Amp Gauge test
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Neenah WI
Amp Gauge test
I put a new 64 amp alternator on last night and charged up my battery (was only down 3 amp per gauge)
I started up the car and the amp meter went full + side then came down to just on the + side of the line and then setteled just on the - side of the line.
this is where it was at with the bad alternator that only put out 33 amps.
How do you test an Amp Meter?
Battery is one year old, 900 or 1,000 cc. even after storage over winter it didn't need a charge so I beleive the battery is good.
I started up the car and the amp meter went full + side then came down to just on the + side of the line and then setteled just on the - side of the line.
this is where it was at with the bad alternator that only put out 33 amps.
How do you test an Amp Meter?
Battery is one year old, 900 or 1,000 cc. even after storage over winter it didn't need a charge so I beleive the battery is good.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 448
From: Central Pennsylvania
Re: Amp Gauge test (69Sting)
I believe you test for continuity (resistance) across the rear terminals. No continuity (resistance) means the coil winding inside is broken or burnt. That means time for a new gauge, or time to rebuild yours!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Re: Amp Gauge test (wombvette)
You just dont understand its function. What it is telling you is that the battery is charged and that it needs no additional amperage to keep it up. If you discarge the battery for a while, you will see a high indication relative to the batterys capability of taking a charge, not the alternators ability to deliver. That is assuming that the alternator is capable. A 64 amp alternator will not normally put out any more than a 33, unless there is a high abnormal demand. The regulator controls the output. The length and depth of that charge is a good indication of the batterys condition. After a discharge, if it charges hard for a long time the battery is good. If the cycle is shallow and short the battery is getting weak. This is why the ammeter ( and I know its not a real ammeter) is a better indicator than a volt meter. The volt meter reading will be the same if the battery is good or bad.
