I have a question about the operation of the ampmeter. The one that is in my truck does not seem to be working. The needle is always right in the middle wheather it is running or not. It never moves. I had a voltage regulater go bad on me and the ampmeter still did not move. Is this normal?? Where is the needle suposed to be during normal operation? Do you think the gage is bad? Thanks for any help.

Nathan

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81 1/2 Ton, 2 WD,225, 4 Sp With O/D
81 3/4 Ton, 4 WD, 360, 727
70 1 Ton, 4 WD, 225, 4 Sp

These things don't go bad too often they are very simple, and completely mechanical in their design. Turn your heater, lights, horn, flashers, etc on all at once with the engine off but the key in the 'on' position. The ammeter needle should go towards the left. If it does, then the meter is fine.

Put a voltmeter on your battery. Turn everything back off, you should see the voltage to be 12-ish. Now start the car and watch the voltmeter. rev it a bit. you should see the voltage jump up above 13.... closer to 13.8. If the engine off & accessories off voltage across the battery is the same or more than with the engine on & accessories off, the problem lies somewhere within the alternator and/or regulator. This would be a good time to check your battery terminals and for corossion too.