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When I received the car, the battery gauge was working. Through taking the dash apart, I shorted and burned out the gauge (VOM had no continuity). I bought a new gauge, tested the gauge with battery and it works. The challenge is that both polls black and black w/white read exactly the same voltage so no differential. The needle never moves when I turn lights on, start the car, even just the disconnect and reconnect of battery, no movement. I tested continuity to both fusible links and replaced one this weekend. I understand there is a red wire that is supposed to provide resistance between the two contact points, but it is like one circuit fully connected. The alternator is putting out 13.8V when running and the battery seems to get charged, just the gauge not working. I have read a number of threads on this but could not turn anything else up. Thoughts?
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
In the picture it appears you have the wires below the insulator, its hard to tell by the picture. they need to be above where those rust marks are or you are shorting it straight to ground, that metal housing is grounded. That is an amperage meter so it will be the same on both sides, when the battery is under load you should see the meter deflect positive for charging and negative for discharge. I never liked mine so I bought an actually voltage meter and swapped it out
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; May 1, 2023 at 03:52 PM.
For some more details, the car is 68 Convertible, 427 4sp.
Curious question, does anyone know if or perhaps how the Battery gauge needs to be grounded? My gut says it is differential of voltage but without reference to ground so not necessary. Also when mounting, the gauge seems to be isolated (at least the posts are) but would be curious if anyone can confirm.
In the picture it appears you have the wires below the insulator, they need to be above where those rust marks are or you are shorting it straight to ground, that metal housing is grounded
Thanks for the reply @Rescue Rogers . I know it does not look it, but they are above the insulator, however, there was much rust on them. When I test voltage on the poles, they are getting a good reading on the threads of the poles and are not grounded.
Well scratch that, the new gauge does not have continuity between the polls, so likely from the time I had tested it before until I got the wiring back together caused the gauge to be a fuse...more careful assembly.
Battery Gauge
