Ford amp gauges
#1
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Ford amp gauges
Maybe a silly question but I've had many Fords over the years, starting with 1954 and I've never had one that had an amp gauge that seemed to register anything. They just seem to sit there, right in the middle. Other cars gauges go up when charging and down when discharging. The Ford's does nothing.
Is this the way it is supposed to be? If so, why?
Is this the way it is supposed to be? If so, why?
#3
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I know what KEWeyand is talking about. I believe most fords call the gauge an alt gauge. Unless the altenator quits I don't belive they move. I have a 51 flathead with a genarator and the factory gauge for it moves like you would expect one to. Don't remember how the 60's genarator gauges were but all the fords I've owned with alternators make you think the gauge doesn't work.
#4
KEWeyand Unconfuse me please. Does this gauge have numbers like -40 on one side and + 40 on the other or does it have numbers like 10 13 18, or is it just colored like red on the left half and green on the right half?
The first example would be typical for an ammeter; the second example for a voltmeter; and the third example could be either.
The first example would be typical for an ammeter; the second example for a voltmeter; and the third example could be either.
#6
They are amp gauges; the problem is they are not amp gauges in the true sense. A true amp gauge is wired in series in the circuit, all electrical power except for the starter would go through it. So there fore you would need maybe an 8-12 gauge wire coming into the gauge and the same returning back out to the power distribution point.
On Fords what they do is use a “sensor type” system with a 16-18 gauge wire to try to read the charging condition and display that on gauge. The only time I’ve seen mine move (’70 Mustang) is when the battery is very low and it will move about two needle widths.
I have had many Fords over the years and they all work the same way.
On Fords what they do is use a “sensor type” system with a 16-18 gauge wire to try to read the charging condition and display that on gauge. The only time I’ve seen mine move (’70 Mustang) is when the battery is very low and it will move about two needle widths.
I have had many Fords over the years and they all work the same way.