volt gauge??

[loweredf1]

i have a autometer volt gauge in my truck and it pegs out at 18 volts when i flio the switch to power it up. i just recently rewired the truck and have good ground connections. put my volt meter on teh feed wire and it reads 14 volts also when the switch is off my indicator light has a very dim glow and is showing to have little over 2 volts running through when the switch is off. why would there be 2 volts still in the wires with everything off? any one have any ideas?

[kaptnkaos]

Hey loweredf1,

That would be good one to run by Thunderfoot... he's our electrical guru...
I'd be curious to see what you find out.
I recently installed a dual battery system in my '68 Camper Special and intend on installing a pair of Volt meter's (one for each battery).

KaptnKA S

[ArizonaDan]

loweredf1,

In my previous life as a Maritime electrician I followed the excellent advice of a former career Navy electrician EVERY time I tested a circuit and came up with unexpected readings: varify the accuracy of your meter before you condemn the circuit.

Modern multi-meters are very accurate tools but they are NOT flawless. Before you accept that the voltage, or any other parameter of the circuit is bad, get a second meter to verify the readings of the first. I have personally seen $400.00 Fluke meters give readings that were WAY off. It happens.

When testing anything it is absolutely critical that the testing equipment is known to be accurate and reliable or there is really no sense to testing it at all, is there. Ball park figures just don't cut it when you need accuracy.

Good luck,

Dan