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Amp Gauge question...

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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 08:42 AM
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kuch73
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Amp Gauge question...

I have the full gauge cluster in my 77 and the charge/discharge gauge never seems to move. How can I tell if it is working correctly. all the other gauges work fine. I thought if I put a draw on the battery, such as lights on, without the engine running, the gauge should show a neg charge, but I get nothing. Could it just be the gauge bad, or a wiring problem somewhere? Thanks
 
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 08:47 AM
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fmc400
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Honestly, this behavior is normal. That's how they all work. They're pretty useless. You would exect to see a slight deflection with the engine off and lights on, but as wiring ages and resistances increase slightly, you may not see it.

An aftermarket voltmeter is a much more useful indicator of your charging system's behavior, if you're interested in going that route. An ammeter isn't entirely useful because it only gives relative measurements.
 
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 01:10 PM
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Like FMC said, it's "normal" for this particular gauge to have virtually no movement, Ford issued a TSB on this many moons ago...

Ford Ammeter Gauges: Do They Work? | MILEPOSTS Garage (Tech Tips)
 
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