Pulsating Alternator Gauge
The gage Chrysler labeled 'alternator' is a two directional ammeter.
It shows current flowing to or from the battery.
See where it is located in the circuit?
C = Charge, D = Discharge.
The range is 40 amps to 40 amps. Centered is zero amps.
If you notice the car is running on battery all the time, then the alternator isn't working. So in a roundabout way it is an alternator gage.
As the turn signals draw current from the battery, the needle moves.
Now here's the tricky part. We commonly call these 12 Volt systems and we commonly describe the power source as the battery.
In reality, there are two power sources:
The Battery which when fully charged is around 12.8 Volts
An Alternator which when running is regulated to supply power around 14 Volts.
When a circuit is turned on, Electricity flows from the highest voltage power source.
At idle speed the maximum an alternator can output is significantly less than at higher rpms. So sometimes at idle power has to come from the battery.
So what you are seeing could be normal, say at idle with headlights on, or
it may indicate an alternator with weak output or a poor connection in the output line.
The gage Chrysler labeled 'alternator' is a two directional ammeter.
It shows current flowing to or from the battery.
See where it is located in the circuit?
C = Charge, D = Discharge.
The range is 40 amps to 40 amps. Centered is zero amps.
If you notice the car is running on battery all the time, then the alternator isn't working. So in a roundabout way it is an alternator gage.
As the turn signals draw current from the battery, the needle moves.
Now here's the tricky part. We commonly call these 12 Volt systems and we commonly describe the power source as the battery.
In reality, there are two power sources:
The Battery which when fully charged is around 12.8 Volts
An Alternator which when running is regulated to supply power around 14 Volts.
When a circuit is turned on, Electricity flows from the highest voltage power source.
At idle speed the maximum an alternator can output is significantly less than at higher rpms. So sometimes at idle power has to come from the battery.
So what you are seeing could be normal, say at idle with headlights on, or
it may indicate an alternator with weak output or a poor connection in the output line.
