How to Test a Car Battery with a Multimeter

Рет қаралды 6,446,820

Күн бұрын

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.
Inexpensive yet great multimeter: amzn.to/3sy10xH
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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.

Пікірлер: 2 500

@razoromero Жыл бұрын

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.

@jillianlyons6092 Жыл бұрын

Agreed!!!

@letmein1109 Жыл бұрын

8 years 8months and counting 👍👍

@jasminethr 11 ай бұрын

agreed and we should understand it is true. it will last forever till a better invention happen

@mrcanoehead224 11 ай бұрын

9 plus years now! ✋

@JacquesButcher 11 ай бұрын

Agree. 9 Years for me.

@jenniferdonis2498 4 жыл бұрын

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 !

@petersack5074 3 жыл бұрын

atta girl.........go fix 'em.........

@chrisfix 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot! I keep trying to make them better and better

@maxl5657 Жыл бұрын

Still watching your videos, appreciate your time and effort!

@andrepoole2933 Жыл бұрын

If you have time to really get in depth with automotive, there are great home study courses with relevant up-to-date education for about $400

@elementalraven27 Жыл бұрын

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!

@chrisfix Жыл бұрын

I'm glad the video was able to help you with the multimeter!

@elementalraven27 Жыл бұрын

Until I started actually shopping for them, oh my - the choices and variations! I decided I wanted the thermocouple and no touch sensor - couldn’t make up my mind so I purchased one made by Ames instruments from harbor freight for about $44 and then I found a similar device at Walmart made by ever start maxx that cost just under $30… is one of those any better than the other, if you’re going by brand?

@elementalraven27 Жыл бұрын

Personally, I like the ever start because it’s a slightly thinner profile whereas the Eames is a little chunky, but I plan on returning one of them and I just want to choose the right one..

@Alexio.- 3 ай бұрын

@@elementalraven27 If your goal is just to measure battery voltage, brand shouldn't matter that much, I have some unbranded chinese multimeter, that is a few years old, I compared it to the professional "fluke" brand we have at work, the measurement is the same.

@martinhristev9705 3 жыл бұрын

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

@chrisfix 3 жыл бұрын

Nice work! Thanks for the support from Bulgaria!

@aleksandarpesic1412 3 жыл бұрын

@@chrisfix I am in South Africa, also first time, your video helped, was always intimidated by multimeters, just a quick one make a note for people to use DC current reading and not AC reading as there are options on some multimeters

@stevemanuel8373 3 жыл бұрын

@@chrisfix how to fix air Con

@stevemanuel8373 3 жыл бұрын

@@chrisfix I'm Steve

@chrisfix 3 жыл бұрын

@@stevemanuel8373 I have a 3 part series. Here is part 1 and each other part is on the description : kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pqmmatV0ycm8o5c.html

@rgon9724 8 жыл бұрын

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 job!!!!!!! One of the best videos regarding on training.

@alduswong 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for confirm that. When you said someone no knowledge, that is me. And I need this video. I will make a handy note and put it in my car. Thank you and Thanks Chris.

@EVMacD 7 жыл бұрын

R Gon I agree, made me feel comfortable checking my daughters car battery just now. Battery is good. She was just used to a smaller engine shorter cranking time for ignition.

@cw6873 7 жыл бұрын

Concur/ I didnt know how to test my battery but now I do because of this video. I feel like I know everything I need to know to do it without screwing something up... so thanks ;)

@dubtownman9508 7 жыл бұрын

R Gon I never saw your comment but felt compelled to say simi.

@garrygemmell5676 6 жыл бұрын

Yes for a young lad he has more knowledge than any of the mechanics at any of the garages I know but one my good mate John in East Kilbride he truly is a genius - Lotus, Ferrari he can fix anything even managed to sort my Lotus when the authorised Lotus dealership hadnt a clue! Chrisfix , Scottykilmer and Ericthecarguy are the best car mechanics on youtube for sure!

@CaneCorso888 3 жыл бұрын

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!!!!

@clusa3721 Жыл бұрын

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.

@chelofrufru 3 жыл бұрын

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

@psdaengr911 3 жыл бұрын

Even the free Harbor Freight meter comes with a basic instruction sheet, often printed in more than one language. If you couldn't take 5 minutes to read it, I'm guessing that you probably never read the hundreds of pages of your car's owner's manual, and don't truly know how to use all of its capabilities properly. (Most people don't RTFM. )

@evensteven8984 6 жыл бұрын

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!

