A friend has a slow battery drain on an 850 wagon. If it sits for several days, pretty much complete battery drain.

I've loaned him my multimeter, where should he start looking and how?

Thanks

I realize that 850 battery drain trouble-shooting has been discussed before on the forums, but I'm in need of mini-step by mini-step instructions, so I beg everyone's indulgence. For example, Klaus says the check the alternator voltage. Where would I place a meter to do that?

How do I attach a multimeter/ voltage meter to a battery post? Must I remove the cable (and have the car off) before I try to attach a meter? The leads (clamps) are so small. They could be held against the metal but certainly won't attach to it. Maybe I have the wrong kind of meter? Mine is from Radio Shack and intended for home use/ electronics. Do I need one specifically for cars (some kind that has much larger leads)?

Another bit of oft-mentioned advice is to "pull the fuses" until the "bad circuit" is revealed. What will signify a bad circuit? Do I put the key in the KPII position and then wait for some light or accessory to shut off? Do I pull out a fuse, and if nothing happens, put it back in, and then pull out the next fuse? Or do I take a fuse out, take another fuse out, take another fuse out, etc.

I may sound super-dense, but I'd rather be humble than screw up my car (even further).

Thanks!
Leslie

Hopefully he has already checked the glove box light switch, the part most prone to this malady.
Then he should start the engine and check the alternator output, it should be around 14.5V. Anything less than this will mean he needs new brushes.
You didn't say how old the battery is. If it is over 5 years old, it may mean that he needs a new one.
If it is a short some where in the wiring, he will need to pull each fuse, one at a time, to determine which circuit is at fault.

Klaus
--
The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)