Fluctuating Amp Gauge

["Christopher Middlebrook" <delamothe@xxxxxxxxxx>]

It depends on what kind of voltage regulator you have.  Did you replace it with 
an OEM style relay driven regulator, or did you replace it with a solid state 
type?  
If it is the relay type, chances are it needs (the relays) to be adjusted.  One 
of the relays may be sticking, thus not being able to excite the field winding 
(rotor) in your alternator under load. 
If it is the solid state type, your problem is most likely the reference it is 
getting for regulation.  It should be the + terminal of the battery. (actually, 
this applies to both styles)
A stretch may be the fact that one of your new battery cables needs a 
connection tightened or cleaned if it's on a corroded or rusted surface.  The 
headlights put a fairly good load on the charging system, and a poor connection 
can make things heat up and act crazy.

You may want to hold on to the regulator you replaced.  It probably still works 
well.  Just remember to never remove a battery terminal while a car is running. 
 It is the quickest way to destroy a regulator, or derate one of the diodes in 
the alternator.  This condition is called a load dump, and it generates a surge 
of 40 and up to 60V on your entire electrical system.  Usually the battery 
winds up getting the punch, and it can be very dangerous.  (The battery in a 
car's electrical system is also the filter capacitor that maintains a very 
constant DC level - not to be confused with the RF noise from plugs firing, and 
the ignition coil which has high frequency components and requires a different 
kind of filtering).

Good luck with your troubleshooting

Regards,

Chris Middlebrook
62 Custom Southampton

 --- On Fri 05/16,  < bluzsax@xxxxxxx > wrote:
From:  [mailto: bluzsax@xxxxxxx]
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 07:33:54 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: IML: Fluctuating Amp Gauge

I purchased one of the few remaining 63 Crown Convertibles<br>about 4 weeks 
ago.<br>It had charging problems.<br>For peace of mind I decided to replace 
just about everything related.<br>I first had the alternator tested. It was not 
giving a full charge.<br>Replaced it and still had a charging problem.<br>Then 
I replaced the battery and cables.<br>After replacing the voltage regulator, I 
noticed the<br>stock amp gauge moved to where it should be in the charging 
position.<br>Now when I turn the headlights on, I notice the gauge bounces 
around<br>in the charging position sporadically.<br>Does anyone know what this 
is? Am I damaging the system?<br><br><br><br><br>-----------------  
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