UEi ACM6000, PAC45 Instruction Manual

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ACM6000

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

• Even moderate amounts of current can cause ventricular fibrillation

• Use insulated tools and gloves to avoid electrical shock

• Disconnect wiring from supply voltage before performing
continuity tests

• Disconnect the negative battery terminal when removing and
replacing starters, alternators, and other components that have
direct connections to the battery

Multimeter Safety Precautions

When making resistance measurements, ensure no voltage is present
in the component or wire being tested. When making voltage or
current measurements, ensure you don’t exceed the maximum rating
of the ACM6000.

International Symbols

C o n t r ols and Indicators

1. Rotary Selector Knob: Switches measurement function.

2. ZERO button: In the DC AMP’s mode, this control zero’s the display,

so the user can get the most accurate DC current reading.

3. Test lead input terminals

• Positive input (red terminal) for:

• Voltage

• Temperature

• R e s i s t a n c e

• Negative input (black terminal) for: used as common, ground
or low-side input for all test lead measurements.

4. ON/OFF switch: Slide the switch forward to turn the instrument

on, slide it back to turn the instrument off.

5. HOLD button: Freezes the display.

Introduction

The ACM6000 DC/AC Clamp Meter instrument allows pocket sized
convenience for testing voltage, current flow, resistance, continuity
and temperature.

A voltage measurement does not always provide complete information
about the behavior of a circuit. A current measurement, in addition to
the voltage measurement, provides additional information to help you
make a correct diagnosis.

The instructions, recommendations and illustrations in this manual are
intended the basic information necessary to get you started on the path
to automotive electrical diagnostics.

State-of-the-art electronic test tools are not very effective without under­standing basic automotive electrical diagnostics and basic electrical cir­cuits. Training courses are usually available from local schools. For
additional information on domestic field training, contact the UEI
Automotive Field Training Center at (770) 476 -1431 (8-5 PM, EST).
Custom contract training can be provided in your area.

Safety Notes

Before using this meter, read all safety information carefully. In
this manual the word "WARNING" is used to indicate conditions
or actions that may pose physical hazards to the user. The word
"CAUTION" is used to indicate conditions or actions that may
damage this instrument.

WARNING!

Follow appropriate work area safety precautions

Automotive safety

When performing vehicle maintenance, work in a well-ventilated
area - route exhaust gases out of work area. Work in a well-lit
environment. Use supplemental work lights in service area.

• DO NOT wear jewelry (rings, watches, etc.) when

working on vehicles

• Wear approved safety eyewear at all times

• Avoid rotating fan blades, drive-belts and pulleys on
running engines

• Beware of electrical shock when working on vehicle wiring and
electrical systems

• Keep open flames and sparks away from batteries, engine fuels
and oils

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Clamp-on techniques for current testing

Traditional current measurement involves opening a suspect circuit and
connecting the meter in series. However, opening a circuit to perform a
current flow test creates its own set of problems such as:

• Accessing/removing/replacing a computer, module or other
device from a hard-to-get area

• Cutting and then repairing a wire

• Reprogramming data that was lost when a circuit was opened

The ACM6000 Clamp Meter allows the technician to quickly and easily
make a non-intrusive current flow measurement by clamping the jaw
around a wire.

AC and DC voltage testing

Automotive technicians routinely use a DMM to make voltage checks of
the battery and various circuits. The ACM6000 permits the user to make
standard AC/DC voltage tests, resistance and continuity tests, tempera t u r e
tests and non-intrusive current tests, while enjoying shirt pocket convenience.

• Use the DC Voltage Measurement capability ( V ) to test any
circuit or device that is powered by battery or regulated voltage

• Use the AC Voltage Measurement capability ( V ) to test any
circuit that generates its own voltage, such as a magnetic type
trigger pickup, ABS, or crank-sensor

Resistance measurement (Ohms - Ω) testing

The ACM6000 can be used to measure how much electrical resistance
is present in a circuit or across a connector. The meter sends a small
current through the circuit being tested to calculate resistance.

Continuity testing

In order to assist the technician who may not be able to see the
meter display at the same time he is making test lead connections,
the instrument sounds a buzzer when measured resistance is
approximately 25 Ohms or less, which indicates there is continuity
and not an open circuit.

ZERO adjustment

DC Current Measurement is most accurate when the instrument is
zeroed before making the measurement. By pressing the ZERO button
for one or two seconds, the display reading is reset to approximately

00.0. Note: Some flicker of the least significant digit – the rightmost
digit – is normal due to the presence of electrical and magnetic forces
present from shop lighting, wiring, and other live electrical sources
near the test area.

