How to Test a Car Battery with a Multimeter

How to check a car battery using a multimeter. Does your car not start, do you have dim headlights or interior lights, does the starter sound weak when start the engine, or does your car die sitting overnight? This video will show you a few ways to test your battery to see if it is bad, is going bad, or is good. A good battery will hold a charge at around 12.6v and while the car is starting it wont drop below 8-10v.

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[razoromero]

Dude, thought you might like to know that eight years after you made this video, it's still helping people. Thanks man, I found it really useful this evening.

[elementalraven]

I’m a 44 year old women and I’m trying to learn how to do as much of my own vehicle maintenance as possible but didn’t want to ask for help with the volt meter- Thank you for helping me swallow my pride a little :) Now to check the alternator video out!

[CaneCorso]

As a woman I so appreciate this video! I had a mechanic tell me the battery he sold me was fine even tho I’ve been having issues with the car starting for a week and a brand new alternator. He tested the battery with a charging unit on it and tried to explain to me that’s how it’s done. 🤔 this video confirms my suspicions were right and he is shady af! You have a new subscriber! Happy I’ll be more educated about my car now! Thank you!!!!

[jenniferdonis]

Hey Chris, I’m watching your video from 5 years ago, I gotta say man your videos have always been detailed but your recent videos are even better. I can really see how you’ve put in your all in making these for us. You’ve given me confidence to do small projects on my car and for that I’m really thankful !
Thank you !

[martinhristev]

Chris, today I bought my first multimeter and I successfully tested my battery.Thank you so much, greetings from Bulgaria!

[rgon]

I dont care what anyone says here that is negative. Bud, you really gave a professional and clear explanation on this subject. One of the things I ask myself is, does this give someone who has no knowledge or limited knowledge a clear and detailed explanation on how and why things are done. Chris, good One of the best videos regarding on training.

[clusa]

Chris, this video is old but it is always so handy for anyone that wants to learn from such a terrific teacher! We need so may more Chris around USA and in our schools to keep our youths interested and occupied in car mechanics just because we depend so much on cars in our daily lives to survive.

[jameskerherve]

Me being a self proclaimed DIY car guy I have avoided using a multimeter for years. After watch your battery and alternator videos I’m able to check for a flat battery, alternator and parasitic draw like a pro. Excellent video!

[chelofrufru]

There’s been a multimeter laying around my house and I never knew how to use it 😅. You’re great Thanks 🥳

[Runtothemusic]

You are a lifesaver. This made perfect sense for my non-mechanic self. I was able to test my battery and determined that it was an actual battery issue. Thank you.

[evensteven]

Effective video Chris! What I like so much about it is:
- You explain things perfectly by showing what we SHOULD experience versus what we SHOULDN'T.
- You explain WHY things happen in a simple way that we, non-mechanics can understand.
- At least mention (if not, you show) the tools we need.
- You speak clearly and purposeful.
- Great camera positioning quality.
- Great video editing; nice fades, cutting to the right spot without wasting time, great voice overs.
I will surely be looking at more of your videos.
Thank you every very much!

[ulicornprocreateartclub]

Dude thank you so much. I got my car back from the dealership where they were supposed to do a full inspection and had battery problems the next day. The positive lead was totally corroded! You gave me the knowledge to not only fix the issue but also raise hell with them.

[muscletribe]

I knew my battery was going bad when it started showing up late and smoking cigarettes.

[MrBob]

Couldn’t possibly thank you enough for all these videos

[chiricuttcomepapt]

Your video has a lot of charge. 9 years and still helping. Good information, to the point, clear. Thank you!

[CarsSimplified]

To anyone with a multimeter with a min/max setting:

When testing to see how low the voltage gets when you start the engine, set your multimeter display option to "min" (minimum) and it will keep the lowest voltage it reads on the display for you. Super handy, especially if you are performing the test by yourself!

[andrewn]

We took it to Sams Club and they said it was a little low and probably need replacement. Its got a 7/12 sticker on it so I assume thats just under 4 years old. I just received my new multimeter and did this battery test just like you said. It registered 12.46 after the 2min lights on and when we started up it drop to 11.65. I guess I'm going to keep my battery and add it to our monthly maintenance check, but your video just saved me from buying $100+ battery I didn't need to get just yet.

Thanks a lot for your time and efforts. Keep posting those videos for newbies like me.

[ykroxy]

One thing to note, the green residue seen on corroded terminals is sign that the corrosion is eating up the copper. You will see pitting in that area after you have cleaned the connectors. This occurs occurs when you have tin or lead plated copper connectors and do not use any rust inhibitors. A special conductive grease used extensive for station batteries is a product call "NO OXIDE A". A thin film is used on the post and in the inside and outside of the connector. Please note in your video you suggested using sand paper and the terminal shown at 3:40 show that the lead coating of the connector was exposed which can introduce corrosion problems later on. Most battery terminal connectors are tin or lead coated for this reason.

[kumarhiremath]

This was a awesome peace of information. People tend to ignore the battery maintenance and run into starting problems. This is a basic need for a driver and a owner to have a joyful drive. Thanks mate

[KitPeters]

Hi Chris ... I have watched many of your excellent training videos and passed them on to my son. We both agree that yours are the best in what is a pretty crowded field. Thank you very much from us both and I know from the comments many others feel this way. Quite an accomplishment .. congratulations!