i don't kknow how to use my multimeter to check my batt

ok my digital multimeter have a dial on it with about 20 choices, i don't know which to choose to test my batts, whatever i have chosen before creates sparks, so i stopped and came stright here

the setting are
dcv
200m
2000m
20
200
100

acv
750
200

1.5v
9v

dca
200 (weird U symble)
2000(weird U symble)
20m
200m

10A
hFE
a arrow point to the right with a line in it

2000k (omega symble)
200k
20k
2000
200


I just got me a xj700 maxim x
it's idleing at 3000 rpm, so i decide to check the batt first
then i will attempt to remove carb and clean it


edit: got it, its low it's 11.5v, i have to get a charger now
thank you for the help

 

It's pretty simple actually. I basic check involves setting the DMM to DCV (direct current voltage), connecting the black wire to the neg terminal, and the red wire to the pos terminal. You should get about 12.6-12.8 volts fully charged without load. Fully discarged and it will be below 12 Volts (bad). When running at about 5,000 rpm, the charging voltage should not exceed 14.5 volts as this will result in outgassing.

You can try to bring the idle speed down by turning the idle adjustment screw couter-clockwise. THat is if the bike is running well now. If it is running poorly, you might as well do it right and take the carbs off for a good cleaning and inspection.

 

DCV=20
probes in meter to
black =common
red = volts /ohms
amp plug not used

 

to reiterate:

DCV 20 (20 volts of Direct Current)
black lead in the Common or - jack
red lead in the volts or + jack

red lead on the positive or red lead of the battery
black lead on the negative or black lead of the battery

this is the voltage of the battery with the ignition off.


this is the voltage of the battery while cranking.


this is the voltage of the battery while running.


my cranking voltage might be a bit low because the bike hasnt run in the last week (weather and work schedules getting in the way)...

just reading the battery while off wont tell you the condition of the battery. only the charge at the time of measuring. if you check the voltage while cranking (under load) it is a good indicator of the condition. if it drops below 8 volts while cranking you might just as well buy a new battery...

by checking the voltage while its running you can tell if your charging system (alternator, voltage regulator battery) are any good...

good luck!

 

Beautiful Shots LT!!! We ought to sticky this thread!

 

im glad you like them...

ive got a Craftsman DMM that i should have used instead of the Fluke but i was too lazy to run to the basement and grab it out of my toolbag...

the Craftsman is probably more prevalent in the garages of most of use vs. the Fluke (due mainly to availability and cost)...

maybe ill reshoot them with a bit better light and everything. i was in a rush to answer the call...

 

roger that Lt, a picture paints a thousand words.

 

wow, thank you for the pictures, i got my reading, it's 11.5, so i charged it and got it running, it idles fine for 5 mins, then it will rev itself to 7000 rpm.

i think my bike is mad at me

 

And your battery/charging system is dead nuts with what a submerged lead-acid battery should be. I must admit, the numbers I used were found on Wikipedia and weren't my own knowlege (they are now though...)