Operation of a Volt/Ohm Meter (VOM)

For all of the following tests, plug the black lead into the -COM (negative) jack and the red lead into the + V-O-A (positive) jack (the "O" should be "omega".

To Check Continuity (Resistance) -

1. Make sure that the item you are going to check is attached to no current--switch it off, disconnect it, unplug it, etc.
2. Set the pointer on the dial to an OHMS scale (Rx1, Rx10, Rx100, etc.).
3. Touch the two probes together; the needle should go to zero (on the right side of the green scale). If it doesn?t go exactly to zero, adjust it with the red Ohms Adjust dial.
4. Put one probe on one end of what you're checking and the other at the other end. If the resistance is zero ohms, you have continuity. If the needle doesn't go all the way to zero, try a smaller scale.

To Check DC Voltage -

1. Make sure the electrical power is on to the item (line, fuse, switch, etc.) that you wish to check.
2. Set the pointer on the DC V dial on the voltage you expect (e.g., for the Volkswagen, set the dial at 15). If you are uncertain of the voltage, start at the top end and work down.

Touch the black probe (negative) to any ground.

3. Touch the red probe to the hot side of the item. The needle should swing to the expected voltage.

To Check AC Voltage -

1. The procedure for checking AC voltage is the same as for DC voltage except that the pointer on the meter is set to AC V (in red).

Disclaimer stuff: Rob and Dave have prepared this information from their own experiences. We have not assumed any specialised mechanical knowledge, but we DO assume that anyone using this information has at least some basic mechanical ability.

We hope you find this information useful, but we don't take any responsibility for anything which happens to you, other people, your VW or any other property or goods resulting from your use of this material.

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Have fun fixing your VW - just keep them fweeming, OK?

Last revised 6 May 2004.