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My amp. meter on my '86 F-350 shows discharge but a voltmeter on the battery says it's putting out 14 volts. It starts fine- like theres no charging problem- it turns right over. And I have a new regulator and starter too.
I bet some wiring has been done out at the alternator and the wires are backwards. Has some re-wiring been done around the alternator/starter relay/solenoid?
I bet some wiring has been done out at the alternator and the wires are backwards. Has some re-wiring been done around the alternator/starter relay/solenoid?
Good point. You mentioned the regulator and starter are new. Why were they changed? Did the ammeter problem start before or after that?
With the engine off, lights off, doors closed (so the dome light is off), and all other electric loads off, where does the needle sit? It should be centered.
Engine off, turn on the headlights. Does the needle deflect to the left like it should?
How about disconnecting the battery? With no electric flow possible, the needle should be centered. This should give an idea if the ammeter is defective. Not very likely, but simple to rule out.
I replaced the regulator thinking that must have been the culprit when everything else seemed to be correct. Not sure about whether the starter or amp. gauge acted up first. The starter had been on its way out for a while- turning over slower than usual and then not starting once it was hot. Cold starts did okay but with some heat in it- no dice. Did the starters excessive draw do something to my gauge?
I'll have to check where the needle sets with the ignition and lights on and off.