current draw with digital meter

I have read to find the current draw in an automotive circuit you disconnect the battery negative cable and connect a digital meter set to amps in series between the battery and the disconnected battery wire. I just tried this with two different meters. I tried it with all the amp settings, including 10 amps. I don't get a reading even when I turn on the lights. I thought that in the 10 amp setting the lights would go on and I could read how many amps they were using. When I put the cable back on the battery the lights go on. What am I doing wrong?

Did you connect your meter leads to the "amps" positions on your meter?  They are generally different than the position for volts/ohms.Support the12volt.com

assuming you're using the correct sockets on the meter, you blew the meters fuses! what lights are you trying to measure and what wattage?Prove your connections, use a meter!

I promise, I'll behave!

If it is over 10 amps you might as well get a clamp meter They have a good variety at sears, I was lookin at them the other day.fiberglass reminds me of peanut brittle... but fiberglass tastes better!