Bob, The responses that others are sending you are great. Here are some basics just in case you are not familiar with the testing process. First of all, take off your watch and rings if you are wearing any. 12 volts wont be enough to cause current to flow through you but it will force plenty of current through a metal object and heat it up and will provide a nasty burn. Use the ohms function to check continuity to make sure there are no breaks (opens) in the wire or whatever you are testing. The other main check is voltage, use the DC volts function and set the range switch higher than the present voltage being tested for. For example, to verify voltage present (12 volts) set the switch for at least twice that to be safe. A full battery should read around 14 volts. Forget checking current flow unless you have a suitable meter.
When a fuse opens it is because too much current was flowing. Usually a "short" is a bare wire or component touching the frame which is connected to the ground battery terminal. (in most cases) In order to check any electrical or electronic device you should have at the minimum a wiring diagram, or plenty of experience. It's better not to take any chances and if you don't feel comfortable doing this, get qualified help.
The first digital meter that I bought cost a few hundred bucks, now imported ones cost under ten. I picked up a Chinese made unit that even tests transistors for $2. I use it more than my expensive stuff because if something happens to it, it's only a $2 mistake. BTW, I get identical readings with both meters.
