⚠️ Safety First: Before beginning, disconnect the machine from its power source to avoid any risk of electric shock.

1. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (Ω / ohms).
2. Disconnect the potentiometer wiring from the circuit board.
3. You can test at the end of the wiring harness or directly on the potentiometer.
4. The potentiometer will have three terminals (legs).
   • Measure the resistance between the two outer legs—this should reflect the total rated resistance of the potentiometer (e.g., 5kΩ, 10kΩ, etc.).
5. Leave one probe on one outer leg and move the other to the center leg (wiper).
6. Slowly rotate the potentiometer through its full range.
   • The resistance value on the meter should change smoothly.
   • If the reading jumps erratically, the potentiometer may be dirty or damaged.
7. Keep the center probe in place and move the outer probe to the opposite outer leg.
   • Repeat the test as in step 6.

If the readings are inconsistent or erratic, try cleaning the potentiometer with an appropriate contact cleaner. If issues persist, replacement may be necessary.