Continuity and Resistance Check

TESTING FOR CONTINUITY

Meter Types:

1. Use a digital or analog multimeter with a minimum 10k ohm resistance.
2. Disconnect the battery or connector so there is no power between the check points.
3. Set the ohmmeter to the appropriate range.

Continuity And Resistance Check:

4. Connect the two leads of the meter to each of the check points.

Diode Check:

5. If the circuit or component has diodes, reverse the leads and check again.
a. When contacting the negative lead to the diode's positive side and the positive lead to the negative side, there should be continuity.
b. When connecting the two leads in reverse, there should not be continuity.


When testing for continuity at a connector without wire seals, you do not have to separate the two halves of the connector. Instead, probe the connector from the back. Always check both sides of the connector because dirty, corroded, and bent terminals can cause problems (no electrical contact = an open).

1. Disconnect the negative cable from the car battery. If you're using a Digital Volt/Ohmmeter (DVOM), place it in the lowest "OHMS" range.



2. Connect one lead of a self-powered test light or DVOM to one end of the part of the circuit you want to test.
3. Connect the other lead to the other end.
4. If the self-powered test light glows, there is continuity. If you're using a DVOM, a low reading or no reading (ZERO), means good continuity.