Is there a way to test an Ammeter?

[Torino 15]

I have it off the tractor while I am cleaning terminals.  It never seems to move while on the tractor so I was wondering if it was even working.

[wheeledhorseman 579]

You need to hook up a circuit like this.

 

 

An ammeter is wired in series with the load and you may wish to include say a 15 amp fuse in the circuit for safety sake. (The circle with a cross is the lamp)

 

I'd use a 12 volt battery and  a headlamp bulb, even a 21 watt lamp  would do.

 

With the switch on, the ammeter needle should deflect in one direction away from center zero. Switch off and reverse the terminals on the ammeter. Switch on again and it should deflect the other side of zero.

 

Hope this helps. If the ammeter works when tested like this but still fails to move on the tractor then possbly the tractor wiring isn't quite correct.

 

Andy

Edited June 12, 2013 by wheeledhorseman