Ammeter Wiring & Question
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 1
From: Tucson
Ammeter Wiring & Question
67 F-1-00 Camper Special, 352, 4spd
I put a three-gauge cluster (amp, oil and temp) in my truck this weekend and I'm not sure the ammeter is working properly. The voltage at the battery while running is around 14 volts so I know my system is working. I used #10 wire and ran one from the battery side of the starter solenoid to the plus side of the gauge. I then ran another #10 from the minus side of the gauge to the ignition switch.
When I start the engine, the gauge doesn't really do much of anything. When I turn on the lights, it looks like it nudges just a hair to the left. Doesn't seem to do much when I accelerate. Just stays in the middle.
My Questions:
1. Do I have it wired correctly?
2. Should it noticably register that it is charging (needle toward the plus side)?
Thanks.
jor
I put a three-gauge cluster (amp, oil and temp) in my truck this weekend and I'm not sure the ammeter is working properly. The voltage at the battery while running is around 14 volts so I know my system is working. I used #10 wire and ran one from the battery side of the starter solenoid to the plus side of the gauge. I then ran another #10 from the minus side of the gauge to the ignition switch.
When I start the engine, the gauge doesn't really do much of anything. When I turn on the lights, it looks like it nudges just a hair to the left. Doesn't seem to do much when I accelerate. Just stays in the middle.
My Questions:
1. Do I have it wired correctly?
2. Should it noticably register that it is charging (needle toward the plus side)?
Thanks.
jor
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
Likes: 1
From: Central Kali
Ammeter Wiring & Question
The ammeter needs to be in series with the wire that supplies charging current to the battery. With the engine off, if you turn on the lights, the meter would show a discharge. When you start the engine, the meter would show a charging current flowing into the battery. Normally they don't move very much. A slight discharge would tell you that your alternator is not working. I prefer a voltmeter.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Ammeter Wiring & Question
[link:www.painlessperformance.com/manuals/90501m/90501Sec08.htm|Installing an ammeter]
Dennis
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Dennis
F.T.E. Assistant Administrator
[link:www.ford-trucks.com/guidelines.html|Club FTE]
[link: motorhaven.autoanything.com|How YOU Can Support This Site]
[link:www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/Mil1ion.html|My Website,"North Of The 49th"]
