Can a cmos battery be tested with a multimeter? I have some batteries in some old boards, and i need to determine if there is a good one, for an old system i am fixing up. I am trying to avoid buying a new one to save $7. I would like to test them, my multimeter is analog, with a needle, and it has settings for testing AA, AAA, D, C, 9 volt as well as voltage, resistance, etc.
Share
Yes, Just connecting the voltmeter leads to the battery will give a no-load response but that’s good enough for those batteries. Just test them all and whichever gives the highest reading will be the best one. They usually work down to about 1 volt but look for one that’s at least 2.5 volts if you don’t want to replace it again in a month or so.
If your meter has setting for battery testing I believe they provide a small load but I’ve always used the DC voltmeter setting and a range for whatever is appropriate for a 3 volt battery.