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© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. Vista, CA 9
How to find (+)12V ignition with your multimeter:
1. Set to DCV or DC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).
2. Attach the (-) probe of the meter to chassis ground.
3. Probe the wire you suspect of being the ignition wire. The steering
column harness (ignition switch harness) is an excellent place to
find this wire.
4. Turn the ignition key switch to the run position. If your meter reads
(+)12V, advance to Step 5. If your meter does not read (+)12V, probe a different wire.
5. Now turn the key to the start position. The meter display should remain steady, not dropping by more than
a few tenths of a volt. If it drops close to or all the way to zero, go back to Step 3. If it stays steady at
(+)12V, you have located an ignition wire.
The (-) parking light wire is often found near the switch or at the dash integration module (DIM). Many cars have the
switch built into the turn signal lever, and in these cars the parking light wire can be found in the steering column.
How to find a (-) parking light flash wire with your multimeter:
1. Set to DCV or DC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).
2. Attach the (+) probe of the meter to a constant +12V source.
3. Probe the wire you suspect of being the parking light wire.
Usually, the area near the headlight/parking light switch is an
excellent area to start.
4. Turn on the parking lights. If your meter shows 12V, turn off the
parking lights and make sure it goes back to zero.
How to find the starter wire with your multimeter:
1. Set to DCV or DC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).
2. Attach the (-) probe of the meter to chassis ground.
3. Probe the wire you suspect of being the starter wire. The steering
column is an excellent place to find this wire. Remember you do not
need to interrupt the starter at the same point you test it. Hiding
your starter kill relay and connections is always recommended.
4. Make sure the vehicle is not in gear! Turn the ignition key switch to
the start position. If your meter reads (+)12V, go to the next step. If it doesn’t, probe another wire.
5. Cut the wire you suspect of being the starter wire.
6. Attempt to start the car. If the starter engages, reconnect it and go back to Step 3. If the starter does not
turn over, you have located the correct wire.
finding the starter wire
finding a (-) parking light wire