How to install a volt meter

[qwertyuiopseb]

Hi, just wondering how to install a battery gauge (?) to fill in the blank square next to the clock, cheers

[D19VDM]

Take the earth from the clock as well as the light, or there are earthing points behind the dash. The +ve wire goes to the ignition side of the fuse. There are plenty spare male spades in the fuse box to use.

[rtbcomp]

If you connect it to a circuit that is protected by a large fuse (say >5A) it may be a good idea to fit a 1A fuse into the wire to the voltmeter as close to where you take the power from as possible.

This way the wiring will be protected if the voltmeter shorts out.

[Clan]

i would connect the voltmeter direct to battery + via a small relay to get a true reading , there will be volt drop at the fuse box and everytime you turn something on the volt reading will drop and show less than the true charging voltage at the battery .

[rtbcomp]

^^ that's a bit OTT, given that most voltmeters aren't particularly accurate anyway.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by rtbcomp

^^ that's a bit OTT, given that most voltmeters aren't particularly accurate anyway.

I know , thats why i calibrate mine . The volvo instruments are not even calibrated however if so theya re very accurate . i have an old car with a voltmeter wired to the fuse box and its constantly bobbing around when i turn something on , with the fan on it reads 11 v which is correct . I must get around to doing the relay mod !

[rtbcomp]

If the voltmeter reading bobs around when you switch stuff on and off it's a good indication that what you're switching on is working.

If you want to make sure the charging circuit is working OK you're better off doing that in the garage with a digital voltmeter connected directly to the battery as you suggest.

[revolvor]

£1.67 = Bargain

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-24V-LE...item5aefad8085

[qwertyuiopseb]

ok.... so I just get two pieces of wire and connect them to the + & - on the battery and also run a short length of earthing wire from the gauge to some body-work.. I like that cheap one but half the reason that I want a volt meter is to fill the blank space on the dash and have a nice gauge...


Also does anyone know the correct term of, or where to buy a blank rectangular space for the instrument panel above the fan and heater??

Thanks for everyones help so far.. but I really know zero about electricity.. :/

EDIT:
this is what I'd like to install: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-240-...item27f1249a03 but I would like to find one down under if possible

[Clan]

Originally Posted by qwertyuiopseb

ok.... so I just get two pieces of wire and connect them to the + & - on the battery and also run a short length of earthing wire from the gauge to some body-work.. I like that cheap one but half the reason that I want a volt meter is to fill the blank space on the dash and have a nice gauge...


Also does anyone know the correct term of, or where to buy a blank rectangular space for the instrument panel above the fan and heater??

Thanks for everyones help so far.. but I really know zero about electricity.. :/

EDIT:
this is what I'd like to install: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-240-...item27f1249a03 but I would like to find one down under if possible

If you don't know much about car electrics i would wire the - ve terminal to the car body via a handy screw and the + to a terminal on the fuse box tags which is live only when you turn the ignition on .. This will give you a working gauge .. the illumination wire from the gauge can be fitted to one of the fuse tags on the fuse box for side lights or panel lights ..