What setting should a battery tester be on?

Initiating the car battery test with a multimeter, our primary objective is to ascertain its functional condition. The first step involves setting the multimeter to DC voltage mode, as this is the appropriate setting for measuring the direct current produced by car batteries.

Ensuring the multimeter's capability to measure the expected voltage range, we adjust the dial if necessary to accommodate a maximum of 20 volts. This setting ensures that the multimeter can accurately capture the voltage output of a standard car battery.

Proceeding with the test, we carefully connect the negative probe of the multimeter to the negative terminal of the battery. This step is crucial as it establishes a secure and accurate electrical connection between the testing device and the battery's power source.

Following the negative terminal connection, we then attach the positive probe of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the battery. This completes the electrical circuit, allowing the multimeter to measure the voltage flowing between the terminals.

As the multimeter displays the measured voltage, we observe the reading to assess the battery's health. A fully charged car battery typically registers around 12.6 volts, while a battery nearing the end of its lifespan may show a significantly lower voltage.