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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 42
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Wrench Fetcher
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I'm looking for a simple explanation of how the battery power is brought over to the headlight switch when the engine is not running.

I'm completely rewiring my 1959 1/2 ton Apache and I have the main engine harness bringing battery power to the ignition switch, but I'm not sure how the battery power is then brought to the headlight switch.

Is the power brought through the ammeter connection on the back of the gauge cluster?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Joined: Feb 2004
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Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
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The power can come from either the back of the ammeter, OR the power supply wire for the ignition switch. Don't use the IGN. or ACC terminal, or the lights would go out anytime the switch is in the OFF position.
Jerry


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'Bolter
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Originally Posted by swenracer
Is the power brought through the ammeter connection on the back of the gauge cluster?
Yes, that's how it works.


Bill Burmeister
Joined: Dec 2011
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Wrench Fetcher
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Thank you gentlemen for both replies. That confirms what I was thinking. One last question. How do I know which side of the ammeter to connect the power from the battery and the power to the headlight switch to?

Here is a link to my gauge cluster showing the connections for the ammeter.

Instrument Gauge

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'Bolter
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As you are looking at it in the pic, the left side terminals (+ side of ammeter) are to the battery, the right one (- side of ammeter) go to the load (headlamps in this case).


Bill Burmeister
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Wrench Fetcher
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Thank you Bill. Much appreciated.


Moderated by  Jon G, Rusty Rod 

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