@CarsSimplified 5 жыл бұрын

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!

@pay9011 5 жыл бұрын

Great tip.

@nyczumazooma 5 жыл бұрын

Um hmmm

@EatSleepShift 4 жыл бұрын

My . min is 9.5 or something. Is that bad?

@LouisOtto 4 жыл бұрын

@@EatSleepShift Not bad, no, but heading that way. Keep checking it semi-regularly and if it falls to 8 or something then start to think about changing it if you haven't already

@MuckingMunt 4 жыл бұрын

Mine hit 8v very briefly whilst starting just now. It's been a bit sluggish to turn over the last week or two, and flattened after about 36 hours of no use yesterday. Mains charge over night and tested this mornign per this video. Charge outta the alternator seems good and consistent in the low 14.0-->14.4v range, even with/without accessories and lights going. Considering the battery is 7 or 8 years old.. I think I might give it a dignified retirement and replace it. It's had a good run, so I think I'll stick with the same brand too.

@jameskerherve7487 Жыл бұрын

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!

@KitPeters001 5 жыл бұрын

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!

@chrisfix 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot! I’m glad you and you’re son are learning a lot!

@HandyHudsonite 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video, Chris! Just used this the other day to save my car because it wouldn't start. I love your clear, concise instruction on each topic you post. Keep up the great work!

@jdw0909 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Chris! I've been having some issues with my battery, but it's been hit and miss, so I was just about to head out to buy a multimeter to test my battery before I purchase a new one. I didn't know about turning the headlights on to get rid of "surface charge", so thanks I definitely learned something. You make excellent videos, nice attention to detail, and a good step by step process. I really appreciate it!

@ulicornprocreateartclub2617 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@chrisfix 4 жыл бұрын

I'm glad the video was helpful!

@kumarhiremath967 4 жыл бұрын

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

@LongTimeTTFan 8 жыл бұрын

As always, you are precise, concise, very detailed instruction, but not a second wasted. Very clear video. All is top notch. Thanks a lot.

@albertchiu2716 5 жыл бұрын

Very Helpful! Very detailed! Thanks for making such a great video for a layman like myself who is very interested in maintaining the car and not want to be ripped off by shops.

@hanslund308 3 жыл бұрын

This guy likely makes the most helpful car videos. The BS is at a minimum and it is straight to knowledge. Thank you.

@Runtothemusic Жыл бұрын

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.

@chrisfix Жыл бұрын

I'm glad the video was able to help you!

@muscletribe 6 жыл бұрын

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

@jsforce77 3 жыл бұрын

I knew my battery was going bad when it pulled up on a Harley while listening to 'Bad to the Bone'

@Ryokamazaky 3 жыл бұрын

same happened to me running late and then couldn't start the car in the morning, after i finish work i tried to start it up, and it started up like how it used to -,-

@RM-lu4hy 2 жыл бұрын

Lol

@normanlandstruck3985 2 жыл бұрын

I blame the school system.

@davidmcdonald11 Жыл бұрын

Bad battery.....badddd! Lol

@MrBob2212 4 жыл бұрын

Couldn’t possibly thank you enough for all these videos

@druku8812 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris, I used this vid to diagnose a battery issue with my car. As always great info and precise. Also watched pretty much every video you have posted lol. Keep up the great work.

@Simahnyk 3 жыл бұрын

Thank You for the great idea - to have voltmeter connected during cranking! I've had the exact same problem You discussed in Your video - my battery was over 12,6 V in (almost) no-load situation, so I thought it was ok, but my car wouldn't start. After checking everything else (and preparing my desperate soul to have my car towed to the mechanic), I searched the internet and found Your video, tried to hook up the voltmeter and turn the key... saw 9,2 V. I replaced the battery and my car is happy and running again. Thank You for the awesome work, Your car-maintenance and troubleshooting videos are the best! Regards from the Czech republic! :-)

@LordoftheCats 4 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, Chris. Even if viewers don't use this information to do the work themselves, they will have the knowledge to prevent someone from getting ripped off by an unethical mechanic.

@y2kroxy 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@chiricuttcomepapt5100 11 ай бұрын

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

@harpurseven2087 9 ай бұрын

I’ve own and mismanaged several cars over the years and this guy has helped me maintain them so much better than I could have imagined. Thanks

@andrewn2011 8 жыл бұрын

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.

