i have an ammeter that i was trying to install. ive tried hooking it up to the dist. coil, the alternator, and other positive leads.. it says i have to hook it up the the starter. do i have to do this. and if i do that do i have to take off the starter?
Suggest you throw it in the garbage. They are usually hooked in series with the entire buss current --meaning your entire load. They are relatively worthless for providing essential info on a car and a fire hazard. We do use them on aircraft, but for reasons that are not applicable to cars. We talked about these issues many times on old posts which you can search and read.
Patrick, An Ammeter measures current not voltage. The gauge is connected in series(I believe), between the battery and alternator. Try doing a little research on the internet, you should come up with a auto installation.
A voltmeter samples something entirely different, can be connected to your electrical system in a nonhazardous way, and can provide useful information if idiot lights are all that you currently have.
