Multimeter Auto Range Most multimeters have an auto range function. This function causes the meter to determine the right scale automatically. Simply set the selector switch to the "auto" position, then connect the measuring probes to the inputs. This function has one disadvantage. Because the meter determines the scale on its own, there's a slight delay in processing.In the event of a sudden change in voltage it may take a couple seconds before a reliable reading is displayed This means there's a chance you could take an inaccurate reading while the meter is transitioning to the appropriate scale. 1 The picture opposite shows a multimeter connected across a lamp with a poor contact. The contact breaks every now and then. The multimeter is set to the auto range position. What happens? The value on the meter does not change The decimal point moves across the display. The value fluctuates between 0 and 12V