Test with a multimeter

Li-ion cell (18650)

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Now: Full cell, no load

Charge level R CircuVanta 6000 counts · auto range DCAUTO•)))HOLDFUSE− HOLD LIGHT OFFV⎓V~Ω•)))FmA⎓ mA400 mACOMVΩ Plus (+) 1 + Minus (−) 2 −
Pin 1: Plus (+) (+) Pin 2: Minus (−) (−)

Red probe Not connectedBlack probe Not connected

Hold the probe and drag it to the tip of a leg. Tapping works too: first pick the probe, then the leg.

Set the range to DC voltage.

Measure step by step

A Li-ion cell gives 4.2 V when full and about 3 V when empty; the voltage shows the charge level. Measure the voltage on the V⎓ range: red probe to plus (+). A weak cell reads fine with no load and badly under load.

Do not measure the battery terminals on the Ω or continuity range, and do not short-circuit them with a metal object. If the cell has dropped below 2.5 V, do not try to charge it.

  1. 1Full cell, no load
  2. 2Full cell, under load
  3. 3Half-charged cell, no load