by spencerforhire » Tue Jan 19, 2010 7:23 am
There really is no "sender" for an ammeter; in order for it to function properly, ALL the current flow in both directions(alternator to battery AND battery to ignition/fuse box/headlight switch) must pass through it. The most common cause for an ammeter to not appear to work is any kind of underhood wiring upgrade. For example, if you install a newer style alternator and hook it directly to the + battery cable, the alternator needle will no longer show on the "+" side. Also if you install any accessory such as an aux. fan or a stereo amplifier that hooks up to the battery, the alternator will not register these things on the "-" side. A popular upgrade for older Vega's is the installation of a GT full gauge dash, usually without the complete harness that would actually make the ammeter work.
I really don't like ammeters; they don't belong in the dash of a modern vehicle. Bringing all the current into the dash and back out creates both an un-necessary voltage drop and a potential fire hazard. I usually recommend the installation of a volt gauge instead.
The "fleet"-
72 Vega HB Drag Car -383/'Glide/9"(9.35@146.19)(5.94@117.28 1/8th)
77 Vega Estate wagon- project(someday)will have TPI305/T-5, S-10 spindles/axles
76 Vega GT- 400/4spd/9" retired from active duty(rusty)
06 Silverado 2WD ex.cab daily
03 Silverado 2WD ex.cab (retired)
06 Haulin' 20ft enclosed car transporter
06 GMC Canyon Shop truck
07 Colorado project( 5.3 4L60e swap)
99 Saturn SL1- wife's car
01 Saturn SC2- son's project
07 Saturn Ion Redline project
and 4 more Saturn "parts cars"
Note- the very act of listing all of these has made me realize I have some kind of problem.....
Visit http://www.spencerforhire.ca