How to Use a Digital Multimeter (Checking Voltage) | Car Audio 101

Learn how to use a digital multimeter to check voltage. This is a basic, yet informative video on what the dials mean, what settings to use, and how to measure the voltage on 12V applications. This knowledge is necessary for anyone that is installing their own car audio systems or working with electronics.

This is part one of many digital multimeter videos.

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[SonicElectronix]

Yup! Our techs get asked this question a lot, so we thought a video would help out those just getting started with car audio.

[petermchale]

Nicely explained.  Thanks for taking the time to do this vid.

[bestregards]

Best tutorial on car multimeter, thanks

[techmaster]

Good little video for people that don't know how to do this. :)

[jean-francoisleger]

Very handy video. Thank you for clearing things up.

[archpowersports]

Great video. Looking forward to more instructional videos!

[redbirdsaraceno]

thanks for th tips ! i was trying to check my fuse box to see where to install a piggy back fuse adaptor for an equalizer and i was getting weird or no numbers because i didnt know what setting to use on my multimeter and now i do, perfect just what i was looking for, an easy quick explanation ( 8 youtube vids later !).

[tkrueger]

nice work. helped me to make sense of this thing. exactly what I was looking for. thanks!

[florinwizz]

I got 2 amps, one under the passenger seat and the other in the trunk. They have separate ground and I don't seem to have a ground loop, everything is silent no engine noise. I tested the voltage on the amps both read what the battery poles read. I haven't tested the ground resistence though I think I should do that. I have no voltage drop. Somehow the bass sounds muddy and boomy with a JL 12w3v3 in ported box built to specs. When you are close to the sub box it's like a bass echo. Does this have to do with the box itself or could it be a wiring issue?

[Ace-pfwo]

The fluke meter what voltage would u test window motor wires under?

[irebollar]

can i request a video for subwoofers comparing a cvr12 kicker between a RE audio RFX 12 cant decide which one is better

[jondoe]

I have 12.5 v at the battery and 14.2 at the amp is that normal.

[petertimpson]

I have a 2010 Jeep GC laredo and my radio works but no sound. How do I check to see whether the problem is in the radio, speaker, or amp? I took the radio out to take it to get tested by the audio shop right down the road. If I can troubleshoot it myself, i'd rather do that. I have a multi-meter and checked the amp and speakers but am not sure I checked them correctly. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[lowhertzhighspl]

How to check voltage coming from RCA cable?

[TechFromTheTropics]

do they have rechargeable multimeters? I want to buy one

[rickytrevino]

I checked the current of the battery and part of the insulation is embedded into my fingers now

[FvD]

how to for clamping an amp would be useful

[husnaneali]

what happens if i touch red and black wires to gether when set on Ac or DC what reading will i get?? anyone??

[perezmagdiel]

i have the same black old multimeter u have there..then yes i wus rite..that multimeters voltage is 0.1 volt less then then newest one that lets me know tht my stinger svmb 14.1v its the real voltage :D

[surviver]

Wrong. VAC is also used in car audio, not VDC. SPEAKERS ARE POWERED BY AC, NOT DC.