@dmack177 4 жыл бұрын

Andrew Nakamura They were probably talking about your cold cranking amps

@paulgeneslapining1655 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, 11.65 is a little low

@tannerfrancisco8759 4 ай бұрын

@@paulgeneslapining1655dropping to that when cranking isn't bad at all though. My drops to 9.78 V when cranking on a cold day and it's no biggie. Most any place trying to sell you a battery is going to say that's bad and while it is starting to go, that's not bad especially if you get 2.5 more years out of that battery they said was bad. If you are in extreme cold or extreme heat that battery is going to go a lot more quickly than that though.

@Alice_Walker 5 жыл бұрын

This is such a clear helpful video. Thank you so much!

@jnoll661 Жыл бұрын

Just bought the same multimeter and searched how to test battery, I know nothing on how to. Came across this video and what a FATASTIC visual and verbal showing of how to use it. MAJOR KUDOS TO YOU saved me from electrocution and the headache of dealing with a 2 year old battery that was dead 2 different times when starting my car. Many thanks Chris and needless to say I subscribed to your channel 😀

@sunnyshine676 3 жыл бұрын

Chris, you are one of a kind. Every time I learn something from you about cars. God bless you and your family. Stay safe.

@stevosteve Жыл бұрын

Simple, Informative, clearly spoken. Excellent video.

@jocevi1773 7 жыл бұрын

this Chrisfix is always there with a video that I need I needed to check my battery in my car with a multimeter and looking for a video chrisfix video shows up first, thanks for helping

@Engineerboy100 Жыл бұрын

Short, sweet, but thorough, perfect. Thanks again Chris, I just forwarded this video to my little cousin that was asking me how to check a car battery with a multimeter.

@doctor_fever 20 күн бұрын

Thumbs up on this video, with one suggestion: Battery terminal corrosion pads (chemically treated green & red felt washers) provide protection without gunking up the top of the battery the way WD-40 (or any non-evaporating spray) does. A light grease layer over the terminals provides an extra layer of protection. Oh - it's nice to see someone else who likes that simple and cheap Cen-Tech multitester! Mine has lasted and lasted.

@songofyesterday 5 жыл бұрын

I was amazed at how informative this video was in the six minutes it lasted. Even more amazed when I saw the number of subscribers. HOly cow.

@majorsnodgrassthethird5699 8 жыл бұрын

very good instructional video. Very relevant for the time of year.

@chrisfix 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@pfa1963 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job, clear and concise without a lot of unnecessary fluff. One other comment, I was always told to use distilled water, bottled water or spring water or mineral water may hurt the life of the battery by causing corrosion. I’m not an expert on at $.80 a gallon I would buy distilled. Thank you.

@rolandmetayer7210 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you ChrisFix ! I appreciate what you do for myself and other people like me on KZfaq.Cheers from Canada ! Polar Bear country.

@edr121 7 жыл бұрын

WOW! Thank you so much for your insight. I have been troubleshooting my 2005 Chrysler T&C Touring 3.8 for a month now and nothing seemed to work. The symptoms were as you described erratic dash panel, headlights inconsistently browing-out, vehicle turning of while at low revolutions, multiple error codes including cylinder misfire P003. I changed the alternator, cleaned battery terminals several times, checked each relay in the PCM box, took out dash panel an re-solder it, check al fuses, and the list goes on... and on. Until I came up to your idea of checking the battery and changing the battery terminals for Marine type. Wow! my battery was going bad, but my terminals were bad too. No more problems. Thank you!

@wholeNwon 5 жыл бұрын

Common voltage-related gremlins.

@LilLemonTwist 7 жыл бұрын

Great video, really helpful for a noob, thank you.

@TS-xj5mt 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant you deserve all your subscribers and more. I knew how to do all the tests except your improvised load testing by seeing a drop when you start it.

@EdisonEnglishMontess 3 жыл бұрын

I remember long ago when I was young and owned so many beaters. This video wouldve really come in handy!

@bobross9648 5 жыл бұрын

Love your vids Chris .... a couple of things though: To clean battery posts you should remove the terminal and clean the terminal inside and the post outside with a battery post cleaner tool - just spraying the outside with WD-40 doesn't get into the electrical contact area of the connection. A little Vaseline on the connection after assembly will keep corrosion down. When adding water to a battery you should use distilled water, not bottled water. Bottled water has dissolved minerals & salts but distilled water doesn't.

