amp/battery meter does not work 1974

[Tom B.]

Hi
I have a 1974 coupe and the amp/battery meter does not work. I replaced the meter and the new one doesn't work either. The wires are hooked up in the back of the meter. Can someone please give me an idea of where to look next.
Thanks
Tom

[John H.]

Re: amp/battery meter does not work 1974

Tom -

I'd look first in the multiple connectors on the engine compartment side of the fuse block, after checking both terminals in the gauge connector to make sure each shows 12 volts to ground. One wire goes to the battery cable stud on the starter solenoid, and the other goes to the screw terminal on the horn relay; both circuits go through the fuse block multiple connectors, and that area is famous for terminal corrosion or failure inside the connector body.

[Bill E.]

Re: amp/battery meter does not work 1974

Hi Tom, I doubt if this info will help you but when I first got my '74 I thought the amp meter was not working. However, I noticed that when I start the car the meter shows a slight discharge and when running the meter goes right to dead center. I try to keep the battery fully charged but if the car sits a long time without the trickle charger connected the meter will show a very slight charge for a short period of time and then settle at dead center. The battery stays charged so I don't know if I have a lazy meter or if this is normal. Bill