Checking continuity w/out that mode

[Farmall450]

So I've been chasing a short for a while now...and had to grab a multimeter at advanced. To my disbelief, their best one didn't have continuity...can I use the diode testing mode?

It goes from one to zero on wires I know are good.

Thanks

 

[bayoubengal85]

you could try just checking resistance and it should read 0 or close to it?

 

[bob15]

Why not use Ohms?

 

[IFMJohn]

Put it on ohms with the circuit that you are testing isolated.

Or do a voltage drop test

 

[Mustang51js]

Is it a short in a tool or house wiring

 

[augustus]

Ohms is what you need to measure, touch the tips together first to get an idea of what a strong short will look like on the meter.

 

[beamrider]

Any meter that measures resistance is a continuity tester. A dead short will read zero Ω, and an open circuit will read infinity.

 

[Steinmetz]

So I've been chasing a short for a while now...and had to grab a multimeter at advanced. To my disbelief, their best one didn't have continuity...can I use the diode testing mode?

It goes from one to zero on wires I know are good.

Thanks

I assume that this is an automotive circuit. Be careful about inadvertently grounding a circuit through the meter while checking for the short circuit. Damage to the meter and the circuit may result.

 

[Farmall450]

Alright, friend's cub cadet is blowing fuses instantly...gotta find where it's grounding.

 

[Steinmetz]

Alright, friend's cub cadet is blowing fuses instantly...gotta find where it's grounding.

Make sure the fuse is pulled out (this doesn't sound like a problem since they keep blowing) so the circuit is de-energized. Do you have an electrical schematic for this baby?

 

[uart]

So I've been chasing a short for a while now...and had to grab a multimeter at advanced. To my disbelief, their best one didn't have continuity...can I use the diode testing mode?

It goes from one to zero on wires I know are good.

Yes, either the diode test or ohms works ok if you're just checking continuity. Basically the only difference between a continuity tester and ohms is the beep.

Check the lowest ohm range (often 0 to 200 ohms) and you may find that it "beeps" on low readings. Some meters do this so that range doubles as a continuity tester.

 

[Farmall450]

Make sure the fuse is pulled out (this doesn't sound like a problem since they keep blowing) so the circuit is de-energized. Do you have an electrical schematic for this baby?

They were out when I came across it, his father died suddenly and had been working on it.

Yes, either the diode test or ohms works ok if you're just checking continuity. Basically the only difference between a continuity tester and ohms is the beep.

Check the lowest ohm range (often 0 to 200 ohms) and you may find that it "beeps" on low readings. Some meters do this so that range doubles as a continuity tester.

Actually I have two, my friend's cousin is an electrical engineer, he drew them out.

It's not the battery, ground, solenoid, or switch.

 

[Farmall450]

Yes, either the diode test or ohms works ok if you're just checking continuity. Basically the only difference between a continuity tester and ohms is the beep.

Check the lowest ohm range (often 0 to 200 ohms) and you may find that it "beeps" on low readings. Some meters do this so that range doubles as a continuity tester.

It is this one.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...imeter-cp7665/9020008-P?searchTerm=multimeter

 

[uart]

It is this one.

This Actron Auto Analyzer Digital Multimeter performs all standard electrical tests for on-car and benchtop troubleshooting. Locate faulty wiring and test electrical components, engine sensors, ignition and fuel systems and starting/charging system voltage.

They're really pushing their credibility to call it an "Auto Analyzer". It's just a basic digital multimeter without any AC amps or low any AC voltage ranges.

There's no real difference between continuity and low ohms range, except a continuity range usually has a buzzer that sounds when the resistance falls below some minimum level.

Regarding the use of diode and ohms ranges for continuity. Both work by injecting a small current into the circuit, but the diode range displays the consequent voltage (typically in mV) whereas the resistance displays the voltage to current ratio. In the past I've used meters where (depending on the meter) they used either the diode or low ohms range for continuity, with a buzzer indicating when the measurement is suitably low so as to be a connection.

 

[stratman977]

I would start with the ignition switch on those before you drive yourself nuts looking for a bad wire.

 

[signcrafter]

Alright, friend's cub cadet is blowing fuses instantly...gotta find where it's grounding.

Take an old sealed beam headlight and wire it up with two make spade terminals on it. Then plug the spade terminals into the fuse holder. This creates a load on the circuit and will stop the fuse from blowing. If the light is on then you have a dead short. Wiggle wires and what not until the light goes off. This will allow you to work on and trouble shoot the circuit without blowing fusing. Here's a thread that explains it and shows pictures of some examples and how I made mine, http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182494&highlight=fuse+saver&showall=1. Very handy tool.

 

[xj31]

Take an old sealed beam headlight and wire it up with two make spade terminals on it. Then plug the spade terminals into the fuse holder. This creates a load on the circuit and will stop the fuse from blowing. If the light is on then you have a dead short. Wiggle wires and what not until the light goes off. This will allow you to work on and trouble shoot the circuit without blowing fusing. Here's a thread that explains it and shows pictures of some examples and how I made mine, http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182494&highlight=fuse+saver&showall=1. Very handy tool.

Sometimes low-tech is the easiest

 

[Farmall450]

I would start with the ignition switch on those before you drive yourself nuts looking for a bad wire.

I did; it was good. So was the solenoid...battery...I think maybe the relay is all there is left between the switch and starter.

Take an old sealed beam headlight and wire it up with two make spade terminals on it. Then plug the spade terminals into the fuse holder. This creates a load on the circuit and will stop the fuse from blowing. If the light is on then you have a dead short. Wiggle wires and what not until the light goes off. This will allow you to work on and trouble shoot the circuit without blowing fusing. Here's a thread that explains it and shows pictures of some examples and how I made mine, http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182494&highlight=fuse+saver&showall=1. Very handy tool.

I will make one...I commented to my partner at the parts store that they had some copper fittings that looked like they'd fit in there perfectly!

 

[Farmall450]

I plan on returning that unit, picked up this one on sale at my Napa for the same price, more options, audible beep continuity, nice case...I will say the "auto analyzer" probes are much better tho.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C.../Multi-Meter-Probes/_/R-BK_7002601_0006396597