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06-23-2014, 05:35 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Posts: 102
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Need help diagnosing generator / ammeter issue
I'm puzzled (as usual)!
12 Volt battery with voltage regulator. Battery is draining down over time. Needed to recharge Sunday. At startup and idle with battery fully charged, ammeter will not show charging as engine is revved up, but will show discharge with head or brake lights on. With battery discharged, ammeter will intermittently but inconsistently show charging when engine is revved up. I'm trying to locate the problem. Why am I not getting a consistent reading from the ammeter ? Is the generator not working properly and only intermittently producing output? Is the voltage regulator faulty and not allowing charging? Is the ammeter properly reading discharge but not charge? Are there some tests to confirm that the generator and voltage regulator are working properly ? Thanks in advance for your help . Out at sea when it comes to electricity , Smurph |
06-23-2014, 05:51 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 777
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Re: Need help diagnosing generator / ammeter issue
Are you running a generator or alternator. There is a distinct difference between the two.
Chet |
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06-23-2014, 06:23 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Posts: 102
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Re: Need help diagnosing generator / ammeter issue
Running a generator.
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06-23-2014, 07:18 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
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Re: Need help diagnosing generator / ammeter issue
Do you have a voltage regulator or cut-out ?
With the regulator when charge is needed its supposed to do it. With a cut-out [ original equipment] it should charge constantly at high idle speed. What does the ammeter read with the key off ? It should be zero,if not, there is a draw. If the battery is drawing down then you don't have enough charge rate , or, you have a current draw you shouldn't have. To check for a draw, disconnect a battery cable [ key off] and put voltmeter leads [ or test light] on the terminal and cable end. See if the light lights or it reads battery voltage. If it does then there is a draw you shouldn't have. One of the main problems is a stuck/defective brake light switch. |
06-23-2014, 09:09 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
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Re: Need help diagnosing generator / ammeter issue
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Is this car new to you? Did you just do something to the charging circuit, or did this problem just start on it's own all of a sudden? |
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