Ammeter not working
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Ammeter not working
I have a 1977 F350 Camper Special. My OEM ammeter has never worked since I've owned the truck (2 years). I've pulled the instrument panel and want to test the meter to confirmed it's working or not. What's the proper method to test this type of meter?
Thanks,
Chuck
Thanks,
Chuck
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The method to test it?
PLaster your face against the dash bezel and turn on the lights. If the needle moves the slightest amount to D, it works.
The Ammeter, for the most part, doesn't move. If you want something that is more telling install a Volt Gauge.
Josh
PLaster your face against the dash bezel and turn on the lights. If the needle moves the slightest amount to D, it works.
The Ammeter, for the most part, doesn't move. If you want something that is more telling install a Volt Gauge.
Josh
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From: South Bend, IN
Many times, the nuts on the mounting (connection) bolts on the back of the ammeter loosen up and interrupt the circuit. Check to see if they're loose, and tighten them up if so. If not, take the nuts off and clean the tarnish etc. off the printed circuit connectors that the nuts tighten up against. These ammeters work fine when they work -- you should see significant deflection to the C side immediately after starting the engine. Voltmeters are useless for showing whether a battery is accepting a charge, or not. All they show is voltage present, not current flow.
NOTE: DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE DOING SO....... THESE ARE A HIGH CURRENT CONNECTION TO THE BATTERY AND IF YOU SHORT IT OUT AGAINST ANY GROUNDED METAL....... BIG SPARKS! That's why there is a plastic cover on those terminals from the factory.
NOTE: DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE DOING SO....... THESE ARE A HIGH CURRENT CONNECTION TO THE BATTERY AND IF YOU SHORT IT OUT AGAINST ANY GROUNDED METAL....... BIG SPARKS! That's why there is a plastic cover on those terminals from the factory.
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It is well known the 67-79 Ammeters hardly do crap. That's why you need to pay REAL CLOSE attention to the gauge when you turn the lights on to see the slightest itsy bitsy movement of the needle.
Josh
Josh
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You don't test it out of the vehicle, here is an excerpt from f o r d i f i c a t i o n.com of the Ford TSB that was written concerning the ammeter.
Close all doors and turn off all electrical accessories
Turn ignition switch to "Accessory" position
While closely observing Ammeter Gauge, turn on headlamps
Any deflection of the needle towards "D" (discharge) means the gauge is fine.
Pressing the brake pedal may also cause a slight deflection.
Again, the gauge never has and never will do much. Ford used that style gauge from 66-80 and several vehicles were effected including Mustang, Cougar, LTD and others.
Josh
Close all doors and turn off all electrical accessories
Turn ignition switch to "Accessory" position
While closely observing Ammeter Gauge, turn on headlamps
Any deflection of the needle towards "D" (discharge) means the gauge is fine.
Pressing the brake pedal may also cause a slight deflection.
Again, the gauge never has and never will do much. Ford used that style gauge from 66-80 and several vehicles were effected including Mustang, Cougar, LTD and others.
Josh
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
Likes: 60
You don't test it out of the vehicle, here is an excerpt of the Ford TSB that was written concerning the ammeter.
Close all doors and turn off all electrical accessories
Turn ignition switch to "Accessory" position
While closely observing Ammeter Gauge, turn on headlamps
Any deflection of the needle towards "D" (discharge) means the gauge is fine.
Pressing the brake pedal may also cause a slight deflection.
Again, the gauge never has and never will do much. Ford used that style gauge from 66-80 and several vehicles were effected including Mustang, Cougar, LTD and others.
Josh
Close all doors and turn off all electrical accessories
Turn ignition switch to "Accessory" position
While closely observing Ammeter Gauge, turn on headlamps
Any deflection of the needle towards "D" (discharge) means the gauge is fine.
Pressing the brake pedal may also cause a slight deflection.
Again, the gauge never has and never will do much. Ford used that style gauge from 66-80 and several vehicles were effected including Mustang, Cougar, LTD and others.
Josh
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