Tom,
An easy way to test your ammeter is to start the car and as it starts
look at the ammeter. If the alternator is charging the needle should
swing to the + side some. Next, with the engine off, turn on the
headlights and the ammeter should swing to the - side. Either way, the
ammeter is passing current, but the needle may not be operational.
Based on the above tests you should be a bit closer to determining if
your problem is the charging system or the battery. As someone else
pointed out a voltage check will determine more. If you don't have one,
drop by most auto parts houses and they can check both the alternator
and battery in the car for free.
Good luck,
Peace,
Pat
Thusly spake Tom Ross:
> Hi,
>
> I am having some electrical problems with my 1970 2000
> Roadster. Yesterday while driving to work, I noticed
> that when I turned on the headlights, both the
> radio(not original) and the turn signals stopped
> working. When I turned off the headlights they came
> back. After work, when I went to start it up, it just
> barely turned over. Once started the engine runs fine.
>
> My suspicion is that the charge on the battery was
> low, causing the headlights to pull enough current
> that the radio would not work and the relay for the
> turn signals would not trip.
>
> Do I just have a battery that needs to be replaced (4
> years old, very light use, has been completely
> discharged several times)?
>
> My ammeter appears to be dead. There is no movement
> from center. How can I test it?
>
> I am assuming the alternator is ok, since the engine
> is getting plenty of juice for ignition.
>
> Other advice?
>
> Thanks
>
> Tom Ross
> West Chester, PA 1970 2000 Roadster
>
>
>
>
>____________________________________________________________________________________
> Looking for earth-friendly autos?
> Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center.
>
--
Pat Horne, Owner, Horne Systems
(512) 797-7501 Voice 5026 FM 2001
Pat@HorneSystemsTx.com Lockhart, TX 78644-4443
www.hornesystemstx.com
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