C2 Ammeter Problem - NCRS Discussion Boards

C2 Ammeter Problem

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Bruce Boatner

    C2 Ammeter Problem

    The ammeter on my 1964 has not worked since I have owned the car. I recently had the ammeter rebuilt and it passed the "flash test" using a small battery (did not pass flash test before rebuild). When the gauge failed to work after the rebuild, I checked the firewall connector as many recommended in the archives. Lo and behold, the black/white wire supplying one side of the ammeter had broken off at the terminal. Fixed that. Black wire supplying the other side of the ammeter was intact. Connections were clean but I cleaned them again to be safe. My great expecation turned to great dispair when I started the engine and the ammeter needle did not budge. Checked the connections at the horn relay and starter and they appeared fine, so I guess it's time to break out the dreaded voltmeter which intimidates me because I am inexperienced with electrial repairs.

    Can someone offer a few simple tests to try in layman's terms to help me trace down the problem?

    I should add that the original voltage regulator was replaced with an electronic unit at some point. I saw somewhere in the archives that an electronic voltage regulator could create an issue with the ammeter but not sure if this is my only problem because I have ZERO movement right now.

    Thanks guys!
  • William C.
    NCRS Past President
    • May 31, 1975
    • 6037

    #2
    Re: C2 Ammeter Problem

    I'm looking at a '63 wiring print here , and the 105 and 106 circuits that are connected to the alt are red (106) and Black(105) although they may have changed colors at the 63-64 model change. You are dealing with a very sensitive system, here as the meter actually is reading a voltage difference between the two ends of a 12 ga. wire. If your dash pass-thru was bad enough that one of the wires was broken from the terminal, the all four of the terminals in the connection, engine and IP side need to be cleaned and checked if not replaced. If the meter works with a 1 1/2 volt battery test, those connections or the ones in the engine compartment The locations to check in the engine compartment are at the horn relay (106) and at the starter (105)
    Bill Clupper #618

    Comment

    • Tim E.
      Very Frequent User
      • April 1, 1993
      • 360

      #3
      Re: C2 Ammeter Problem

      Can we assume that your charging system is keeping your battery charged, you're driving your car, your lights work, and that it's only the amp gauge that's not working?

      I don't have my wiring diagram here in front of me but a couple things come to mind to add to what Bill offers above.

      First of all, there are a lot of exposed terminal connections that are hot under the dash and if you accidentally short across one of those, you could damage something and at the very least will jump out of your shorts. Disconnect the battery before performing any continuity checks unless you're sure of yourself.

      Consult your wiring diagram to know where each of the 2 wires terminate (horn relay and starter according to Bill). Also know which connectors (such as bulkhead connector) those wires pass thru. Ideally, disconnect both ends and check for continuity (full needle deflection on the ohm scale of your voltmeter). Assuming the circuit is broken, locate each intersection in between and perform the same test. Corroded ends, fuses and fusible links, loose connections, and even corrosion in the strands of the wire can all cause broken circuits that no longer pass the continuity test.

      Try to perform continuity tests with both ends of the circuit disconnected to ensure that you have isolated the circuit first. What I've found is that there are often multiple circuits involved that can cause misleading and confusing results.

      Comment

      • Bruce Boatner

        #4
        Re: C2 Ammeter Problem

        I am proud to say that after much effort on my part, everything electrical on the car works except for the ammeter (even the blinking "LIGHTS" warning indicator--that took some time but I got it done). The ammeter is the last gremlin to tame.

        Comment

        Working...

        Debug Information

        Searching...Please wait.
        An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because you have logged in since the previous page was loaded.

        Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
        An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because the token has expired.

        Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
        An internal error has occurred and the module cannot be displayed.
        There are no results that meet this criteria.
        Search Result for "|||"