I picked up a cheap voltmeter from Harbor Freight(looks nice), and thought I would check my battery and alternator output. I set the voltmeter on 20dc and place the red lead on positive post of battery and black lead on negative. Read 12. something volts. Then I started the car, let it idle for a bit, and used the voltmeter the same way, with intention of reading output of alternator. While I was holding the leads, I could feel them getting warmer and insulation on the lead wires started smoking! I took them off the battery. Never did get any readings. What did I do wrong, or what went wrong?
Jim

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1979 Mercedes 240D (Sold to a neighbor last year,now I have room for a new one,looking for a 300D this time)
1980 Mercedes 240D(bought for a parts car, but I have fun driving it!)