Quick gauge question

I agree with the other posters. Factory Ammeters are mostly to show which direction current is flowing, and are not known for being terribly accurate. Most volt meters are only good for testing a VERY small amperage, in the 1-2 amp range.

You really need something like this to measure amperage.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-digital-clamp-on-ammeter/p-03482369000P

Personally I am not a big fan of ammeters for a couple of reasons. First, all of the alternators current flows through the meter, if you are using a late model alternator that can put out over 100 Amps the stock wiring will not handle the current. (There are fixes for this though). Second, since all the current from your alternator flows through the ammeter if it fails you're screwed.

I've seen a couple of stories in magazines and online of guys hacking the dash to replace the ammeter with a volt meter. Results have been anywhere from awesome to well... less than awesome.

Regards,

Joe Dokes