How to check for a good ground?

[Slim]

How do I use my Volt meter to check whether or not the ground I want to use is good or not?

I used to know, but have long forgotten. Refresh my memory please.

Thanks.

 

[4x4fun]

12dc on the meter. red to the pos black to the neg, sticking the neg inside the ignition is a ground and it will free a hand too cause it stays in there

 

[Slim]

12dc on the meter. red to the pos black to the neg, sticking the neg inside the ignition is a ground and it will free a hand too cause it stays in there

And i'm looking for "0" on the read out, right? (lower value is a better quality ground)

 

[triumphrider-1]

Wouldn't you be looking for ~12.6V? The ground, if in good contact, would complete the circuit and give you a voltage reading.

 

[Slim]

Wouldn't you be looking for ~12.6V? The ground, if in good contact, would complete the circuit and give you a voltage reading.

I never thought of that. I was thinking to check a location before even making the connection.

I don't know. Thanks for mentioning it. Input anyone?

 

[exbass94]

You need to connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the positive post of the battery, and the negative lead to the grounding point. You're looking for approx. 12V. You can use a piece of scrap wire or jumper cables to make an extension cord to connect to the battery.

 

[Bob Ayers]

Actualy, a better way would be to hook the meter negative on the negative battery terminal, and the positive on the GND of the unit being powered (while powered) so you can measure the voltage drop across the ground return to the battery. Put the meter on the lowest voltage scale.

 

[4x4fun]

sorry had to re read your post. if you have a ground wire and you want to make sure its good. or a bold on the frame, put the neg of your meter to the bolt or wire and touch the pos to and 12v source. if the needle swings to 12 you have a good ground,

 

[Slim]

Okay, great, thanks guys! I ask because the bolt I was using for my stereo ground broke. Guess I don't know my own strength sometimes. I've found a new one that seems to work, but couldn't remember how to check before trying.

For sake of knowing i'll compare the two.

 

[4x4fun]

The 0 you were looking for, would be for ohms, which is good to check for. The less ohms you have the "better" or more effent your circut will move current.