Ammeter no movement

Rob Needs

Rob Needs

Member
Should the ammeter move a bit to discharge when the headlights are turned on when on idle, mine doesn't move. It looks like a replacement ammeter, the car has a altanator with 12v system. Wiring looks good with checked yellow wire on right terminal of ammeter and yellow checked wire on right side of terminal block on firewall.
 
It should move but check movement without engine running. It is possible the alternator is charging, even at that low of speed, and making up for the energy used?
 
Rob Needs said:
What effect will it have if the ammeter is broken?
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Depends on what's broken. Since the charging current all flows through the ammeter, if the connections are bad then the battery won't get charged.

If the needle is bent then nothing happens except you won't see a correct reading.
 
With the engine off the ammeter should show about -10 amps when the original headlights are turned on (more for aftermarket lights). This is approximate and I mentioned it so you knew that you were not looking for just a small movement.

Charlie Stephens
 
Charlie Stephens said:
With the engine off the ammeter should show about -10 amps when the original headlights are turned on (more for aftermarket lights). This is approximate and I mentioned it so you knew that you were not looking for just a small movement.

Charlie Stephens
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I did try it with engine not running and no movement, the lights have been upgraded.
 
Charlie Stephens said:
Any chance that between the upgraded lights and the alternator your ammeter is acting like a fuse in the system, it just burned out?

Charlie Stephens
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Then it wouldn't pass current to the lights. I'm wondering if the meter isn't wired in series in the system. I've seen meters not move real freely, but never where they didn't move some with a 10 amp load.
I only use original meters and I put a drop of heavy oil on the 2 pivot points.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
Then it wouldn't pass current to the lights. I'm wondering if the meter isn't wired in series in the system. I've seen meters not move real freely, but never where they didn't move some with a 10 amp load.
I only use original meters and I put a drop of heavy oil on the 2 pivot points.
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You probably picked up something I missed but are we sure the lights came on when they were turned on? Rob, that is a question for you.

Charlie Stephens
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
Then it wouldn't pass current to the lights. I'm wondering if the meter isn't wired in series in the system. I've seen meters not move real freely, but never where they didn't move some with a 10 amp load.
I only use original meters and I put a drop of heavy oil on the 2 pivot points.
Click to expand...
Tom,
Minervas' needle wouldn't move, I did the same as you, and it worked perfect.
Bill W.
 
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