Electrical help: Voltmeter pegs right when powering pump...

[Ted]

My voltmeter gauge in my '77 Dodge pegs to the right (charge) when I power my E-60 pump (Up, right, left, etc.). Anyone have a quick, easy answer to solve this problem? Does it sound like a grounding problem? I'd appreciate any help...snow is coming Friday night...Thanks.

Ted
Landisburg, PA

 

[GeoffD]

It does that with every truck. You are drawing more current from your trucks electrical system. Check the grounds it may help a little.

Geoff

 

[Ted]

Electrical question...

Thanks Geoff! I just added a 100 amp alternator a few weeks back which is helping alot to save my battery...I thought maybe I was overlooking something. I appreciate the quick reply!

Ted
Landisburg, PA

 

[FIREMAN]

Dodge trucks are known for inaccurate voltmeters...it is true that all truck(at least most) with plows show the extra draw but there is something about a corrosion problem on a terminal somewhere..I can't remember but I'll find out and post about it...

 

[SlimJim Z71]

TED...

You said it pegs to the right??? On my truck, that would be heading towards 18volts. If yours is the same, something is wrong. It's very common for the voltmeter to drop to around 12volts when moving the blade. If it's jumping up though, something is definately not right...

-Tim

 

[Ted]

Voltmeter

That's correct Tim. It pegs 'all the way to the right'...Seems like something isn't right but I'm not sure what to do. Using turn signals and lights, etc. draws the needle to the left just a bit as expected but 'powering' the pump (up, left, right) 'pegs' the needle to the right...

Ted
Landisburg, PA

 

[jason2]

I installed a aftermarket voltmeter in my 75 Dodge. I also have a 100 amp alternator. When I move my plow controls my gauge moves left showing battery voltage dropping. I also have the factory ammeter still hooked up. An ammeter shows if the system is in a state of charging or a state of discharge. A voltmeter shows the voltage level of the battery.

I'm almost embarrassed to post this after my fiasco with wiring a simple two-pole toggle in another post.

 

[Rooster]

Ted,
I have an 84 Dodge. I call a Chrysler rep I know, he check with an engineer, because I had the same problem.

I was told first, because I have an external Volt. reg. make sure the ears on the plug are secure.

Everything seemed okay, but I unplugged and replugged checked the ears, volt meter works, great.

I also changed batteries to 2 Marine deep cycle 12v, with 114 amp alt.

Hope this helps, if not let me know, I will call my freind who works for chrysler

 

[Ted]

Ammeter - not Voltmeter!

I've been corrected...Thanks Jason! It's my factory 'ammeter' that is pegging to the right. What is the verdict? Thanks.

Ted

 

[jason2]

Ted,

My ammeter also shows a charge when I move my plow controls. While my voltmeter shows a drop in voltage. I think it's just that the alternator is putting out due to the battery voltage dropping off, and that's why the ammeter shows a charge instead of a discharge.

 

[John DiMartino]

If your ammeter's max rating is 60 amps or so Id get rid if it,with your 100 amp alt-your going to smoke the ammeter,then you'll have sparks and no charge.I love old Dodge trucks-but I hate the wiring problems-I had a few of them and always had wiring trouble with all of them,even a nice dash fire with our 77 W300 tow truck.