DeTomaso Mailing List: August 2000, Message #191

On Sun, 6 Aug 2000, marytaphorn wrote:
> Aha!  After I installed my Autometer guages and replaced the ampmeter with a
> voltmeter, I also noticed my battery drained down after sitting for
> prolonged periods.  This was one of those gremlins that I hoped to get
> around to troubleshooting one day.  In the interim, I disconnect the
> battery's negative ground between drives.  Incorrectly, I had discounted new
> guage installation as the source of problem as none had 12V with the
> ignition off.
> 
> Has anyone else encountered this problem when bypassing the ampmeter?
> 
>  Am I correct in understanding that I need a relay between the two monstre
> wires that connected to the ampmeter?
> 
> Would I need a relay capable of handling the battery's full amp load and a
> higher margin should the car ever be jumped by another car's battery?

Nope.  You want to replace the ammeter with a short (connect the two wires
together, preferably at the starter relay rather than under the dash).

HP's just saying that you need to power your voltmeter off the ignition
switch, rather than just wiring it to the now-shorted ammeter leads, so that
it will be disconnected when the igniton is off.

-Andy (taking a brief break from a busy life)

72 Pantera - Rocky(for sale)   91 Miata - Steve                96 A4Q - Rudolf
87 E350XL - Andylance(for sale) 84 RZ350 - Sting