how to check cap with voltmeter?

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Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=27545
Printed Date: July 18, 2025 at 3:57 PM

Topic: how to check cap with voltmeter?

Posted By: 00neon
Subject: how to check cap with voltmeter?
Date Posted: March 01, 2004 at 10:12 PM

how would i go about checking my cap to see if it is working? i have a voltmeter.....do i just put in on the + and - or should i go+ to ground??? any help greatly appreciated

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1 JL 12 w3 D4
1 MTX 421 D Monoblock
1 Sony Xplod 75x4
Front: Alpine SPX-177A
Rear: JL audio VR690-CXI

Replies:

Posted By: speedwayaudio1
Date Posted: March 01, 2004 at 11:27 PM

take the cap off line, be careful not to ground the + side. put your voltmeter + to+ and -to - If it is woking it should show 12volts and hold a charge until discharged. once again caps can be fire works show if you ground that + side.

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Big Dave

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: March 02, 2004 at 8:44 AM

Be very careful handling a charged capacitor, as they can hurt you. I have a scar across my right elbow where one discharged through me when I brushed against it years ago. Burned the skin right off it did. And if you connect a meter across charged terminals in ohms or current mode, the meter can blow up in your hand. Why do you think it's not working?

Posted By: 00neon
Date Posted: March 02, 2004 at 9:37 AM

DYohn] wrote:

nbsp; Why do you think it's not working?

because the led light is not lighting up, i just want to check voltage to make sure its working before i go taking it back to the person i bought it from

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1 JL 12 w3 D4
1 MTX 421 D Monoblock
1 Sony Xplod 75x4
Front: Alpine SPX-177A
Rear: JL audio VR690-CXI

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