Why won’t my volt gauge work

[Chuckanut]

Hello I have a 1986 M1028 with the original 24 V system and when I got it the volt gauge doesn’t work. I checked the fuse box, the fuse was OK. I’m wondering if it’s the resistor on the gauge but I’m not sure how to test it or how many ohms to test it for. PS if the gauge isn’t working does that affect if the batteries charge.

thank you.

 

[cucvrus]

Could be many things. Is the relay under the radio plate in place? The voltmeter will not effect battery charge rate. Does the voltmeter have voltage in the wire leading to the plug connector? Check all these. You can source a new 24 volt meter on line. Get one that the outer ring is not a ground or it will stay on reading voltage all the time. That kills batteries slowly. Also is it still 24 volt or has it been converted? Good Luck. Take Care.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Good questions from Rick, as usual. Walk through them before you do anything else.

Your resistor should be 300 ohms, but disconnect from any battery power before measuring it.

They are readily available online. 300 ohms, minimum 5 watts. Not a problem if it's more than 5 watts. Literally, it could be 50,000 watts. No problem. As long as it's 300 ohms, minimum 5 watts, you're good.

 

[Chuckanut]

Could be many things. Is the relay under the radio plate in place? The voltmeter will not effect battery charge rate. Does the voltmeter have voltage in the wire leading to the plug connector? Check all these. You can source a new 24 volt meter on line. Get one that the outer ring is not a ground or it will stay on reading voltage all the time. That kills batteries slowly. Also is it still 24 volt or has it been converted? Good Luck. Take Care.

It’s still 24 volt. we did not check the voltage to the gauge yet we will tomorrow, and yes the relay is back there.