Ammeter Gauge
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Spring TX
Ammeter Gauge
I'm new to corvettes and have purchased a 1973/454. I've had problems with the starter not kicking in. I've had the alternator checked, and replaced the battery. What concerns me is when I do get is started, the ammeter gauge does not move. Granted, this gauge might be faulty, but assuming the gauge is working, about where should the needle be if the system is charging the battery? It seems it should be about half way between 0 and +40. thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Yes the battery gauge should go to the + side after first starting the car then is should come back to just a hair on the plus side as the battery recharges.
To bench test the gauge :
Connect ground to top post and just touch 12 volts to bottom post-neddle should deflect to minus.
Connect ground to bottom post and just touch 12 volts to top post-needle should now go to plus.
Starter not kicking in-clean all battery cable connections and see if that helps.
To bench test the gauge :
Connect ground to top post and just touch 12 volts to bottom post-neddle should deflect to minus.
Connect ground to bottom post and just touch 12 volts to top post-needle should now go to plus.
Starter not kicking in-clean all battery cable connections and see if that helps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
just turn on the headlights. if the gauge and wiring is ok, it will deflect to the minus. but more than likely, it's the gauge. roger made a post showing (to my amazement) how tough these meters are, but i still managed to fry one!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
your gauge will not move much while cranking, but after the engine starts and you rev it to about 1500 rpm, it should point significantly to the right for a few minutes. also your gauge should show movement as you tax the electrical system, headlights, high beams, wipers, horn.. all should cause your needle to move right if your engine is not running but ingnition is on. if this does not happen then something is wrong, bad gauge, or bad wiring..
i had the same problem and when i did troubleshooting, then I found that the genius previous owner plugged in the water temperature plug into the ammeter.
i had the same problem and when i did troubleshooting, then I found that the genius previous owner plugged in the water temperature plug into the ammeter.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
Check the condition of this fusible link at the firewall.
My understanding is this link protects the ammeter shunt. I would also recommend doing a forum search, there is quite a lot of good information about the function of the ammeter
My understanding is this link protects the ammeter shunt. I would also recommend doing a forum search, there is quite a lot of good information about the function of the ammeter
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Spring TX
I've heard that on some cars of this era that the ammeter was in 'series' with the battery and if the ammeter did not work, the battery would not get charged. Wonder if that might be the case here. Sorry guys..but I was a Mopar man up until I decided I wanted a 'vette! LOL
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