using a multimeter

does anyone have any files or website I can study related to the use of a multimeter..I do know how to do basic voltage checks with them, but I'm basically self-taught so I don't know how to use them for checking resistance and other basic troubleshooting. For instance checking continuity and resistance on things like the ignition coil, or ignitor, relays and various switches. If anyone has anything that could help me learn how to use this tool better I'd appreciate any help.

It varys between differnt ones, it should be in your instructions. To check resistance you set it to ohms, you also test continuity with this fuction, your better quality ones have a fuction button that you press where it beeps when it comletes the circuit. What kind/model do you have?

thanx for answering back tsc. My multimeter is an Equiis brand. It gives digital readings and has no buttons just a dial to choose functions. I don't have the manual anymore cause the multimeter is a few years old and I originally bought it to test the voltage on my car battery. Their is no indication of which function reads ohms..it tests in dc volts and ac volts and has three inputs - on for the negative lead and two for the positive leads. One positive lead is for ac volts and the other for dc volts. I have seen the same model for sale in the stores and the package definately says the tool will read resistance and continuity. When I look online for information I get manuals for sale and stuff like that nothing I can just read without shelling out cash and since the multimeter I have is perfectly good I don't wanna buy a new one just to get the manual. I know the dc test is strictly for volts so I've tried following the tests in my car manual for resistance and such using the ac function but the numbers I get from those tests have decimal places and look nothing like the numbers the manual is saying I should be getting...I guess if I'm doing the test right then maybe i just don't know how to convert the numbers I'm getting from the multimeter to the numbers my car manual says I should be getting.

It doesnt have the ohm symbol anywhere on the dial?

no the tool has no references to ohms. I guess I'll look for one that does if you say most do, then maybe mines just a cheapie deal.

Yeah, sounds like its just a volt meter, not a multimeter. Buy a good one if your going to get one, I recomend Fluke, they're pricy but they're pretty much the best ones you can get. The higher end Craftsman ones are made by fluke, and are usually a little cheeper. Also buy a case for it, they're about $10 and have a spot for the instruction manual, the leads and probes and such for it and it keeps it protected. $60+ may sound like alot for a multimeter, but once you learn how to use them and if you do alot of work on cars they're pretty much priceless, and a good one will last forever if you take care of it.

I bought a cheapo from radio shack and it has all the functions you'll need, plus it is pocket size so it fits in the glove box.

By the way, yours may not say ohm, but it may have an omega symbol (upsidedown horseshoe). If you turn the dial to ohms it will show a reading of . 1, which means open connection.