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I purchased this car with the windshield wipers inop. I replaced the wiper motor so the system is now operational. The other day I drove the car in the rain with the wipers, headlights, and AC on. My ammeter showed about a needle width negative draw. Would this slight discharge be considered as normal for this vintage car?
Hi Tom,
No.
The ammeter indicates the rate at which the battery is being charged.
A discharge indicates that the electrical demand is more than the alternator's output.
You can test the alternator's output.
Regards,
Alan
Hi Tom,
No.
The ammeter indicates the rate at which the battery is being charged.
A discharge indicates that the electrical demand is more than the alternator's output.
You can test the alternator's output.
Regards,
Alan
I guess the first thing to check when I get back in town will be alternator belt tension.
I guess the first thing to check when I get back in town will be alternator belt tension.
Thanks,
Tom
Yes check the belt first might just need tightened but as Alan said have the alternator checked . It could just be that the gauge is off a little being an old car but start with knowing that the alternator is charging properly .
Hi Tom,
Didn't ask the obvious question…. does the needle progressively move toward the + side as you turn off the electrical accessories?
Regards,
Alan
Hi Tom,
Didn't ask the obvious question…. does the needle progressively move toward the + side as you turn off the electrical accessories?
Regards,
Alan
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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yes its normal. Its the draw of amps on the system, each item should show more draw, opposite as you turn them off, A volt meter wouldn't show much deflection because its how many volts are being produced. Each meter has its pluses and minuses.
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Mar 12, 2017 at 12:40 PM.