Data hold

• Press the HOLD button to freeze the display reading

• Press the HOLD button again to resume real time readings

Wire to be tested must
pass through the opening
when clamp-jaw is shut.

Press there to open
clamp-jaw.

Display

1. Battery Low Indicator: If the letters “BAT” are displayed, turn

off the meter and replace the battery.

2. Minus Sign (-): Indicates negative polarity.

3. Measurement Display: This meter can display numbers up

to 199.9 on the LCD. The units (ohms, volts, etc.) are displayed as
symbols to the right of the digital value.

NOTE: A 1 on the left side of the display indicates that the input
has exceeded the selected range.

Features

AC and DC current testing

Frayed wiring, corroded or degraded connections, failing switches, etc.
may test OK for voltage but may not allow sufficient current for the
circuit to function properly. Technicians can make better informed
diagnostic decisions when circuit current (amperage) is also tested.

The ACM6000 can be used to test for both AC and DC current. The user
selectable range switch allows for measurement up to 200 Amps.

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Low battery indicator

The LOW BATTERY i n d i c ator displayed in the upper left hand corner of
the display screen alerts the operator to replace the ACM6000 battery.

• See “Battery Replacement” for detailed instructions

Temperature measurement

Automotive repair and maintenance often involves checking the
temperature of A/C and heating duct air as well as engine coolant
temperature. The operator may read temperature by connecting any
standard K type thermocouple to the input jacks, through the supplied
temperature probe adapter.

Hand strap

A Hand Strap is provided to avoid accidentally dropping the ACM6000
Clamp Meter.

Pouch

A pouch is provided for storage of the ACM6000 Clamp Meter, the
accessories and the operator’s manual.

Operating Instructions

AC/DC current testing

The procedure for measuring current using the ACM6000 is different
from measuring voltage.

• To measure VOLTAGE, the meter leads are connected to the points
in the circuit being tested

• To measure CURRENT, the jaws of the Clamp Meter are placed
around a wire or cable to make the measurement (Ensure test
leads are not connected to the meter)

1. To measure high AC CURRENT: Turn the rotary

function switch to the 200 Amps AC setting (200A ).
To measure high DC CURRENT: Turn the rotary function switch
to the 200 Amps DC setting (200A ).

2. Slide the ACM6000 power switch to the ON position.

3. Press the ZERO button (DC current measurements, only).

This will zero the instrument for the most accurate reading.

4. Place the jaws of the ACM6000 around the conductor
being tested.

• Verify that the instrument and its strap do not
touch moving pulleys or belts

• Failure to obey the current flow polarity indicator
arrow located on the inner jaw face will result in a minus
sign to the left of the amps readout

• Be sure the jaws are closed, leaving no air gap between
the two jaws.

A. Remove the instrument from the conductor
B. Turn the rotary switch to the 20A scale
C. Follow steps 3 and 4

5. When testing is completed move the instrument power switch
to OFF.

Measuring AC voltage

NOTE: Observe safety rules.

WARNING!

• Be certain that wires and leads, as well as clothing and hands
are clear of moving parts

• When checking ABS wheel speed sensors be sure the wheels

are free to rotate and will not move the vehicle or cause damage

1. Slide the ACM6000 power switch to the ON position.

2. Turn the rotary function switch to V.

3. Connect the test leads to the meter.
A. Plug the black lead into the COM input
B. Plug the red lead into the VΩ˚F input

4. Connect the probe tips to the circuit under test. For automotive

AC voltage measurements using a multimeter not necessary to
observe polarity.

NOTE: If the voltage readout is not stable, further evaluation of the
c i r cuit using a labscope is re c o m m e n d e d .

5. When testing is completed move the instrument power switch

to OFF.

Measuring DC voltage

1. Slide the ACM6000 power switch to the ON position.

2. Turn the rotary function switch to V.

3. Connect the test leads to the meter.

A. Plug the black lead into the COM input
B. Plug the red lead into the VΩ˚F input

4. Connect the black COM probe tip to the ground (-) side of the
circuit under test.

5. Connect the red prove tip to the positive (+) side of the circuit.

• The voltage present in the circuit is shown on the display
panel readout

• Instrument will indicate the polarity of the red lead
connection displayed on the left side of the voltage readout

NOTE: If the voltage reading is not stable, further
evaluation of the circuit using a labscope, model ADL7000
or ADL7100, is recommended.

6. When testing is completed move the instrument power switch

to OFF.

Resistance measurement

• The ACM6000 supplies a small current to the circuit under
test which is used to determine the circuit’s resistance

• Displays circuit resistance in Ohms (W)

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