When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I assume this is an aftermarket voltmeter you are installing? If so, you can hook the voltmeter to any voltage source that is on with the key in run. Something in the fuse box will work, and even the radio power wire will work.
...Welcome ol'ford, to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!
Stick around someone will be by shortly to answer your question.
We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords!
…Enjoy FTE and The State Chapters are located at the bottom of the main forum page. JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.
But will you get an accurate reading? Would it be better to come directly from alternater, and how would it hook up?
It depends on what you consider an accurate reading, and what you want to monitor. It's going to have to be after the keyswitch, which is really everything inside the cab.
You could hook it up out at the battery but you would have add a relay or something to take it out of the circuit when the keyswitch is off.
The relative reading may be higher out at the battery, but the most useful information, which is up and down trends in the voltage level of the truck, will be available anywhere in the system. Any accurate checking of the voltage level is usually only done for trouble shooting purposes, and an digital voltmeter is used at the battery.
The main purpose of a voltmeter in the gauge panel is to let you know in general, everything is working as it should be at a glance while driving.
Thanks for your reply Dave. What I actually have is a a guage that measures amperes. the instructions say to use a min of 8 awg wire, and to take the alternator wire off the starter silinoid and hook the positive side of the guage to the batt side of the starter silinoid, then hook the neg side of guage to the alternator wire that I take off the silinoid.
Is this the proper way or do you suggest something else?