Electrical gremlin

Mattax said
Simply not true.
The battery doesn't run the car. The alternator does. The ammeter only shows whether the battery is charging or discharging. Only during those times electrons flow through the ammeter. In fact thats what ammeters measure, rate of electrons moving through a circuit.

Nor is the ammeter a source of car fires. In fact it shows when a high current situation is occuring in that line - which may alert the operator to a situation where something may melt or fail (like the battery or a connection). A voltmeter can't show that. It provides good clues to other situations. Neither one is better or worse, just different.

Lessee.....The ammeter only shows charge/discharge. Agreed. What discharges said battery?
Every electrical function in the car, save the alternator. Thus, what I said is true. In order for the ammeter to function at all, "Damn near every electron in that car flows thru the ammeter" Doesn't matter if it comes from the alternator or the battery.

Proof?

Disconnect either side of the ammeter and leave it hang (insulated from ground, natch). Tell me what still works.....

RedFish said
This is the 3rd thread on the same subject in about a month. The corrosion is due to a water leak, wiper pivot or windshield gasket. Replacement gauge or placing both wires on one stud isn't a fix. Bolt the wires together off the gauge? Since the same water leak damages the headlight switch also, fix the water leak. Consider a handmade shield cut from butter tub, milk jug, whatever.

This is probably the best advice on the matter I've ever seen, and I never once considered it. Thanks!!