SPYDERLK
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2006
- Messages
- 12,510
- Location
- VA
- Tractor
- JD2010, Kubota3450,2550, Mahindra 7520 w FEL w Skid Steer QC w/Tilt Tatch, & BH, BX1500
It would assuming normal discrimination on the ~ 20 V range. Normally the lowest applicable scale for 12V will discriminate to the second decimal ... (0.01V) .I use my test light to put a small load on small gauge wires but that wouldn’t prove anything on starter cables.
For example, as in the OP case say the battery terminals are 12.63 NO LOAD. With a meter set up to apply a 1A load thru its leads the measured voltage may be 12.59. The loss is from slight battery suppression and loss in the meter leads carrying the current. Now move the Neg probe to a clean chassis ground .. 12.58 -- probably ok.
Affix that probe securely. Now move the + probe from + terminal to the + clamp .. 12.55 -- something wrong there - fix it. Now move the probe onward to the lug at far end of + cable .. 12.56 -- probably ok. Now move the probe to the stud the lug bolts to .. 12.47 - FIX IT. (That loss of 0.09V at 1A would equate to a loss of 9.0V at a 100A starter draw - no response at all, or a chatter click.)
Now, the starter should operate. Remove the meter load setup and get some help while you assess each of the previous connections under the substantial starter drain.