How does the alt. gauge work?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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How does the alt. gauge work?
I was just looking at the gauge cluster and i noticed that my alt gauge has never moved. I don't think i have every seen a dentside were this gauge moves. Does it move when the alternator quits working? Thinking about replacing it with a volt meter.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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its more of a ammeter gauge than a volt meter. there is a company that takes the ameter gauge and makes it work like a volt meter gauge. here is the link Rocketman's Classic Cougar Innovations i have not dealt with the company personally but i have heard good things here about them.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
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From: Austin, TX
The factory ammeter is called a shunt ammeter. Most of the current to or from the battery flows through the main feed. The factory ammeter is in parallel with the main feed. A small amount of current, proportional to the current through the main feed, flows through the ammeter. Current through the ammeter causes needle deflection.
This method results in very, very coarse resolution, so much so that the factory ammeter is useless. A voltmeter is a much more effective tool. Aftermarket voltmeters are easily accessible. There is a company that makes retrofit voltmeters to take the place of the factory ammeter, with an original appearance. I believe that's the one in spikinfool05's link. I prefer the larger swing and finer step size of an aftermarket voltmeter.
This method results in very, very coarse resolution, so much so that the factory ammeter is useless. A voltmeter is a much more effective tool. Aftermarket voltmeters are easily accessible. There is a company that makes retrofit voltmeters to take the place of the factory ammeter, with an original appearance. I believe that's the one in spikinfool05's link. I prefer the larger swing and finer step size of an aftermarket voltmeter.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Northern and Southern Cal
Here's the one I used.
Just scroll down to F series replacement.
Rocketman's Classic Cougar Innovations
Very useful.
Just scroll down to F series replacement.
Rocketman's Classic Cougar Innovations
Very useful.
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
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From: Austin, TX
Anything electrical has to be wired up, of course. For any voltmeter, you must run the "power" lead to a switched 12-volt source (easily available) as well as ground (easily available). Most dash-mount voltmeters also have provisions for dash lighting (again, easily available).
The retrofit voltmeter on the website is NOT a drop-in replacement, if that's what you were asking. They are two completely different types of circuits. Part of the printed circuit on the back of the cluster needs to be masked off to allow the installation of the retrofit voltmeter, with additional wiring tucked behind the gauge.
The retrofit voltmeter on the website is NOT a drop-in replacement, if that's what you were asking. They are two completely different types of circuits. Part of the printed circuit on the back of the cluster needs to be masked off to allow the installation of the retrofit voltmeter, with additional wiring tucked behind the gauge.
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Senior User
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I'll proably just get the dash mount along with the vacuum and tac gauges I'll be putting in. Where do you guys mount you're gauges. i was thinking at the bottom of the dash or along side the cab corner.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,997
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From: NE Ohio
Ever smack that with your knee getting in? I was going to put mine there and figured it would make a nice knee banger after looking at it some.
I have a lift on mine as well which might make a difference with getting in and out.
I have a lift on mine as well which might make a difference with getting in and out.