Voltage reading when ignition off

[Dreynolds10]

Seeking a bit of advice from those far more knowledgeable than me when it comes to electrics.

I am trying to pick up 12v from the positive than flows to the headlight regulator in the dash. However, when i test it with the multi meter I am getting a 0.072v reading when the ignition is off. If I set the multimeter to continuous and put one pole in the regulator positive wire and the other on earth (car body) I am getting a slight tone as if I have continuous circuit.

I would have expected zero voltage when ignition off and no tone also.

Do I have a possible short to power?

Any advice welcome.

Thanks

 

[drew_greenday]

How many wires are there in the regulator that you are looking at? Why do you need to find the 12v signal?

The 0.072v is probably normal, i would take that at 0 volts which would be expected with the ignition off. With reference to the continuity check, are you sure that you are on the +ve connection in the regulator, is there any chance you are on the -ve pole? I would expect the 0volt line/-ve pole to be connected to the earth yes, but not the +ve, unless when the ignition is off, the regulator automatically 'dumps' the voltage to earth, which would explain the continuity.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dreynolds10]

Definitely on the +I've for the regulator as I get full 12V+ when ignition on. But you got me thinking, I wonder if the relay is connecting to earth when its off. Not sure why it would do this unless its some kind of different relay.

 

[drew_greenday]

can you get a schematic diagram for it?