Wiring & Discharge

T

tribouboys

Senior Member
So I needed to replace my ignition switch and in the process I discovered the wires on the back of the amp meter were in the wrong spot. I've wired it according the the Les Andrews book verified again and again the wires to the amp meter and terminal box are in the correct spot. When I start the car and it is at idle amp meter indicates slight discharge. Rev the motor up and more discharge.

Yellow/black charge side of amp meter to driver side of terminal box.

Yellow to discharge side of Amp meter to pass side of terminal box.

Terminal box to Generator harness is correct and my car has had all new wiring for years.

Prior to the ignition switch replacement yellow /black wire was on the discharge side of the amp meter and yellow on the charge side. wired like this there was no indication of a charging problem.
When I was replacing my switch I dug out the book just to verify the wires were in the correct spot and that's when I discovered the mix up at the amp meter.

Thank you in advance for pointing me in the right direction.
 
A long as a person can use a multi-meter to verify the generator output then a person can justify swapping the leads. Ammeters of the type used on the model A cars have a polarity to them. This is why many different type ammeters have no markings on the terminals. Current reproduction ammeters are likely not checked for polarity at manufacture. The OEM parts were.
 
Thank you all. I think my confusion occurred because I was not sure which amp meter post was charge /discharge. There are some nice pictures in previous thread of wiring and instrument panel.
 
Check your battery ground connection. If it's to the negative post, then the ammeter will be reversed, as well as the coil.
 
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