Hi I have a multimeter that doesn't show accurate reading in resistor and doesn't read anything in capacitor at all.
I measure 5.6 kohm resistor and it shows me 2.1 kohm
In capacitor mode it repeadly goes frome micro to millifarad with no reading.
Voltage reading is good. Battery is new.
How can I fix it. Is my multimeter broken?
Thank you

 

Welcome to the forum.

Have you tried another resistor or measured that resistor with another multimeter?

What value is the capacitor you are trying? Have you tried a different one, preferably one in the range of .1 to 10 uF?

Are you sure the probes are plugged into the correct jacks?

Pictures of the components you are testing?

 

Hello,

Is the capacitor discharged?

Bertus

 

Welcome to the forum.

Have you tried another resistor or measured that resistor with another multimeter?

What value is the capacitor you are trying? Have you tried a different one, preferably one in the range of .1 to 10 uF?

Are you sure the probes are plugged into the correct jacks?

Pictures of the components you are testing?

Hello, every resistor gives me wrong results, the capacitor is new and 2.2 microfarad, I'm sure the probs are fine because the voltage results are fine, I've tested 3300microfarad capacitor and it gave me 4.5 milifatad

 

Ye

Hello,

Is the capacitor discharged?

Bertus

Yes I've discharge the capacitor

 

If the capacitor is electrolytic (polarized) try the connecting probes to the capacitor leads both ways.

Do the resistors always come out low by the same ratio?

 

If the capacitor is electrolytic (polarized) try the connecting probes to the capacitor leads both ways.

Do the resistors always come out low by the same ratio?

Yes it wasn't like this before

 

Hi,
Check or relace the internal battery.
It may respond to a good cleaning, at least it will look better.
Good luck.........
P.S. A good name. You not the meter.

 

It is pretty likely that the meter is damaged and there is very little that can be done to repair these types of meters. Make a note of the functions that don't work and don't use those functions -- and avoid using the meter at all for things that are critical, as you don't know when those functions will fail.

 

I've tested 3300microfarad capacitor and it gave me 4.5 milifatad

The value tolerance spec for aluminium electrolytic capacitors may be up to +80%.
3300uf is 3.3 millifarad, A reading of 4.5 millifarad is just +42% so could be a correct reading.

 

It is pretty likely that the meter is damaged and there is very little that can be done to repair these types of meters. Make a note of the functions that don't work and don't use those functions -- and avoid using the meter at all for things that are critical, as you don't know when those functions will fail.

Thank you. Last year it had become waterlogged, didn't turn on, I opened it and cleaned it, problem solved but I think It was broken right there.

 

Hi,
Check or relace the internal battery.
It may respond to a good cleaning, at least it will look better.
Good luck.........
P.S. A good name. You not the meter.

Thank you, the battery is new, I think the meter is broken

 

If I were to buy a new one do you recommend buy a new meter or a multifunctional tester like the photo?

 

If I were to buy a new one do you recommend buy a new meter or a multifunctional tester like the photo?

That depends on what your needs are and which will serve them better.

 

The Victor/Vici VC97 is a very popular multimeter, and there are zillions of videos and discussions around the internet - there's even schematics!

Given this issue happens with the modes where the multimeter actually provides power to the component under test (resistance, capacitance), I would check the parts that are connected to the electrical path that performs these functions.

As for the decision of purchasing a new equipment, a small component tester is very versatile and a lifesaver in several cases. However, there are many low quality testers around the internet and you need to carefully look at reviews that can help you separate the wheat from the chaff. Many years ago I bought this tester from this seller (no commercial interest from this) and it works incredibly well, but keep in mind these products are constantly changing.

You might want to consider investing in both - a new multimeter and a tester. The reason for considering a new multimeter is related to what types of measurements you need to do. If you do a lot of repairs, you will have to frequently measure resistances directly on the equipment/board or or parts fitted to the board. The multimeter is better suited for those types of measurements since it usually has input protection in case the equipment/board has residual charge that would otherwise destroy your component tester.

Nowadays the offers for moderately decent multimeters at reasonable prices is very broad - my favourite very low cost meter is the Richmeters RM113D which has reasonable electrical and mechanical robustness. I have been using mine for years now. Others could be the Uni-T UT123 and a bit more expensive models such as Bside ZT-Y, Aneng AN870 (Richmeters RM219), Kaiweets HT118A are also reasonably good meters. I have no commercial interest on these recommendations.

 

I have one of these as my portable meter, other than the display looks faded in temp over 90F, its excellent, 35 bucks.

 

As a kid I relied on something like this, quite amazing how it really was sufficient for most hobby projects back in the 70s even 80s.