This study presents a new method of PEMFC characterisation carried out experimentally on a self-breathing fuel cell from PaxiTech (R) (25 cm(2) electrode surface area). First, dc and ac measurements were performed on this cell on the basis of models originally dedicated to a Gas Diffusion Cathode. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were performed to characterise the general electrical behaviour of the cell. This technique is of particular interest for improving our understanding of mass transport limitations in PEMFCs. Second, current and temperature distributions over the fuel cell area were determined. Measurements of the locally induced magnetic field and the temperature then provided an indirect evaluation of the current densities in the fuel cell. Both methods were used to determine heterogeneous current density distributions and showed that the highest current densities were close to the current collectors.