How to Conduct an Ohm Meter Test You can use an analog or digital multimeter. Set it to its highest ohm (Ω) setting, at least 1 kΩ (1,000 ohms). At this setting, the meter generates a small current when you connect the meter leads to the capacitor terminals. After connecting the leads, hold them there for several seconds. If you're using an analog meter and the capacitor is good, the meter needle will start at a low reading, and as charge builds up in the capacitor, the needle will climb steadily toward infinity. If the capacitor is bad, the needle won't move at all. If you're using a digital multimeter and the capacitor is good, the number on the digital display will increase steadily until the capacitor discharges, then it will return to 0 and begin climbing again. If the capacitor is bad, you'll get a very low resistance reading – possibly 0 – and it won't change. That means the insulating material inside the capacitor has worn out.