simple question about parallel batteries

[trevvahhh]

i have an 00' E-350 with some issues, but foremost a general question. the batteries of these vans/trucks are in parallel, with no relay, correct? so if i take one battery out and throw a voltmeter on the battery cables, I should get the voltage reading of the other battery? any big flaw in logic here?

[powerhoghp]

It would just be easier to pull the neg cables off the batt you're trying to test.

[scraph]

Yes, you are correct. You can pull the (-) cable off of one of the batteries. With the multimeter, place the (+) lead on the (+) post of that battery and keep it there. To measure the voltage of that battery, place the (-) meter lead to the post of the battery. To measure the voltage of the other battery, place the (-) meter lead to the (-) battery cable you just disconnected. As long as there isn't much current draw on the other battery (ie engine not running, no accessories or stereo on) then you'll be able to read its voltage pretty accurately this way.