C2-Amp Gauge

[John Lokay]

For years when starting up and driving my 1966 coupe the amp gauge needle pointed dead center, and sometimes at start-up it pulled a little bit to the right. However, last night, when I started up the car, and took it out for a drive, the needle pointed, and stayed the whole time, at the right hash mark situated between the middle mark and the extreme right mark. What gives? I did however, since my last drive, change the low beam headlights by replacing the T 3's with new Halogen headlights. Could this be a factor? Thanks

[Michael W.]

Re: C2-Amp Gauge

Sounds like your regulator is misbehaving.

[Jack W.]

Re: C2-Amp Gauge

Also check to see if you lost a ground - jump a wire from the neg post on the alt to the base of the voltage reg, and see if that clears it up.

[Joe R.]

Re: C2-Amp Gauge

Hi John:

You don't mention whether having the headlights on or off affects the gauge reading. That might be a clue as to whether the headlights are a factor.

By the way, I have heard anecdotal reports that halogen bulbs draw a lot more current than the OEM incandescent bulbs, and can overstress a wiring system that was not designed for them. This information may not be accurate, but I thought I would mention it as something you might want to check into.