How To Check Batteries With A Voltmeter. Any reading of voltage below 95 volts or if the battery holds a good record for a while and steadily drops or even when it falls instantly to 0 volts then it means there is a problem and the battery should be replaced due to its low capacity. Hold the battery vertically 23 in 5176 cm.
Follow these steps below to test a battery with a multimeter. The wavy line after a V is AC alternating current voltage and is for checking the mains voltage in your house. First the range of the multimeter should be set at 20V on the DC side.
Second we will measure the current.
If the battery is in a good state the multimeter should show a reading between 12 and 13 volts. On the other hand if the read stays at 5V and becomes stagnant the battery lifespan will probably be shortened. DC voltage is usually marked as a V followed by a short line with a dotted line beneath it. Select the DC volts position on your multimeter or the 12V setting if you have a dedicated car battery test range.
