the amp gauge in the dash pannel on my 1976 F-150 has never worked , never moved since I had the truck . Charging system shows 14 volts while running . Why doesnt the amp gauge show a charge ?

 

Factory ammeter gauges have been unreliable since the beginning of time. In all likelihood the problem is in the gauge itself. An aftermarket voltmeter is a much more reliable indicator of charging system status.

 

It is hard to see it moving.

With the iginition OFF, glue yer head on the ammeter gauge. Then turn on headlights. If it moves towards D, it is working fine. It will only move a tiny bit.

If it doesn't, 'tune-up' your cluster - clean lens, replace all bulbs, clean contacts, etc...

 

If it doesn't, 'tune-up' your cluster - clean lens, replace all bulbs, clean contacts, etc...
Ya right no need to when everthing else is ok . thanks anyway

 

Yeah it'd be cool to figure out a way to convert the broken amp gauge to
read voltage somehow. Or just replace it and rewire the system to work
the new volt meter. Got any ideas on that? :)

How 'bout ideas to just fix the amp gauge... what's broken about them?

I remember mine working when I first got it but now when I think about it
not sure it lasted the first year or not. About that long tho is all it was good
for.

Alvin in AZ
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/gearshift1.jpg
Hey, at least it's charging a little bit. ;) LOL :)

 

My F150 is the first dentside that has an inopreative ammeter gauge. It doesn't move at all. Maybe it's stuck.

But with that...the needle barely moves on these piece of craps. It should read a little over middle (off the white line at least) most of the times except when you're running a lot of things with the engine not running which would discharge the battery.