Gauges & Lights

[attret00]

My ammeter wasn't working. I cleaned the connections at the plug on the outside firewall. The gauge works now-BUT- I noticed it still operates with the ignition off. Is this correct? Also do the parking lights operate when the headlights are on or is that only on newer models. This is on a "64. I'm greatful for your responces.
Randy

 

[Vetsvette2002]

Randy,
If the ammeter works with the ignition off, this is normal. The ammeter is actually a differential volt meter.
The parking lights are supposed to be off when the headlights are on. This changed on later years - not mid-years though.
Don

 

[JohnZ]

The ammeter will work any time there's a current draw, whether the ignition is on or not; it's just a sensitive voltmeter that measures the difference in voltage between the battery and the power junction at the horn relay and displays it as "amps".

The front parking lights should NOT be on when the headlights are on - only when the headlight switch is pulled out to the first (parking lights) detent. Many of the parts-store replacement switches are designed with the the post-'68 arrangement where the parking lights are on when the headlights are on.

 

[attret00]

Thanks Don and John. I sure don't want to fix things that don't need fixing. We have enough to fix as is. Thanks for the help.
Randy