Hi, everyone.

I think I know the answer to this. But before I ring up my master mechanic to check this out, let me ask the Forum ...

Late last year, I had some fine body work done. Each time, the battery was discharged a fair bit. (Once because the dome/map light was inadvertently left on. The other time, the car was in the shop for a few weeks. Can't say why it discharged.) When I started the car, the ammeter went way to the right on the Charge side. I had to nurse the car back home, going at slow speeds to ensure that the gauge didn't slam into the right side. There were no electrical issues apart from that. I took the battery out and charged it. No worries since.

After the second time, though, I occasionally smell what might be described as a whiff of a burnt connector. It comes and goes. Infrequent. Erratic. Tends to happen when I accelerate - but not always and not continuously. And it goes away. I usually notice it - when it's there - soon after I started the car. Sometimes with the headlights on; sometimes not. The ammeter gauge has been functioning properly throughout.

So, do we think this is the gauge with some nearly fried contacts? (I have an NOS replacement.) Something else? Thankfully, I've seen not a smolder or puff of anything. And by the way, if this gauge quits, does the electrical system quit until it's replaced? (I believe some vehicles operated like that.)

Thanks!

 

No sooner than I posted my question than the problem materilized full bloom. There must be a shorted wire somewhere near the steering column. I started the car; put on the emergency brake; gave it some gas. Saw a spark and the ammeter went to discharge. A job for my mechanic, to be sure. Any guesses as to the cause?