t-top havoc

iTrader: (3)

1st time using a meter.
I followed directions, and tested battery at rest.
Started it, followed directions for draw.
Ok,
I forgot to switch the black lead.
Touched battery and got a spark from the black lead.
Went back over directions, and realized I was supposed to move the black lead.
Now the meter is stuck on 1.
It will not reset or change value even after a new battery is in.
The fuses ( look like glass tube bus fuses ) are covered with some kind of paper?
Are these special fuses of some type?
I'm getting ready to go to AZone for some fuses, but would like to know if I ruined the meter & should get another one.
Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Thanks Guys!!

paulo57509

Hopefully, the fuse(s) protected the meter the way they were designed to. Just replace them and see what happens.

Since you're a multi meter newb, buy a couple of boxes of fuses. Been there, done that.

t-top havoc

iTrader: (3)

AZone, O'Reillyso do not cary ceramic fuses!
I got another meter.
I am going to order some online.

I incorrectly described as paper covered.
They are ceramic.
Lesson learned, so I HOPE I don't ruin this one too!!

Thank You paulo57509!

Lucid

iTrader: (4)

Were you using an analog meter with a sweep or an actual digital multi-meter? When you test for voltage, you need to be using a multi-meter in the v (voltage) testing setting. If you test for voltage on the ohms scale (like on an analog meter) you could damage the meter.

You can only test for resistance (ohms) on an analog meter with no voltage (no power) in the circuit. When you test for voltage, your circuit is going to be powered. Since the car is running off a 12v system, you are going to be in the volts dc settings. I don't know what kind of meter you got, but if it's got a dial that you can select different ranges, you need to be in the correct range to get a reading in the right units.

I prefer to use auto-ranging meters like the little clamshell ones from radioshack because i'm lazy. Good luck!