'Twas nice to know that the simple, logical answer was right after all.
With meters, I was taught to first, always short out the 2 leads and adjust the meter - this was with the old analog Simpsons. Digital meters don't have this feature, but it is still a good idea as it checks the battery and the condition of the leads.

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'76 240D-Sold
'78 240D-Sold
'85 300 SD, 165K-Sold
'88 300 TE, 165K-Sold
'64 Porsche 356C Cabriolet- under restoration
'86 560SL 124K Miles-Sold
'94 320E Wagon, 74K Miles-128K Miles JUNKED
'06 E350 Wagon, 84K Miles
07 SL550, 14K Miles