The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Charging circuit

Just wanted to let everybody know I finally fixed the amp.gauge on my 1949 Chevy. I've got several pointers from fellow "Stovebolters," and all have been good for me in learning how everything works. Well to sum it up I had made the decision to take out the whole gague package in the dash and check out the wiring because I couldn't see it good enough to tell if it was right. This is a big job for me because everything seems to be in the way. Got it out, wiring was WRONG. Re-wired everything under the dash and "big light come on." Problem fixed!! Only the amp needle stay a little bit towards the charging side when the ign. is off. Hopefully a small problem. Anyone with an idea of why this is happening please let me know. I listen! A BIG thank you to all that have put in pointers for me. Don't you just love this "Stovebolt" site? Take care my friends.

Where does the needle go with the wires disconnected? There should not be anything making it move off center unless there's a constant drain somewhere, and then it should deflect slightly to the (-) side with the engine off. It might be necessary to remove the amp gauge again, and bend the needle a little to make it reflect the correct position with no current flowing through the meter.
Jerry

Thank you Jerry. I was kinda thinking that might be what it was. But the system is charging. I can turn the lights on and it will deflect to the - for a second but then goes to a charge mode to keep the battery charged. I also turned the lights on for about 10 minutes and cranked the engine and you could see it charge and come down slowly. Thanks again. Boy, I hate to takeall that mess out again! Take care Steven, "Red 49 Chevy."

Mine is the same way on my GMC. Just learn to live with it. Know what is normal for your truck and watch for deviations.

Thanks Cletis. I'm thinking that is the way I'm going to go. Just too hard for me to get in all the positions it takes to get the dash out. Take care.