amp reading

jwhalen · Post by **jwhalen** » Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:24 pm

I replaced the alternator on a 1976 318 Chrysler. When I switch to just battery 1 the amp gauge on the dash does not show it is charging. When I switch to just battery 2 or both batteries, the amp gauge shows a charge. Even on battery one when I turn on lights etc no movement in amp gauge. When on battery 2 or both I get movement on the amp gauge. Is this an issue or is it just the way the amp gauge is wired? Thanks ahead for all the advice. This is the amp gauge that is in the dash.

John

randyp · Post by **randyp** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 11:27 am

You should show charging off the battery for 1, 2 or both. Is your battery 1 properly wired to the switch? IE positve lead on Battery 1 to switch terminal. AND is your negative lead going to a common ground? Assume you have power (lights, etc) when you are swiched to battery 1. Another thing to consider (happened to me a couple of years ago). The termiinal on the battery switch could be bad. I fried my alternator twice when I switched to "1" underway and the terminal was ng. Might as well have turned the damned thing off.

jwhalen · Post by **jwhalen** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:15 pm

I can start and run the boat either on battery 1, 2 or both. The batteries are hooked up properly. I am thinking ( after reading some other posts) that it may be due to how the amp gauge is wired

jwhalen · Post by **jwhalen** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 7:15 pm

Randy P thanks. Checked the cables and they were loose. Enough contact to start engine but not charge battery.