AMPS or Voltage?
 

This might seem like a dumb question but what the hell :) The ammeter in my 86 GT doesn't work. It sits right in the middle at all times. I plan on replacing it with an autometer eventually but have a few questions:

1) Does the guage measure AMPS or Voltage? (It's labeled AMP)

2) I assume I will be replacing it with a Voltage guage right?

Or should I replace it with an ammeter? Which is more important? I haven't measured the AMPS but the voltage is ~14.5v at idle. Thanks guys.

Please don't be infuriated by my lack of electrical knowledge. :)


Bob

Replace it with a voltmeter. An ammeter is pretty much useless these days, since most only read 30 + or -, and your system is capable of putting out much more. Besides, it really doesn't tell you anything. A voltmeter, on the other hand, tells you a lot.

Take care,
~Chris

Thanks Chris. That's what I thought but I wasn't 100% sure.


Bob

Actually, that is backwards.

Voltage is simply 'the ability to carry current'.

Amperage is the actual amount of charge being used. If you have a faulty alternator, it may still produce 14 volts of 'potential energy', but only 15 amps of actual energy.

The more important measurement is the amperage. Also, you <b>can</b> find guages that read higher than 30 amps!

Hope this helps...

Or, think of it this way...

If I hook up a 9-volt battery to your voltmeter, what's it going to say? 9 Volts!

But how much actual current do you think you're getting from that 9-volt battery? Maybe 2 amps. Do you see my point?