So this is more of the how to than vehicle specific and please realize I'm new to electronics, wiring and all of that good stuff.

Everyone keeps saying to use a multimeter to make sure you have the correct wire. For example, when you put your car in reverse, check each wire until you get a signal and that's your reverse.

Anyways, I understand multimeteer basics, I just really have a stupid question that I'm clueless.

Do you have to strip each wire to get direct contact with the multimeter or can you check it through the insullation. I just don't want to strip every wire in a group to find the correct reverese unless I'm supposed to. So how do you use a multimeter to find the correct wire?

Help the new guy please...

Either use a needle to poke through the insulation or just connect the wire to the reverse light.

poke the meter probe into the wire until it hits the copper. thats it.

Okay, that was a straightforward no brainer answer. Thanks, sorry I couldn't figure that out on my own.

Alright another newbie question:

I realize there has to be power flowing to get a reading...but should I be poking into wires with the negative of the batterey still connected or should I disconnect the batterey, poke the wire, recoonect the batterey, throw it in reverse, etc.

Or do I just poke away with power flowing?

The newbie just doesn't want to be zapped silly!

yes, you will have to have power (battery connected) to measure power.

set the emergency brake, turn key on (do NOT crank it)

mash foot brake, put car in Reverse,

verify car is solid (chock the wheels if you have something) and not moving.

get out & verify reverse lights are on.

use a clamp (or vise grips) to hold the mutli meter ground lead on to ground.

poke wire, find +12v (are you sure you car doesn't switch the ground?)

then, put car back in park, check that wire for +12v again.

that's called a stupidity check, but it helps alot.

hth?

Alright, thanks for all of the info guys....I'm learning more and more through this forumn!