Things You'll Need:
- Digital multi-meter or a volt ohm meter
- Alligator clips
- Electrical tape
- Sockets
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Step 1
Understand that a standard battery isolator has four contacts, two large contacts and two smaller ones. To start, disconnect the large gauge cables from the larger contacts. These cables lead to each battery's positive terminal, so care must be taken to keep the end of the cables from grounding out on the exposed metal of the engine compartment. Use the electrical tape to cover these ends.
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Step 2
Place your meter leads on the large contacts that were previously attached to the batteries. Trigger the isolator to engage. Most triggers come from a switch or from the vehicle's ignition. Set your meter to ohms. A reading of 0 ohms indicates that the isolator is working. An open load reading indicates that it is not working.
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Step 3
If an open load is observed, test the triggers by disconnecting the wires going to them. Place an alligator clip on one trigger and connect the free end to ground. Connect the other alligator clip to the remaining trigger, and place its free end on a 12V source. You should feel and hear the isolator click and the meter should read 0 ohms. If there is no click, or if the meter still reads open load, replace the isolator.
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Step 4
If the isolator passes the test but you are still experiencing problems, you may have more serious electrical issues.
