i noticed a few days ago that the voltmeter in my bronco wasn't working. it seems to be stuck in the middle. anybody else have this problema and how can i fix it? what is the voltmeter hooked up to.... the alternator? thanks for your help



1985 Blue and White Bronco XLT, 351HO 4bbl, C6, NP208 ,9" 3.55 limited slip, Warn Premium Hubs, Quad Front Shocks, Dual Flowmaster 50's, BFG 32x11.5 ATko's

 

Voltmeter's monitor Voltage >usually are connected to the battery.
Ammeter's monitor Amperage from the Alternator or Voltage regulator output.

[font color=red]Dennis

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I have no idea what it's hooked up to but I doubt it's the battery. Mine will frequently read +/- 1 or 2 volts from actual voltage at the battery. It's never been very accurate.

I'd forget it and run a real voltmeter into your cab, hooked up to the batt (be careful, can drain it when truck is off) or something close to it.

 

I'm not sure if it's an ammeter or a voltmeter. the owners manual describes it as a "charge indicator". It has a "d" on one side for discharge and a "c" on the other for charge


1985 Blue and White Bronco XLT, 351HO 4bbl, C6, NP208 ,9" 3.55 limited slip, Warn Premium Hubs, Quad Front Shocks, Dual Flowmaster 50's, BFG 32x11.5 ATko's

 

Ammeter !
Ford has had a history of Bad Ammeter's for decades.

Take an Multi-meter and check for charge yourself, at the battery.
First at idle > Then watch the meter as you rev it up and the VR kicks in.
It should go from around 12.5 V to about 13.8 V when revved.


[font color=red]Dennis

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[font color=blue]78 F-150 429CJ,Silver,Explorer Pkg.
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Look under the hood. See all the wires that harness from the motor on the drivers side? Yes right by the ignition module. Well that bundle contains your feed wire to the guage and since it is not an item that is often changed or removed it may be corroded. Check for corrosion in the plug. I agree with the advice to also check your charging system with a volt meter / multi-meter. I would also pay special attention to the voltage regulator. Remove (yes remove) the regulator from the passenger fender wall and sand down the back of it to remove corrosion. That is one of the first grounding points to go on the Ford charging system. Re-attach the regulator and make sure it is tight.

Bob