pumonchu2005

Alright, I got a set of gauges from Big Lots (Pic 'N' Save) for $10. They are to measure amperage, oil pressure, and coolant temp. I think I figured out how to connect the temp and pressure gauges, but the ammeter is a bitch. There are supposedly 8 different ways that the Battery, Alternator, Starter/Solenoid, and Ignition/Accessory switch can be connected in any car. My question is this... Based on this chart, and the fact that my car is an 89 Civic DX, which of these is the correct wiring diagram?
Thanks

hahagasdcrx

take a test light and find a wire that has 12 volts when the key is in the ON position. You can tap into that for your ampmeter.

amps? or volts? voltometer you can tap into basically any 12v wire KOEO ( key on engine off) if ampmeter you want to tap into a thicker gauge 12v wire to get a more accurate reading of current flow.

88civichbz6

i beleive it is type two. but like all ready said, just find a wire with 12 volt pos. when ing. is on and you got.

pumonchu2005

thanks for the replies, but the wiring that it says to do is basically between the alternator and battery. The thing is, I don't know where the wires exactly go because they are all wrapped in tubing. I could just hook it to the battery, but like you said, I need to find a point which has current based on the load (headlights, accessories, etc). The reply I was looking for was from someone who knows a lot about this exact model and how the charging system is wired up. I appreciate your responses, though.
P.S. It is Amps. The gauge measures -60A to +60A. What is the typical current drain with the low headlight beams and the heater on? Just curious...

hahagasdcrx

well the stock alternator has a little over 70 amps give or take. You can tap into your underhood fuse box where the alternator wire goes into it. Also in your underdash fuse box there are male spade slots than you can run a wire to. just test for 12v whichever route you go.

88civichbz6

ok the charing wire runs from the alt. post the the fuse box. the battery pos runs the the fuse box and the starter runs the fuse box. the place it in line (cut the wire and place one end on one post of amp meter and other end on other post of amp meter) is kinda iffy becasue it supplies all the charging power for the car and your wire might not be thick enough. not to tap into the line (stripe back ins. and soider wire to it and wrap with good e-tape, place that wire one one post and another wire from ground to the other post) would make me feel more safe because all you are doing is tapping into the wiring and not redirecting all it current. now the main fuse on this modle in the fuse box should be a 60 amp fuse so if you ever pull +60 amps there is something wrong.

now as for those devices spec. i don't know there exact current pull but i know the fuse ratings the blower fan uses a 30amp fuse and low beam is two 10amp fuse. so according to most elec. eng. the formula would be fuse rating/2 so with both on it should be close to 25 amps of draw.




Modified by 88civichbz6 at 4:11 AM 2/19/2005

pumonchu2005

Alright, well I have this:

Which shows the battery and the alternator coming into the fuse(on the bottom left). Those connections are from the positive ends of the battery and alternator, right?
And if I understand what you are saying, I should hook up the gauge like this?

And if that's the case, to which end should the positive post of the gauge be connected? (the alternator or the fuse box?)
Thanks

88civichbz6

i don't know for sure if that is how you hook up your amp meter gauge!!!
but if it is i don't like that idea because you have to splice into the alt. wire.

if that is the way you have to connect it up then the pos. side goes toward the alt.

pumonchu2005

thanks for that info, man. The instructions tell me that 10AWG wire will hold 60A, and 8 will hold 100A. So if the fuse will blow at 60, then 10 gauge will be fine yes? Or maybe I'll just go with the 8 to be safe. And you believe that soldering the wire to the post will work the best? Or do you mean solder a wire lug or ring connector to it then bolt it down...?

88civichbz6

double post sorry