How to install a car voltammeter

When you think about the number of sensors your engine has, there seems to be an infinite number of sensors that can be installed to monitor their readings. Some of these readings are important, but many of them…

When you think about the number of sensors your engine has, there seems to be an infinite number of sensors that can be installed to monitor their readings. Some of these readings are important, but many of them are mere data entry into the on-board computer. The most common gauges on modern cars are the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge. In addition to these sensors, your car will have several warning lights that will come on if there is a problem with these systems. One sensor that is missing from most vehicles is the charge or voltage sensor. With a little information, you can easily add a voltage sensor to your vehicle.

Part 1 of 2: Purpose of a Voltmeter

Most cars built today are equipped with a warning light on the dash that looks like a battery. When this light comes on, it usually means there is not enough voltage in the vehicle's electrical system. In most cases, this is due to a malfunction in your vehicle's alternator. The disadvantage of this warning light is that when it comes on the voltage in the system is very low and if the battery gets low enough the car will eventually stall.

Installing a voltage sensor will allow you to see changes in the charging system long before it becomes a major problem. Having this gauge will make it much easier to decide if it's time to get off the road or if you can get where you're going.

Part 2 of 2: Gauge Installation

Necessary materials

• Fusible jumper wire (must match pressure gauge rating)
• Pliers (wire strippers/crimping pliers)
• Save memory
• Voltage sensor assembly
• Wire (at least 10 feet with the same rating as voltage sensor wiring)
• Loom
• Wiring Connectors (Miscellaneous connectors and 3-pin connector)
• Wiring diagram (for your car)
• Keys (various sizes)

Step 1: Park your vehicle and apply the parking brake.. Your parking brake must be a pedal or hand brake. If it is a pedal, press it until you feel the brakes apply. If it is a handbrake, press the button and pull the lever up.

Step 2. Install the memory splash screen according to the manufacturer's instructions..

Step 3: open the hood. Release the latch inside the car. Stand in front of the car and raise the hood.

Step 4: Disconnect the negative battery cable. Keep it away from the battery.

Step 5: Decide Where You Want to Install the Sensor. First, you need to look at how the sensor is attached: it can be attached with adhesive tape or with screws.

If it has a screw mount, you'll want to make sure it's installed in a location where the screws won't hit anything inside the dashboard.

Step 6: Route wiring between sensor and battery.. Using an appropriately sized wire, run the wire from where the sensor will be installed to the positive battery terminal.

• FunctionsNote: When running the wire from inside the vehicle into the engine compartment, it is easiest to route it through the same seal as the vehicle's factory wiring.

Step 7: Attach the connectors to the wire you just ran and to the fuse link.. Strip ¼ inch of insulation from each end of the fuse link. Install the eyelet connector and crimp in place at one end, and crimp the butt connector at the other end.

Then connect it to the wire you led to the battery.

Step 8: Remove the nut from the clamp bolt on the positive end of the battery cable.. Install the lug and tighten the nut into place.

Step 9: Attach the eyelet to the other end of the wire. You will install this lug where the wire will attach to the gauge.

Step 10: Locate the wire that goes to the lighting circuit. Use your wiring diagram to find the positive wire that supplies voltage from the light switch to the headlights.

Step 11: Run the wire from where you are installing the sensor to the lighting circuit wire..

Step 12: Remove ¼ inch of insulation from the end of the test lead circuit.. Using a three-wire connector, crimp this wire to the lighting wire.

Step 13: Attach the eyelet to the end of the wire you just ran from the lighting circuit wire.. Remove ¼ inch of insulation from the test end of the wire and install the eyelet connector.

Step 14: Route the wire from the gauge to a ground point under the dash..

Step 15: Attach the lug to the wire going to the ground point.. Remove ¼ inch of insulation from the wire, install the lug and secure in place.

Step 16: Install lug and wire to ground terminal..

Step 17: Attach an eyelet to the end of the wire that will connect to the pressure gauge.. Remove ¼ inch of insulation from gauge wire and install lug.

Step 18: Connect the three wires to the pressure gauge..The wire going to the battery goes to the signal or positive terminal on the sensor; the wire connected to ground goes to ground or the negative terminal. The last wire goes to the lighting terminal.

Step 19: Install the sensor in your car. Make sure the pressure gauge is installed in accordance with the pressure gauge manufacturer's instructions.

Step 20: Wrap the wire harness around any exposed wiring..

Step 21: Install the negative battery cable and tighten until snug..

Step 22: Remove the memory saver.

Step 23 Start the car and make sure the sensor is working.. Turn on the light and make sure the indicator is on.

A voltage meter is a good addition to any vehicle and can be a valuable safety measure for drivers who experience intermittent electrical problems in their vehicles, or drivers who just want to take precautions and be aware of a problem before the battery dies. A variety of gauges are available, both analog and digital, as well as a variety of colors and styles to suit your vehicle. If you are not comfortable installing the pressure gauge yourself, consider using AvtoTachki - a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to install it and make sure everything works correctly with your pressure gauges.