1966 Ammeter question

[Carl W.]

I understand the meter is a differential volt meter that connects to horn relay and started. My meter is not functioning. I am thinking I can use a multimeter to test each wire going to meter by positive to wire on meter and negative to ground. If voltage is present on both sides tested independently, then the meter is defective. If either wire shows no<br />
Voltage, then that wire is the problem. The horn works, so if the wire from the horn relay to meter tests at 12 volts, the assumption is that wire is ok. If the other shows no voltage, it should be somewhere from starter to meter wire is open. Are both these wires fusible links? If so, perhaps one or both are open. Another test option is to run a wire from meter to horn relay, and another from positive on starter to meter. Turn on lights and meter should deflect negative showing discharge. <br />
<br />
Any comments are greatly appreciated.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1966 Ammeter question

My comments below. Caveat: my knowledge is C3, which I believe is similar but may differ in ways I'm not aware.

I understand the meter is a differential volt meter that connects to horn relay and started.
Correct. It's connected to a buss that happens to be on the horn relay, and a terminal on the starter solenoid.

My meter is not functioning. I am thinking I can use a multimeter to test each wire going to meter by positive to wire on meter and negative to ground. If voltage is present on both sides tested independently, then the meter is defective. If either wire shows no<br /> Voltage, then that wire is the problem.
Yes, but check voltage of each wire with terminal disconnected from gauge.

The horn works, so if the wire from the horn relay to meter tests at 12 volts, the assumption is that wire is ok.
If the other shows no voltage, it should be somewhere from starter to meter wire is open.
Agreed.

Are both these wires fusible links? If so, perhaps one or both are open.
Fusible links for each wire (C3).

Another test option is to run a wire from meter to horn relay, and another from positive on starter to meter. Turn on lights and meter should deflect negative showing discharge.
Yes. But if each of the original wires has voltage at the gauge and the gauge isn't working, the problem is most likely the gauge or the connection to the gauge. Using separate wire as a test probably isn't necessary.

[Carl W.]

[Richard M.]

Re: 1966 Ammeter question

Carl, to add to Mark's reply.,,,,

No fusible links pre-1967.

Another way to test the BATTERY gauge..... Find a old used AAA or AA battery and connect to the 2 meter leads briefly. If the gauge is operating it will deflect one way or the other based on polarity connections to the gauge.

If you find a wiring fault in the harness at the gauge, check the bulkhead connector(IIRC inner) as both gauge wires pass through that. A BLK, and a BLK/Wt.

Rich