1961 VW Beetle - Ammeter Wiring - Huge Pain! - 148

[@rosiegary]

the meter is meant to read - with load and + with the engine running

[@LarsonSplitBus-]

I am still not 100% sure it is wired right. It reads slight + when running. I don’t think it ever reads - while running or driving…

[@rks9612]

@LarsonSplitBus- Ammeter shouldn't show - while engine is running/going down highway!!! If ammeter shows - while engine is running that indicates alternator isn't able to keep up with load and instead battery is supplying load!!! It should be - when ignition, is on and you turn on headlights/radio ect!!! In other words battery is draining and engine -> alternator isn't charging/supplying load. If ammeter shows 0 it means there isn't any current flow... In other words battery is fully charged and everything is powered by alternator alone! If it shows + it means alternator is feeding current back to battery (charging battery)!!!! Usually that should happen only short while after starting car (alternator charges up energy that was spent while starting car) PS I don't know anything about Beatle but I think with this type of ammeter there should be a shunt!! I didn't see you wiring one and you said it's shuntless so IDK!!!??? If shunt is used it should be wired between battery and fuse box! Sometimes shunt is built in insulation switch!!!! Only wire that doesn't go through Shunt is fat starter wire! Shunt would also eliminate running thick wires such a long way!!!! Try googling (Tractor ammeter shunt)!!! Good luck!!!

[@coucouj2781]

Didn't you want to use a shut resistor ?

[@LarsonSplitBus-]

Ok, maybe you can explain the purpose and usage of a shut resistor? I don’t know what that is, so I wouldn’t have thought to use one!