How to check Battery & Alternator using Multimeter from Harbor Freight DIY Diagnostic

Simple Battery & Alternator check using simple settings on a free Multimeter from Harbor Freight

Multimeter Settings:
DCV to 20
Red wire in center hole
Black wire in bottom hole
Black lead to negative terminal on Battery
Red lead to positive terminal on Battery

Tests:
1. Battery Charge: (car off) minimum acceptable reading = 12.00 Volts
2. Cold Cranking Amps: (during starting) minimum acceptable reading = 10.00 Volts
3. Alternator Function: (at idle) minimum acceptable reading = 13.00 Volts

#multimeter #battery #testbattery #alternator #voltage #test #harborfreight #testing #badbattery #jeep #overland #colorado

[LovesGrilling]

Funny. I've looked all over youtube for someone that specifies exactly how to set up that cheap harbor freight multimeter for this exact purpose. EVERYONE EXCEPT YOU JUST SKIPS OVER IT, its like they just SKIP OVER THE BIGGEST QUESTION. Uhg!

Thank you for not skipping over that piece!!!

[Billy-]

Engine builder here…… great with engines not so great with electrical anything. Your video was like hitting the YouTube jackpot! Boom Battery or Alternator done deal. Wam bam thank you Man! Quick. To the point. Coherent knowledge. Super generous! Thank You!

[matthewgiangarra]

Can everyone be so simple and clear as this? Please? Thanks for the video!!

[westsideken]

My Jeep was acting all wonky. Would start with a jump, but lights were fading in and out and car would stall after a few minutes. I knew i had the multi-meter from way back when HF used to give them away for free with an by purchase. I asked Google to find video on how to use Centech Mulimeter. This came up and is a Godsend.
Clear and concise, no superfluous fillers. Awesome video.
BTW, mine registered 2.84 not running, and 14 running.
Got new battery 👍👍👍

[stevewhite]

Apparently i am not the only one who was having this problem and yes it was exactly what I need to know.. you sir are a hero 🙌 👏 🙏

[hyperliz]

Thank you, appreciated. (After reading 4 sites (including the product manual online) and watching 4 videos & still not knowing how to check alternator function, i picked this video because it was :57 seconds long. Perfect. It was perfect. Again, thanks

[drewstudlino]

great video keeping short and to the point, but interestingly unrelated it only appears we have identical multimeters however mine set too 20 DCV like the video the exact opposite side of the dial mine says 5A & yours says 10A. if anyone else hasn't noticed that on there multimeter as well.

[Onslo]

Just like CH 16 here in
Scranton PA dose it really work two 👍👍up thanks for taking the time to do this for all of us.

[jayc]

Thanks a lot. Clear, precise and nicely explained. Best wishes

[JohnT]

Why people say when alternator is on it should be above 14. Between 14-14.7. And when its a bit over 13 means alternator is working but only charging the battery a bit “underworking”. So what is it?

[angelitolozano]

I have a 08 Silverado Lt extended cab 1500 5.3. it cranks but no start, I purchased the 7 function multimeter from harbor freight. Hopefully with that multimeter i can be able to check what is draining my battery and also see why it won't turn on.

[curtjdup]

Wow perfect literally straight to the point!

[DatTrucker_D]

Why can't we have more tutorials like this Awesome Explanation 👏

[rhoadsmatheson]

Excellent to the point video! I am extremely grateful to you sir!
Just checked it because I put a new alternator on the truck (96 Nissan Hard body) at idle its showing 12.40 the battery is 6 years old so I'm assuming my battery is indeed bad. When you get a moment, could you confirm this for me?
Thanks again my friend, fixing to subscribe!

[olemanhunter]

Precise an too the point, , , , great vid

[sanjoecj]

What does it mean if the voltage drops to 8.5 while starting but the other two readings are good? It's a jeep JKU. Before starting mine's at 12.6 and after starting it's around 13.xx.

[wazooavenue]

I have Harbor Freight multimeter but it only has a 5 amp setting. Every video0 I see including the same multimeter as mine has only a 10 amp setting. Can I test it with 5 amp setting? I'm tracing a parasidic leak.

[patsyw]

This really helped except where to place the leads on the alternator. Trying to fix my grandchild's car so she can move to Colorado! patsy

[mrcelloava]

I dont think so. Glad he had video. He didn't say setting on multi. That important. Lucky for video. Right?

[ohjay]

I can’t get a reading but my battery works… idk