Battery Load Test With a Multimeter

How to perform a quick, accurate test of a 12-volt car battery using your meter's MIN/MAX function.

[keithkevin]

Nice!! No 20 minute intro, right to the point. Nice work man

[dandearman]

Not only do you know how to test a battery but you also know how to use the features of your Fluke meter where most people don't. Great job.

[mymechanicfriend]

Man... Who don't see how perfect this video is???

[JustinMillerAutomotive]

Yes. This is even a better test in cold weather because your your starter requires more current and your battery has less to give. If your battery voltage ever falls below 9.6 volts, it is in danger of not having enough voltage for the ECM to control injectors, ignition coils, and other essential components.

[grreeknick]

Beautiful, clear, concise and well-edited. Thank you. If you're not a teacher for pay, you might consider it.

[philipfarnam]

From viewing your video my Fluke just paid for itself.   Have had battery failures ruin my day more than once.   This time, using your test, I can see what's coming far enough in advance to avoid the hassle.   Have tested my current battery every six months or so since new.   This morning for the first time, starting-load voltage showed way low so I have my "warning" before I have to deal with the hassle of an actual failure.   Good on ya!

[totle]

This video is 12 years old and still helping people like me, thanks.

[simplyraw]

Yes! I see you posted this yrs back and look you're still giving a great service; That's awesome.... Thank you! I inherited the very meter you used and unfortunately, my dad died BEFORE teaching me how to use this tool. Fortunately, I did learn lots from him over the years. I guess you can call me his boy lol though I am a girl 100%. We teased a lot where I'd tell him "you're just a boy" & He'd come back "you're just a girl". I was always his "small hands" where he was always doing something to one of his classic hot rods he always had. The last one he owned was a '34 Plymouth Coupe. I sure miss him!! (though never cared for the grease when we worked on a daily driven work car! lol) He was the ONLY mechanic I had full trust in. Thankful for the stuff he had taught me saved a lot of hard earned money for sure as it still does to this very day. Thanks again for sharing this easy to understand video ✌️

[matthewespindola]

Straightforward to the point, easy to follow, good video and audio. Perfectly executed thank you.

[jW-xzsr]

My fluke 87 has found its way to the graveyard. I bought it in 93. Used it everyday. I had minor problems with screen. Replaced it with the 87V. As good as they are they are only as good as the person using them. Fluke makes a great product. Thanks for posting your test.

[lszpbjs]

Very clear& concise. You could teach many YouTube "experts" how to make a decent video.

[michaelpeterson]

Thank you for making a good video no stupid background music no idiot trying to act like he has this awesome personality no babbling on and on and I just good Claire English thank you !

[amishdinkledork]

you are a scholar and a gentleman of the highest caliber

[__-hhgt]

Dramatically fantastic. Min/Max multimeter is essential for the test, because of this I’ve purchased aneng an m118A cheap multimeter.
Greetings from Saudi Arabia.

[r.joseph]

This IS great work and straight-to-the-point content. I was only triggered by “mul-ta-meter” 😅

[jonenerio]

Thanks for the very nice tip. Didnt know that 9.6V is the threshold voltage during start-up.

[tonym]

Very clear and concise video sir, thanks very much.

[JustinMillerAutomotive]

That is a very true comment--thank you! If the starter has shorted windings or if the engine itself is seized, starter current will be excessive and could put too much of a load on the battery, causing the voltage to drop lower than it would under normal circumstances. While a starter problem like this is not common, you should fix any starter issues before relying on this test to condemn a battery.

[tasmedic]

Fantastic! I am so glad I found your video. I nearly went out and bought a battery drop tester, when it turns out my Fluke will do the job!
Thanks ever so much.

[dggd]

Thank you Justin for your brief and comprehensive explanation. I get it now! Much appreciation.