C2 charging problem

[Noel B.]

[Gene M.]

Re: C2 charging problem

I’m still having trouble....................


Another issue - my battery meter suddenly went to -40 and wont move at all. Seems completely dead - did I damage it somehow? It was reading +20 to +40 indicating an overcharge (with erratic movement) until now.

Erratic movement is also indicative of a bad diode. When this happens I’m told AC leakage occurs. Possible bad connection at firewall terminal block.

The #11 post has a good plan of attack.

[Noel B.]

[Leif A.]

Re: C2 charging problem

Progress is a good thing. Keep at it and keep us posted with your results.

[Richard G.]

Re: C2 charging problem

Consider using a 1/4 flex handle similar to this one for this job.
I found it makes the job easier.

Another favorite tool for working under the dash is a book light.

The head is small and can positioned where you need it without the batteries being in the field of vision.

Note;
That one of the pod screws does not have to be removed all the way. You can get the pod out around the head of the loosened screw. Keeps you from having to restart the screw. I found getting the screws started was the most difficult part of this job. Dropping them on the floor requires moving out of position to find them. At my age its not as easy as it was. Be sure to connect the replacement gauge up, to confirm it is working, before the installation. My "Rebuild and Tested Gauge" was dead on arrival.

[Noel B.]

[Richard G.]

Re: C2 charging problem

The screw that can stay is on the edge of the pod, i.e. not installed in a through a hole. I am sure it was this screw in the red circle;


The top screw has to come out.

The Phillips screw is a likely replacement. Consider removing the light switch for a little more room.

Rick

[Noel B.]

[Richard G.]

Re: C2 charging problem

Use a volt meter and set it for 5V.
Measure between the two leads that connect to the amp gauge.
No need to start the car. Just turn on the headlamps.
Read the voltage with the low beams on and with the high beams on.
You should see a difference in voltage when the high beams are on.
This will double check the circuit.
Remember the gauge says amps but is really a volt meter used to measure the voltage drop in a circuit.

[Edward J.]

Re: C2 charging problem

Noel did you have a ground wire attached?

[Noel B.]

Re: C2 charging problem

Noel did you have a ground wire attached?

[Leif A.]

Re: C2 charging problem

The cluster is grounded. When the gauge is installed into the cluster, it then becomes grounded.

[Noel B.]

Re: C2 charging problem

Thanks Leif - I’ll try my test again with a ground attached to the case of the new gauge. Hope this works!

[Noel B.]

[Richard G.]

Re: C2 charging problem

An original 63 gauge only has two connections. No ground is required when checking between voltages the two terminals attached to the gauge.
No grounding of the gauge is required to get it to work.
Of course if you are only checking voltages (at each gauge leg i.e. 12v) with a VOM, you connect your VTM between each leg (one at a time) and ground.