Electrical Gurus - Why did I just melt my meter's wires?

Brand new fresh out of the package Multimeter.
Was trying to test the test the "Charging System - Output Check" per Haynes directions pay 216.
Connect to + and - of battery, 0-20 DC, start engine.

Well I connected, started engine and instantly melted lead wires from my multimeter and my extension wires with alligator clips.

What did I do wrong? Or was the Haynes WRONG?

NO I don't think the + and - alligators were touching.



I THINK my multimeter is still usable once I get new lead wires...

 

I don't think you have an "automotive grade" multimeter there; or you had the leads connected to the completely wrong spots.

Most meters have different places to plug at least the "+" lead depending on if you're measuring continuity (Ohms) or current (volts/amps.)

Might want to read the multimeter's manual a bit before trying again.

 

Connect the RED Lead to the POSITIVE (+) Terminal on the Battery
Connect the BLACK Lead the the NEGATIVE (-) Terminal on the Battery

There's 2 Fuses in that Multi ...

They put those Fuses in there for just such occasions as this.

 

I think you hit it on the spot x2.

 

"Brand new fresh out of the package Multimeter." is that like new never used before ?
"Well I connected, started engine and instantly melted lead wires"
this doesn't compute, whatever happened, should have happened as soon as you clipped on
good thing you weren't in a house panel

 

the vibration from starting the engine didnt cause one of the wires to move and short did it? you said you "dont think" that the + and - alligators were touching, assuming prior to startup?..... just throwing that out there

 

Black meter lead into meter centre terminal. Red meter lead into right hand terminal, Do not plug into 10 amp terminal on meter. That terminal is for measuring current only. Make sure meter switch is on DC volts, 20 volt range. Hope this helps. Jack

 

I'm going to sound like an echo here but you have to ensure that you are plugged into the correct jacks to make a voltage reading. They are not the same as the current jacks save the common (- or black lead). Most likely you made the voltage measurement with the leads in the current setup and since the battery can supply a heck of a lot more current than the meter (most are about 10 amps max), you fried the meter's fuse (if it has one, some don't and rely upon a fuseable buss to save the meter).
I've done just what you did and it ate my meter's lunch, forcing me to buy a new one. Sorry to hear of your misfortune but back-up, regroup, and try it again observing the settings and jack positions.