@TDMack12 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Straight to the point, no rambling, very informative. I'm subscribing and will continue to follow your vids. Thank you very much.

@Warmsunset26 4 жыл бұрын

Your visual/audio footage is beneficial. As you keep it simple and explain even as to the simple things. Thank you.

@rvnmedic1968 9 жыл бұрын

Excellent video production, clear instructions, well done! Very helpful,Chris.

@billthompson5644 5 жыл бұрын

Chris Fix, thank you for your most excellent wealth of knowledge.

@SlayerofFiction Жыл бұрын

I was interested in how to check the deep cell, which I was unsure of. I want to be clear, I have been wrenching (not professionally) on either my own heavy equipment or cars for probably twice as long as you;ve been alive. I cannot emphasize enough what a great job you did with this video. Absolutely outstanding, it's easy to see why you have 9 million subscribers. Well done lad!

@364kudi 2 жыл бұрын

HELL YES!!!FINALLY SOMEBODY WHO MAKES SENSE WHEN WALKING ME THROUGH MY CAR…thank you so much You made it so simple and easy thank you

@Erki36 Жыл бұрын

I never thought that I will remember that Chris uploaded a video 8y ago that I will need today

@Egp002 5 жыл бұрын

MAN! THAT WAS A GOOD VIDEO!!!

@rafangelcanez 4 жыл бұрын

My van didn't start this morning I wanted to check the battery with my meter but I wanted to refresh myself watching a video and I searched it and saw yours. It was very helpful. Thank you!

@AnonAnonAnon 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Been fighting with my Nissan Qashqai immobiliser, never thought for one minute it maybe the battery! I've a multimeter, just needed a good video to watch to see what needs to be done. this one is perfect! Thanks!!

@RetroArtist1 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! Quick and to the point and the WD-40 trick is new to me, thanks!

@Oidile 5 жыл бұрын

Great Videos Chris, have been watching for long, but this video was very helpfull, The battery guy told me my battery was gone this was in August 18, I had a cheap Multimeter and used it as per your instructions word to word, it was amazing the battery is as good as new on the readings, till today it starts with the first crank, just added battery water a week ago, we get a little acidic battery water here ( its not pure distilled water) my battery is 4 years 4 months old , Thanks for your informative and easy to understand videos .

@user-gc3gg4gu5q 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Chris very well explained, I've wondered for ages how to test vehicle batteries PROPERLY... Will certainly subscribe

@MamoonBakeer 4 жыл бұрын

As always; thumbs up. I wish I have someone like you in my country to trust him always on my car's maintenance. Thank you... sincerely.

@aleblanc3547 10 жыл бұрын

Another good one. I've used a baking soda and water mixture (1/4 cup baking soda to 16 ounces water) to neutralize the acid on top of the battery and around the terminals. It does a great job of killing that corrosion, but the mechanical action of the sandpaper is still needed to remove all the residue. That WD-40 suggestion is a great idea. Thanks, Chris.

@chrisfix 10 жыл бұрын

Great Tip! Thanks a lot! Glad you found the video informative!

@Quentyn73 6 жыл бұрын

I was about to say the same. You don't need a solution, just sprinkle a teaspoon of baking sodium on the positive terminal, spray some water and let chemistry do its thing. Rinse. Don't let acid crystals get on your clothes or this will be the last time you're wearing them. Obviously rinse well from any metal parts our comes in contact with. Use only conductive grease or none at best.

@DrVideo-to4vl 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Chris! You helped me again... I don't count how often you've helped me during the last MANY years! :-)

@chrisfix 3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad the videos have been helpful!

@rickyramirez7430 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris! If any video saves me money, it's going to be this one! Best explanation yet!!!!!

@tomaszjasinski5562 5 жыл бұрын

great video! thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Knowledge is power but being considerate enough to freely share it is amazing. :)

@1cleandude 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Chris I’m gonna subscribe just to help you out! Keep it up!🙏🏻

@chrisfix 4 жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard! Thanks a lot!

@christravis481 8 жыл бұрын

Good video Chris

@boballard6040 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent basics for auto batteries! I'm here for the multimeter lesson.. thanks Chris!!

@sullyummy1 3 жыл бұрын

You've been helping me out since I got my license. Thanks Chris

@candaceandrews9009 4 жыл бұрын

Very well done, clear instructions, helpful info!

@chrisfix 4 жыл бұрын

I'm glad the video was helpful!

