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How to Test Small DC Motors

Small DC motors are used to power things like electric shavers, remote control vehicles and CD players. When there is a problem with the small DC motor, the device it is used in will not function properly. This could be because the DC motor is not generating enough voltage anymore. Once the device is disassembled, a simple test with a voltmeter will determine if the small DC motor needs replacing.

Things You'll Need

Voltmeter
2 jumper wires with alligator clips

Instructions

- 1
  Connect the alligator clips on one end of the jumper wires to the small DC motor's positive and negative terminals.
- 2
  Connect the alligator clip on the other end of the jumper wire attached to the small DC motor's positive terminal to the red test probe on the voltmeter.
- 3
  Connect the alligator clip on the other end of the jumper wire attached to the small DC motor's negative terminal to the black test probe on the voltmeter.
- 4
  Set the voltmeter to the "volt" position. Turn the voltmeter on.
- 5
  Spin the shaft of the small DC motor with your fingers. A reading will be generated on the voltmeter's display. Check to see what the small DC motor's specifications should be for proper voltage in the manual of the device the small DC motor is powering. A reading on the voltmeter's display of anything less than what is specified means that the small DC motor is defective and should be replaced.

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