using a multimeter to test voltage [Archive] - SR20 Forum

: using a multimeter to test voltage


mpg9999
06-07-2002, 03:39 PM
Ok, im trying to check my MAF to see if it needs to be reground. what setting do I use on the multimeter? on one side it says DC-V with 15, 150, and 1000. Then there is an RX1k with the symbol for ohms. On the other side there it says AC-V with a 15, 150, and 1000. There is alson one that says 150 mA DC.

92SE-R
06-07-2002, 04:06 PM
You use DC voltage. AC is alternating. R is for resistance. mA is for current.

mpg9999
06-07-2002, 04:11 PM
so do I use the 15, the 150, or the 1000? and is it the same for the TPS?

Toolapcfan
06-07-2002, 04:15 PM
Use the 15

mpg9999
06-07-2002, 04:22 PM
I cant get any reading from the MAF ground wire (the middle one). I can get a reading from the others, and I can get a reading off of the ground only when I put it on the one that says RX1k with the symbol for ohms. Im confused.

92SE-R
06-07-2002, 05:23 PM
Use 15 because this will be in mV which is VERY small. Here is my post about grounding the MAF to Naji on the So-Cal list. Obviously this is for non electrical engineer type people. :) Put the positive terminal on the middle pin connector on the MAF while the car is idling, and put the negative terminal on the block. You should put the terminal where the actual wire is being grounded to, but, it is kind of hard to find. Theoretically anywhere on the block should be ok. What you are measuring is the potential difference between the two terminals.

<Basically, over time, your ground wire
will start getting corroded or breaking, giving the wire more
resistance. With more resistance, the ground wire will have more of
a voltage drop than it is supposed to. That's why you have to
reground the wire. What you can do is physically replace the ground
wire, OR. Splice into the existing wire as close to the connector as
possible and ground it to the block or the chassis. What this does
is essentially putting this wire parallel to the existing ground
wire. Voltage is the same across two parallel wires so you will have
successfully grounded your MAF with the new wire.