
Read the reading. It should be 12.6 volts or higher.
Next, turn on the car while watching the meter. It should not dip past 10, and it should jump up past 12.6 while the car runs.
If the battery does dip down past 10, then it’s starting to wear out. If you see a reading of 5 or less, the battery is worthless.
Remember, car batteries are designed to last about four years, but many do not last this long. Keeping a multimeter on hand will help you test the battery when needed to ensure it’s working well.
What if it’s not the Battery?
If the battery tests out fine, then it may be the alternator. Thankfully, Chris has another video that shows how to test this.
You can also double-check the battery connections. Make sure they aren’t corroded, which can cause problems even if the battery has plenty of juice. After cleaning terminals, top them with WD40 to prevent future corrosion.
Get More Details about Your Car with the Vehicle History Report
Want to know more about your car? The Vehicle History report will give you all of the details. This is a great resource to tap when doing maintenance or shopping for a new vehicle.
