Ammeter stuck.

[RRSweden]

I have some charging problems (that I hope to solve soon with a new voltage regulator) and I just realized they my ammeter gauge always points straight up, 12 o’clock. When I’m revving it doesn’t move at all.
The battery charges about 13 volts+ when at 2500rpm so I guess a fully working ammeter would show that increase?
It’s stuck at 12 o’clock even with key turned off and removed...

 

[Billccm]

Did someone bypass before you bought the car?

 

[383MovingViolation]

I disconnected mine and use a volt meter. Ammeters can be a fire hazard.

 

[twecomm]

Try turning on headlights without the engine running. The alternator gauge should show a discharge if the meter is working.

 

[65RoadRacer]

After having one Ammeter start smoking on me back in 1982... I swore them off forever. Keep in mind, your entire electrical passes through this one circuit. Fine for a 40 amp alternator and no accessories, not good once you start making upgrades and adding accessories.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

The battery charges about 13 volts+ when at 2500rpm so I guess a fully working ammeter would show that increase?
It’s stuck at 12 o’clock even with key turned off and removed...

Ammeter doesn't show voltage variations but amperes coming and going from/to batt. Volts and amperes are partners in crime but not the same

Learn how must work and how to read an ammeter

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,33574.0.html

 

[RRSweden]

Is the ammeter supposed to point straight up when key is turned off?

 

[khryslerkid]

Is the ammeter supposed to point straight up when key is turned off?

Yes. It will point to the right of center when charging, left of center when there's a load, centered when there is no charging or load or key turned off.

Bypass it and use a voltage meter.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Is the ammeter supposed to point straight up when key is turned off?

Yes, and when battery is full and not being sucked out no matter if car is running.

Read the link I posted.

These are the moments when I comfirm ppl doesn't understand the ammeter or how to read it. So never advertise when there is a problem which will cause the future problems and blame the ammeter is the next. Does it sound familiar?

Constant Discharge reading is bad, constant Charge reading is ALSO bad ( opposite to what ppl thinks ). The best is a death centeread reading as much is posible with small flicks up and down when it comes. Good alternator with good iddle power and some upgrades on wiring at bulkhead will make the job, getting an eternal ammeter and related isolators life.

 

[coloradodave]

Nacho: Don't understand your last sentence. Please explain.
Dave

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Quote which one