Ammeter test

Hey Paul im a member of your premium channel and all your videos are fantastic. Quick question I would like to know how can I test a circuit to see how much amps I’m getting through a shift solenoid. I know how to set up the ammeter I just want to know where to put the leads in the circuit? Thanks looking forward to your response

You will need to look at the wiring diagram for your vehicle. However a word of caution on using a conventional ammeter or multi-meter as an ammeter, with a normal ammeter you will have to break into the circuit and put the meter in series with the circuit. Most multi-meters are fused at 10 amps and it is all to easy to blow the fuse either from a short in th circuit or simple forgetting to swap the lead to the correct socket when you want to measure voltage.
If the fuse blows there is no obvious warning -- the meter will still function as a volt meter.

For this reason most techs use a DC current clamp (either a clamp meter or a separate clamp attached to multi-meter or oscilloscope ) or one of those old school clip meters as these are more reliable and non-invasive to the circuit.

As a DC clamp meter I use a Uni-T UT203 which is low cost and a decent general purpose multi-meter.



Clip on Ammeter less accurate but simple.

Also see this thread Ammeter Use as jumper