Re: Alternator & Ammeter

Posted by John Payne On 2016/6/10 0:27:25

Thanks Gents, your input is much appreciated. I initially thought that with my wiring, the alternator current would bypass the ammeter and it then wouldn't register anything. However, when it did show a discharge I started to get concerned that I might end up frying something so thought I should ask about what I could do to either fix it or disconnect it completely. Howard's comments that the discharge causing the needle to move is not directly related to the alternator charge in itself and is therefore not a major concern, providing I could live with the needle deflection, is a great relief.

Yes, I could live with it. Also, today I tried to reach it to see about perhaps disconnecting the wires. However, being a 71 year old who is not as supple as I used to be, I can't even see the confounded meter, let alone reach it. I might go and see an auto elec and get his advice about the best way to proceed. In the meantime, I've bought a digital voltmeter that is designed to plug into the cigarette lighter socket and I can see whether the alternator is charging, or not, and the charge voltage (it's been pretty accurate thus far). When leaving the car I just unplug the meter, put it in the glovebox and replace it with the lighter.

Thanks once again fellas. John