- 1). Purchase a meter probe at an electronics store such as Best Buy or Radio Shack. A meter probe looks like a hollow plastic tube with a metal spike at one end and a spring clip at the other.
- 2). Open the meter probe and solder a 1k-ohm, 1/2W resistor between the spike and the wire. If there is a wire prohibiting you from soldering the resistor, cut it.
- 3). Discharge all capacitors before attempting to fix any electrical issues. A capacitor acts like a battery in that it stores and releases an electric charge as needed. A capacitor can still be storing an electrical current even when the device is turned off, making it extremely important for the capacitors to be turned off and drained properly. Capacitors can be found in a number of items ranging from radios and alarm clocks to MRI machines and hybrid cars. Remember to take all precautions necessary to avoid injury.
- 4). Drain the charges with the newly created shorting stick to prevent shocks. Attach the spring clip to the chassis. Touch the metal tip of the shorting stick to all capacitors and hold for 10 to 15 seconds to remove charges.
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