WORKSHOP MANUAL
PARK
Chapter
EDITION
2020
PAGE
104 /
124
IMPORTANT
Replace all faulty components with STIGA replacement parts only. Engine parts,
such as rectifiers or alternator components should be repaired by the nearest engine service
center. STIGA does not recommend attempting to repair electrical components. Most do not lend
themselves to repair and you would have more money invested in “time of repair” than the part
would cost and the results may not be as good.
9.1.4 Electrical measure gauges
In many electrical circuits, there is some visible effect which indicates that the circuit is functioning
properly.
A switch is turned “ON” and a lamp lights. A key is turned, a starter motor runs and cranks the
engine. If the lamp does not light up, or the starter motor does not run, some means of measuring
voltage, current flow, resistance and continuity is needed, (continuity means there is a complete
electrical path through the circuit or component.)
To know exactly what conditions exist in an electrical circuit requires AC and DC Voltmeter, AC
and DC Ammeter, and an Ohmmeter.
Combination meters that do all of these things are available and called a Multimeter or Volt Ohm-
multitester (VOM).
Meters of this kind are available in many forms and all change functions and ranges with switches,
or by plugging test leads into different jacks. Multimeters are available in two basic types, Analog
and Digital.
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Analog meters
Analog meters have a needle that provides the reading moving along a scale. The longer the
scale, the easier it is to read and more accurate the reading will be. A jewelled movement is used
in this type of meter which is more likely to be damaged through rough handling (except for over-
loaded Protected Meters) or by measuring high values that exceed the range set on the meter,
than a digital meter.
They provide excellent service for the money as long as they are used with care.
•
Digital meters
Digital Meters do not have a movement and are there fore more rugged. The reading shows up
directly on a display window of some type. Since they read direct, no skill in reading the scale is
required, nor is it necessary to set the range. The meter switches the ranges automatically.
The user only has to select the function volts DC, AC amps, ohms, etc.), connect the test leads
and the reading is displayed on the display. Because of the internal circuitry and the lack of a
movement, these meters are not likely to be damaged by overloads.
In the discussions that follow, either type of meter may be used. Test procedures are the same.
It is best to learn proper procedures, even though some meters may be more forgiving of mistakes.
Where differences in use may occur, they will be covered in the discussion.
