Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Air Conditioner Certification Practice Exam

To check the continuity of the compressor clutch using a Digital Volt-Ohm Meter (DVOM), the meter should be set to the resistance (Ohm) setting. This is because continuity testing involves measuring the resistance of a circuit or component. When the resistance is low (typically close to zero), it indicates that the circuit is complete, and therefore the compressor clutch is functioning properly. If the reading is infinite or very high, it means there is an open circuit, and the clutch may be faulty.

The other settings of the DVOM—AC volts, DC volts, and current (Amps)—are not appropriate for continuity testing. AC volts is used for measuring alternating current voltage, DC volts is for direct current voltage measurements, and current settings measure the flow of electric current, but none of these settings can provide the resistance information needed to confirm continuity. Thus, using the resistance (Ohm) setting is the correct and most effective method for this diagnostic process.