How to Test a 6 Volt Car Battery

A critical component in any car engine is the battery. When you insert your key into the vehicle, turn it, and the engine does not start, then chances are either your alternator is bad or your battery is having problems. To check whether you need to replace your battery, your alternator, or simply charge the battery, test it using a multimeter. Digital multimeters are available at most automotive supply centers. It is a useful tool that will tell you whether there is any charge in your battery. Armed with this information, you can decide how to proceed.

Things You'll Need

• Digital multimeter

Instructions

1. Turn off your car engine and take the keys out of the ignition. Open the hood of your car.

2. Find your car's battery and remove any cover to expose the positive and negative terminals on the battery.

3. Connect the red (positive) wire of your digital multimeter to the positive side of the battery (some six-volt batteries may have a red cover or tag on this terminal to make finding it easier).

4. Connect the black (negative) wire to the negative side of the battery terminal.

5. Check the multimeter. Your battery should read at about six volts if it is fully charged and still good. If you get a lower reading, consider charging the battery or replacing it.

References

• Battery Stuff: Battery Tutorial
• 2 Car Pros: How to Use a Multimeter
• CCIS: 12 and 6 Volt Battery Information