Hi, I live in the UK and managed to get a station wagon home on Saturday. I introduced the wagon and myself here: http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33604 I have started the process of learning what I can about the new vehicle. It is interesting to find the many differences between it and classics in the UK. Such as: One of the first surprises was the indicator 'tell tales' that are on top of the front wings and flash when the indicators are used. When I saw the car for the first time I had to ask what the 'other pedal' was for: hand brake! Getting the two part inertia reel seat belts to work involved a struggle of several minutes for my wife and I but we're getting better! The Hazard Flashers were found hidden away under the steering column yesterday after I'd got home and looked at a Haynes manual. I think as well that I may have cracked the working of the central locking! There appears to be no warning light for no charge from the alternator something that all UK cars have. But there is an ammeter that appears to be stuck mid way between charge and discharge so that's a job to sort! But hey folks the wagon's great and I'm not grousing! It's the first American car I've been in and I'm learning! Take Care! Rusty1
Your ammeter is supossed to be in the middle. If it moves to the left you are not charging, to the right your good.
Also, on the ammeter, if you turn the ignition on, but don't start it, then turn on the headlights, the needle will deflect left ("discharge"). Turn everything but the ignition off and start the car, the needle will deflect right ("charge"); if you switch on the lights then, and the needle goes further right, the generator or alternator is keeping up with the load, and that's good. If it goes back toward the left, it's not keeping up with the load, and that's not necessarily bad, but you may want to clean the battery cables and posts to remove corrosion. If the needle never moves, check the ammeter connections at the back of the instrument cluster; they should be clean and tight. If it still doesn't work, take the car to a trusted mechanic for diagnosis.
Yes, but...... Hi, Thanks for your reply. I haven't seen the needle on the ammeter move hence my suspicion that it isn't working. When I work the starter shouldn't it move to discharge and equally when I rev the engine shouldn't it move to charge? Never had a ammeter on a car before! Rusty1
Side question for Rusty1. Body panel translation as I understand it is: Hood = Bonnet Trunk = Boot Fender = Wing Where did the term 'wing' come from to describe a fender? Are flying cars more prevalent over there?
Yep, you got it. Hi Olds, Nice one, what's the saying? Separated by a common language! I think we also use fender for bumpers sometimes! Cars with wings - sure - when are you guys going to catch up? Take care! Rusty1
