Author Topic: ammeter needle  (Read 1252 times)

Offline Building 3

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ammeter needle
« on: August 06, 2016, 12:02:12 PM »
For both of my 1966 Mustangs I noticed that when the ignition is off, all of the gauge needles "zero out" except for the ammeter.  That needle stays vertical in the center of the gauge. The others move to the left or the lowest reading on the scale, so 0 MPH for the speedometer, E for the fuel gauge, etc. Is this normal, or are both of my gauge suspect? I would assume that zeroing out all of the gauges would be a simple owner verification that the gauges do work.  Each time the car is started, the gauges move from the rest position to an operating position. I went on the internet to look at photos of 1966 Mustangs for the quick couple I looked at, it was the same thing. All gauges except for ammeter that zeroed out at rest. Also, neither of my ammeters move very much. I can put a full load on the electrical system with lights on, heater on, radio on and I can't see that the needle moves at all.  I would appreciate any input from the electronics experts and just observations from the members on their gauges.  Thanks.
1966 289 C code auto convertible December 1965 scheduled build at Dearborn.

1966 289 C code auto convertible
October 1965 scheduled build at Metuchen.

Offline JKWilson

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Re: ammeter needle
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2016, 12:25:44 PM »
In a word, your gauge is correct. As a very simplified explanation when the needle is centered it indicates no load. Left of  center movement indicates discharge, right of center indicates charging.
'66 GT Fastback,  Metuchen, 10/28/65, 289-4v w/4spd
'66 Sprint Coupe, Dearborn, 06/11/66, 200ci w/ C4
'91 LX Convertible, Dearborn, 08/91, 5.0 w/AOD
'92 LX Hatchback, Dearborn, 5.0 w/AOD

Offline Josep

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Re: ammeter needle
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2016, 02:56:23 PM »
In a word, your gauge is correct. As a very simplified explanation when the needle is centered it indicates no load. Left of  center movement indicates discharge, right of center indicates charging.

Mine also looks to stay always in the center position so, assume no load.
When the car runs, the needle stays centered, that means the battery is not charging.? I have had no issues with the battery since I own the car (Oct'15), maybe the gauge is not working properly.?

Thanks,

Josep
1966 Mustang Hardtop 200 Inline 6 - Arcadian Blue - C4 - Thermactor - 6R07T213966 - San Jose projected build date June 11th 1966 - DSO 71
1966 Mustang Convertible 289-2V - Vintage Burgundy - AT PS DB - 6F08C109403 - Dearborn projected build date September 9th 1965 - DSO 36

Offline carlite65

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Re: ammeter needle
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2016, 02:59:05 PM »
factory amp gauges are known for very little movement even when working correctly.
5F09C331248

Offline Josep

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Re: ammeter needle
« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2016, 03:01:25 PM »
That's good to know.! Thanks for info.!

Josep
1966 Mustang Hardtop 200 Inline 6 - Arcadian Blue - C4 - Thermactor - 6R07T213966 - San Jose projected build date June 11th 1966 - DSO 71
1966 Mustang Convertible 289-2V - Vintage Burgundy - AT PS DB - 6F08C109403 - Dearborn projected build date September 9th 1965 - DSO 36

Offline Building 3

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Re: ammeter needle
« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2016, 01:39:59 PM »
Thanks for the replies and explanations.  That is one less thing to worry about.
1966 289 C code auto convertible December 1965 scheduled build at Dearborn.

1966 289 C code auto convertible
October 1965 scheduled build at Metuchen.