Ammeter Frying
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
Ammeter Frying
Ok, so I've got a frying ammeter in the dash. If the meter is connected while running, smoke comes out of the dash. I think too many amps are going to it, due to an MSD box or miswiring. Does anyone know how many amps its supposed to be? Thanks.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I believe it's something like 0.5A.
Here, read this:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ck-answer.html
Here, read this:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ck-answer.html
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
From what I got out of the link was converting the dummy light to a gauge. Thats not the problem, because the truck has all of the original wiring in the dash for the ammeter. What my thinking was, is that the MSD box is the issue. I was just wondering if I was right or wrong. Thanks for the idea though.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
The topic of that thread, yes, was converting the wiring. But there is good information in there about the amount of current that flows through the various wires, that's what I was trying to point you to.
In general, converting the ignition should have -zero- effect on the ammeter like that and certainly won't smoke it (if done correctly).
In general, converting the ignition should have -zero- effect on the ammeter like that and certainly won't smoke it (if done correctly).
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
Sounds like someone tapped into something that bypassed the protective shunt in the ammeter circuit. The ammeter doesn't run at a specified amperage. Rather, it measures the amperage drop between the alternator and battery, so the amperage is variable, but the circuit is protected by the shunt. If someone redneck-engineers the wiring you can easily overload the circuit. Problem is once the ammeter has produced smoke, it's fried and will need to be replaced. Check for wiring changes around the I terminal on the regulator.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 207
From: Washington
Here is a link with photos of the shunt wiring, ALT harness and the two small wires that feed the AMP meter. The shunt wire is the top darker colored wire in the first two photos. The two smaller wires at the large black splices feed the AMP meter.
.
.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9546391
.
BUT... if you send to much current to the AMP meter it will blow like a fuse, thus you will need a new AMP meter if you did fry it.
Most likey the SHUNT wire has been cut, which would then force all the current flow through the meter instead of a very small percentage that should flow through it.
Jim
.
.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9546391
.
BUT... if you send to much current to the AMP meter it will blow like a fuse, thus you will need a new AMP meter if you did fry it.
Most likey the SHUNT wire has been cut, which would then force all the current flow through the meter instead of a very small percentage that should flow through it.
Jim
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
I agree with JIM. I'd check the altenator wiring between the Battery terminal on the altenator and the starter solenoids direct Battery post.
Especially check where the ammeter wires have been spliced in by the factory. One of the splices could be corroded.
Check for continuity with a multimeter with the truck off and the wires disconnected on each end.
Here is a Factory Charge/Start/Run wiring diagram. It shows DS-II system, but just ignore that bit.
Especially check where the ammeter wires have been spliced in by the factory. One of the splices could be corroded.
Check for continuity with a multimeter with the truck off and the wires disconnected on each end.
Here is a Factory Charge/Start/Run wiring diagram. It shows DS-II system, but just ignore that bit.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1939geezer
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
4
Oct 8, 2014 02:37 PM