I am removing the after market amp gauge in my truck and replacing it with a volt meter. Can I just connect the two wires from the amp gauge together to bypass the amp gauge? I am going to butt connect the wires, and solder them so I have a good connection. Thanks for any information.
You should be able to just tape the ends off and forget it. That's what I have always done, with no problems. Maybe I've just been lucky.
It depends on if your amp gauge has a remote shunt or not. Most have the shunt built in to the gauge, in whch case the wires do need to be connected if you are removing the gauge. An easy way to tell if there is a remote shunt or not is by the size of the wires going to the amp gauge. If they are quite large, chances are that it's an internal shunt, and you will need to connect the wires. If they are not connected, you will have a variety of accessories that do not work, your battery will not charge, etc. Butt-connecting and soldering is what you want to do. What truck are you working on, it will help us to help you? If it's that 55 Dodge you asked a couple of questions about, it's an internal shunt. Connect the two wires, and you're good to go.
It is the 1955 Dodge truck, but it has aftermarket gauges. I am replacing all the gauges and the speedometer with Auto Meter gauges. The wires going to the amp gauge are large - about 10 gauge, so I think I do have to connect them together.
I'd suggest that you add a fusible link in that wire. I like to put it as close as possible to the battery so that most of the wire is protected. If the alternator (in my case) or the wire shorts out it will fill the cabin with smoke in no time while killing the engine. I had it happen to me while I was driving and it's a scary event. You will probably never need it but if you do you will be glad it was there....cheap insurance.
I just get the largest one that they sell. It won't blow unless there is a dead short. I've never had one blow. The alternator output isn't enough to make it blow.
The Jalopy Journal
