rwwisnesky Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 OK, the tack is back and the dash is in. The instruments seem to be functioning properly, BUT. The amp meter appears to be working, but when I turn the ignition off, the meter continues to read the volts. I thought it use to go off with the key. Can someone check their's and let me know. Also, how did you hook the LS_1 alternator wire (big one) into the Z, it is possible I caused the problem when I did that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjhines Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 amps/volts are not interchangable terms. What do you have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwwisnesky Posted February 19, 2008 Author Share Posted February 19, 2008 Its the original fuel/Voltage combo gage in the 78Z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six_Shooter Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Its the original fuel/Voltage combo gage in the 78Z Then it's a volt guage, not an amp meter. From what I've read this is normal, for the volt guage to show voltage even with the ignition turned off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators RTz Posted February 19, 2008 Administrators Share Posted February 19, 2008 this is normal, for the volt guage to show voltage even with the ignition turned off. Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigdeezs Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 Yes. hmmm interesting...does anyone think this puts much draw on the battery? Also what about the gauge...seems like it would burn out eventually or something. I was just about to get in there and change the gauge to read off a key on only wire...does anyone think this is a bad idea? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbc3 Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 I thought that the volt meter should not be constant, so I just took the power lead to the volt meter and moved it over to an accessory power source. Now I don't worry about my battery going dead after sitting for long periods of time. Maybe it was designed to be on all the time... I guess you can say that I don't care... I like it better my way Jody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwwisnesky Posted February 20, 2008 Author Share Posted February 20, 2008 Looks like I opened a hornets nest here. I have owned the Z for over 30 years, you would think I would have noticed the gage before now!! Based on the comments above, it appears it should be on. I also sorted thru the shop manual and on page BE-33 it appears that the meter is not switched. I like the idea above about going to a switched power source. Can anyone confirm for certain the meter stays on with the switch off? Seems odd to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinhZXT Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 Yes.. I have a 77 280Z. The volt meter stays on with the ignition switched to off. The volt meter should have a small capacitor in it which should be charged up pretty quick. Once charged it becomes open and therefore shouldn't draw any more current. I have my battery hooked up for a few months without moving the car and the battery still good. The big cable from the alternator goes to the B+ at the battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwwisnesky Posted February 20, 2008 Author Share Posted February 20, 2008 Thanks for the confirmation on the volt meter. It appears I am good to go and didnt have a problrm at all. Must have had a senior moment when I could not remember the gage being on over the last 30 years !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigdeezs Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 I hear yah...I was putting a gauge from a 76 into my 75 (had amp meter). I thought I had hooked it up wrong or something. I could have swore I went through the wiring perfectly...LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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