Joined
·
15 Posts
Digital multimeters are renowned for giving "phantom" readings because they load the circuit under test so lightly. Filament light globes and some ignition coils are a particular problem because they look like short circuits to a digital meter. In fact the continuity test function of many meters (with the beep) can make just about any automotive circuit appear as a short to the novice. You need to isolate the circuit under test to get reliable readings. Failing that, an old fashioned test light can help, as it loads the circuit and provides, for the most part, an unambiguous indication of whether your circuit is hot, ground or somewhere in between.
