Generator not charging?

[pcpat]

I'm having a strange charging issue; I looked at the Amp meter in the cab and it is not showing a charge (0 Amps). I took it for a short drive and still the Amp meter shows zero - when I turn on the lights or blow the horn it shows a discharge.
I put my volt meter on the generator side of the cut out and it shows 7 volts from the generator... Then I look at the amp meter inside and it shows its now charging (about 5 - 7 amps at Idle).
Shut off and restart the engine and the amp meter shows no charge until I put the voltmeter on the generator and then it shows its charging?
When driving the amp meter will eventually go back to no longer charging (0 amps again)
I haven't had a chance to look into the issue yet. I was going to try and swap out the cut out with another one I have on hand. I wanted some thoughts if anyone has any other ideas?

Thank you,

Pat