|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 81
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 81 |
I am trying to find out if my amp gauge works. What I can not understand is this; I have 6 volts going through the line to an AMP Meter. Shouldn't I be able to get a reading on an AMP meter in AMPS? I have hung a brand new AMP meter gauge effectively bypassing my dash gauge to see if I have a defective dash gauge. I do not get an AMP reading on it either. There is 6 volts on the line though. Can anyone with help me understand what I need to do? Thanks in advance.Bob
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756 Likes: 62
ChatMaster - 15,000
|
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756 Likes: 62 |
Is the amp meter between the positive post on the battery and all other electrical equipment (except the starter)?
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
|
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
Your ammeter will not have a reading unless it has a load, such as a radio, headlight, or other electrical device.
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 81
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 81 |
I can't check the gauge right now. I just got out of the hospital after surgery. It'll be a week or so befor I can crawl around the car. I thought in the meantime I could get some ideas on what to do. I have a question. If the car is running at idle wouldn't the gauge show a AMP reading because the battery would be charging up? It seems like it would go to the negative side as the engine is turned over and then go to the positive side after it started. Is this a correct assumption?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
|
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
Yes, there should be some indication when the engine is running. When you turn the key on it may show a slight discharge, assuming the points are closed. If open there would not be a deflection of the needle.
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 81
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 81 |
Well, in that case i must have something wired wrong. This is going to be tough! I follower that schematic (the best I could). I used a combo of old and new wires. Everything works and the battery charges up. I am just not getting a AMP reading from the wires I have connected to the AMP gauge (volts yes but AMPs no).Could I bypass a lot of things and pick up a reading in AMPs at the voltage regulator? Here is another monkey wrench = is there such a thing as a DC AMP meter and an AC AMP meter? Maybe my problem is that I have a bad dash guage and am trying to verify it with an AC AMP meter.....I wish I were am electrician..
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 292
Backyard Mechanic
|
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 292 |
I will try to ex plane where the amp gauge is wired in.There is a number 10 wire coming from the starter that powers the whole car this wire will have the amp gauge wired in series before any thing else,it usualy ends at amp gauge on one side terminal the other side terminal has the rest of the electric including the generator.amp meters are ether ac or dc volt meters are only ac or dc. Be sure when using a separate amp meter that it can read higher amps then you need.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 81
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 81 |
a3ALF, Thank you for sticking with me on this. I got under the dash and found too many wires on one of the posts. Someone years ago had also placed the wires reversed on the Gauge posts. After I took one wire from the input post and added it to the output post the gauge worked! It discharged when I stepped on the gas, so I switched all the wires and now it works fine! This is the first time the gauge has worked sense I have owned the car. Needless to say I am very happy!! Thank you again. Bob
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 292
Backyard Mechanic
|
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 292 |
|
|
|
1 members (wesb),
80
guests, and
29
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums58
Topics59,071
Posts429,072
Members18,308
|
Most Online1,133 Jan 22nd, 2020
|
|
|
|