@matthunt121 9 жыл бұрын

Appreciate the video!

@newmoon54 3 жыл бұрын

Very thorough, and informatively accurate! Great job!!!

@keithdonaghy5325 3 жыл бұрын

Good information. Thanks. And I like your more relaxed, less frenzied approach than your more recent productions i have seen.

@huntsmart Жыл бұрын

Awesome video Chris. Very detailed and informative. This helped a lot thank you.

@pedrogadea4926 7 жыл бұрын

As usual, another great video Chris. Clear, precise info. Keep up that good work

@holdyourcomposer 2 жыл бұрын

Yum T

@CP-mj8wd 2 жыл бұрын

You provide a great service to us all. Thanks I just watched a 5 year old video and you nailed it.

@markcombs4419 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You! I'm new at this and bought an excellent multimeter, having trouble with 2 car batteries, followed your directions exactly & learned alot!. Going to the alternator next ;-).

@MrRafsany 4 жыл бұрын

Legend has it that the "LEGEND" battery is still running...

@martinvelasquez9674 5 жыл бұрын

thanks brother, im going to test my battery.

@lorddiablo8575 Жыл бұрын

Chris, I've been watching your videos for years and have been very helpful in maintaining our vehicles.... Thanks for sharing ! In my opinion, after cleaning the battery terminals & wire connectors, I prefer to use di-electric grease instead of WD-40 to prevent corrosion, as WD-40 will certainly vaporized in a short time.

@ScottPon 2 жыл бұрын

I watch this video every year. :). Clear explanation on what to look for. Thanks again 2022!!!

@bradster1708 5 жыл бұрын

Great video, just like to add a couple of things; 12V is the nominal voltage of a 12V battery, the actual normal voltage is 12.6V. When fully charged it should be in the range of 12.6 - 13.2V for a very good condition battery. If your battery is under 12V when fully charged it may be on the way out. I am a little sceptical of maintenance free batteries. They seem like a normal battery with easy access to checking electrolyte levels blocked off. When my Mazda 3 battery seemed bad, only 3 years old, I removed the panel covering these and found that the levels were very low. I topped up with distilled water and used a smart charger to resuscitate it. The battery lasted another 4 years, just gave it some TLC every 6 months or so.

@Boz1211111 4 жыл бұрын

Fully charged lead acid is between 12.7 and 12.8. it cannot be more than that. Also. Voltage is measured after proper rest time of 12-24 hours. If you measure it right after charging thats the reason it shows more but that voltage cannot be used to determine state of charge or battery percentage

@paulmaxwell8851 Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I have mixed feelings about 'maintenance-free' batteries. I do use them, and they do tend to stay nice and clean, without the corroded terminals you get with flooded batteries.

@flightmaster178 9 жыл бұрын

A good load test is the "cold flood crank" mode. Turn key on, floor gas pedal and hold. Turn it over and it should just keep turning over. Not all cars have this so if it starts immediately let off of gas. Generally I'll crank it for 5-6 seconds and see what the batt voltage levels off at. Most ford and GM use the clear flood crank to clear flooding condition. The ECM does this by either cutting fuel injection pulse width or ignition system or both. This is a lot of info but good to keep in memory. Also fun to mess with people lol. Love the vids Chris. Lot of great info!

@chrisfix 9 жыл бұрын

Brenndon McGill Thank you man and thanks for the tip! That is a great way to test the engine load!

@averyalexander2303 6 жыл бұрын

Cranking the engine for a few seconds won't damage the starter. That's what it's designed to do. And the comment about damaging the engine by cranking it is completely ridiculous.

@lzh3131 2 жыл бұрын

You’re my #1 consultant! I get frustrated, don’t check some obvious signs, watch you’re videos & regroup. This.

@greencupbay 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so so so much man. It’s 8:30 and I have jobs and contracts lined up but my pressure washer stopped working and cranking. Just checked and it drops to 0v when trying to start. That explains why I needed an external battery pack sometimes and why it’s not running. You just saved me a ton of time. I’m off to pick up a new battery in the morning.

@chrisfix 4 жыл бұрын

I'm glad the video was helpful!

@ianosborne188 4 жыл бұрын

That Truck battery is LEGEND!

@1mespud 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for doing your part to help tame mankind and saving us money..

