[Cobra20646]

Perry,

Wish I could draw a picture here..... I'll try to explain it...

Starting from the battey positive lead....... usually connects to the 'BATT' post on the starter solenoid. From this post, connect at least an 8 gauge wire to one terminal of the ammeter.
From the other terminal on the ammeter, run two other 8 gauge wires..... one to the alternator output post, and the other to feed voltage to ALL the vehicle electrics (except the starter motor).

Turn on the headlights and see which direction the ammeter needle is pointing. If it's pointing to the left or negative or discharge, you have connected the wires to the correct terminals on the ammeter. If the needle deflects to the right or positive, reverse the wires on the terminals. (this test is done with the engine NOT running).

Starting the engine should result in the ammeter needle deflecting to the right or positive or charging direction.

Some ammeters have a remote sensor that does not require you running the heavy gauge wire to the dash instrument. Connections to the sensor are made the same way I explained above, and smaller gauge wires run from the sensor to the dash mounted ammeter.

Good luck

- Jim -