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Alternator Amp Gauge Test?

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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 05:05 PM
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Alternator Amp Gauge Test?
The amp meter gauge in the dash doesn't work. Is there a way to test it?
 
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 10:03 PM
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Ammeter or Voltmeter? My '89 has a Voltmeter marked 8 to 18.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 10:38 PM
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Yes mine says 8 to 18 also. It's below 8 and isn't working.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 05:07 PM
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try whomping on top of the dash once the engine is running.
there was a problem with the gauge needle sticking when off.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 07:48 PM
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Voltmeters are simple. They have one + wire connected to the electrical system somewhere in the wiring harness and one - wire connected to ground. Knowing how Ford does things that + wire may be connected to the electrical system 20 feet from the gauge!
 
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 08:05 PM
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Im going to look at it tomorrow. Should come up with something. Thanks!
 
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Old Aug 4, 2016 | 01:01 AM
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Originally Posted by awhtx
Knowing how Ford does things that + wire may be connected to the electrical system 20 feet from the gauge!
Correction, it's 20 feet away from the battery and alternator and goes through several connectors and switches before it reads the voltage, with the truck running with lights on and heater full blast that gauge will say your alternator isn't putting anything out but when you actually check it at the battery it will be 14.xxV
 
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Old Aug 4, 2016 | 10:33 PM
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Thanks guys. For the time being I've got an aftermarket gauge to use.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2016 | 09:37 PM
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I went ahead and pulled the gauge cluster and removed the voltmeter (gauge) and using a couple wires, touched them to the battery and the gauge needle didn't move. It's bad. I'll be getting a different one but like I said I have an aftermarket gauge to use for the time being.
 
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