@fergusgriffin2655 Жыл бұрын

Just what I needed - clear and fast - thank you! 👌🏼

@MrLaChien Жыл бұрын

Thank you Chris, I like your videos over the years, you don't waste our time talking crap or selling expensive equipment

@ShawnJonesHellion 7 жыл бұрын

You got that high quality Harbor Freight multi meter like i do xD

@flagmichael 7 жыл бұрын

Me too. I have several of them, one in the trunk of all the cars we have. The back light is useful, too, and I get some use out of the 1.5 / 9V battery test feature.

@ShawnJonesHellion 7 жыл бұрын

yeah ive got a few but most the leads are broken so i use other brands leads, plus i fabricated other ones for other purposes like terminal slot testing

@jamessloanofficial 4 жыл бұрын

You can’t hide money...

@Stevespov 5 жыл бұрын

as always, well explained and thank you Chris Fix..

@Flyer7375 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial - short and focused. Thanks

@KSguitarmusic 4 ай бұрын

Terrific video! Admittedly, I had never used my multimeter to check a car battery before, so this was extremely helpful. Car wouldn't start yesterday so it sat in a parking lot overnight, went back over this morning and jumped it, brought it home and it does show pretty discharged on my charger, but showing @14.5 volts when the car's running. No idea what's going on yet since it started fine yesterday morning but then a few hours later - nada. Wouldn't even crank, just clicked. I'm going to keep the charger on it and then go from there.

@KaitlinBarrington 5 жыл бұрын

Everyone in Australia luvs Chris ☺

@philrogers4535 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I'm an electrician, and I found this educational.

@tedfisk1211 2 жыл бұрын

This was an informative video. The battery in my truck which I bought 2.5 years ago is still going strong. I will start checking it from time to time with the multimeter I use on the battery on my trailer. Thanks.

@JonathanThompson1320 Жыл бұрын

Wife's battery is running great! Thank you for the concise and detailed instructions!

@OidHunter Жыл бұрын

Good video. I would use a spark plug brush and electrical cleaning spray to clean the terminals instead of sandpaper, then apply a thin layer of battery terminal grease to prevent the galvanic corrosion. You can also buy a battery terminal post cleaning tool, this has steel bristles plug to clean the connectors, and a bristles hole to place over the battery terminals, this works well. Wd40 dries out and is a water displacement spray (hence the "WD") not a lubricant.

@glalonde Жыл бұрын

Yes,. Please. Thank You!

@30mAkills Жыл бұрын

Terminal grease = white petroleum jelly. Conductor.

@mikecurliss848 Жыл бұрын

@@30mAkills terminally gray but God's servant. Conduit without Yeshua. No charge.

@danizweifler6061 Жыл бұрын

yepp...............; I do it the same way (incl. grease)

@Oceansta 9 жыл бұрын

that was great, thanks.

@chrisfix 9 жыл бұрын

Sagar Rao Awesome! Glad the video was helpful! New automotive "how to" videos every Thursday and most Mondays!

@hbhattacharjee830 7 жыл бұрын

ChrisFix my battery is 5yr old and its showing 13.36 on the multimeter. what should I do because that the car won't start

@victorpiza30 7 жыл бұрын

hey chris how are u, i know u say no below 10volt when doing crank test how about if it drop to like 9volt is it still cool and how long do i have to change my new battery if it reads at 9volt.!!

@imshrikantdesai 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for such a nice explanation, This is surely going to help us to validate the battery life at home. Now I'll definitely check battery status before going for a long ride.

@christinebombrum6367 Жыл бұрын

Always watch your vids for car stuff ! They are a great help thanks

@superchili9057 7 жыл бұрын

Step 1. Before testing the battery be sure the red wire of the multimeter is plugged to volt, not ampere. The black wire is plugged to com. Thank you

@averyalexander2303 6 жыл бұрын

Great idea. I made that mistake before, and I won't do it again.

@ankiwikman1218 5 жыл бұрын

I just came to this video to make sure I had my wires right in my multimeter. Good to know others can miss that. Currently struggling with my 12v boat batteries.

@nejitv5145 5 жыл бұрын

Was his red wire placed in the wrong one?

@roberts7107 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir! I freaked out a little bit after reading your post I had tested a battery earlier and everything was copacetic so I went out again look at my little harbor freight battery tester and wasn't sure if it was on the right one so I plug the red one into the other one what are those wires get hot I had it right the first time laugh out loud thank you.

@nu1x 4 жыл бұрын

@Hell's favorite NPC #69OU812 . exe The good thing is that those fuses cost about 15 cents each.