Ammeter
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 12
Ammeter
1970 c3 anyone having problem with ammeter that seems to work intermittently. Most times its stuck in center on 0 at times it show to the plus or minus side depending on rpms but not very often. Is a new gauge in order or is this normal. Thanks
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 696
Likes: 193
From: USA
i have an a/c car, when its on the meter shows it. Most of the time its not doing much of anything...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Put key in the ignition and turn it to RUN position (1st detent). Do NOT go to the START position. Now, with engine NOT running, turn on the headlamps and read the ammeter. If it shows about a 10-15 amp discharge (- reading), then the meter is working fine. You just need to find an online tutorial about how to read an ammeter in a vehicle.
If the car is running and warmed up and the meter is reading near the ZERO mark, the electrical/charging system is working as it should. But, if at idle speed with lights, A/C, radio, etc operating, it may show some amount of discharge, as the alternator turning that slowly will likely not be able to supply the amount of current being used by the accessories (and the running engine). This is also normal, as long as the discharge disappears when the engine RPM is raised a bit.
The ammeter can be a better source of info on your electrical system, IF you know how to read it properly. Take a bit of time to learn about it....you will find it very useful.
If the car is running and warmed up and the meter is reading near the ZERO mark, the electrical/charging system is working as it should. But, if at idle speed with lights, A/C, radio, etc operating, it may show some amount of discharge, as the alternator turning that slowly will likely not be able to supply the amount of current being used by the accessories (and the running engine). This is also normal, as long as the discharge disappears when the engine RPM is raised a bit.
The ammeter can be a better source of info on your electrical system, IF you know how to read it properly. Take a bit of time to learn about it....you will find it very useful.
