The volt meter on the dashboard of a 1972 Chevrolet C-10 pickup displays the current voltage output of the alternator on the dashboard. If this gauge doesn't read correctly, then your alternator could drop in output and you would never know it, causing the truck to die. To fix the problem, you first need to know if your volt meter is reading correctly. This can be done with the help of an assistant and a multimeter in under 5 minutes.
Tools Used: Multimeter, Assistant
Check the Volt Meter
Have your assistant start the engine, then let the truck get up to normal operating temperature. Pop the hood. Locate the battery connection on the alternator, which is typically on the driver's side of the engine. Locate the negative terminal on the battery, which is the black terminal with the (-) symbol stamped next to it.
Set the multimeter to be able to read DC current. Put the black lead from the multimeter on the negative terminal of the battery, and put the red lead on the battery connection from the alternator.
Call out the number on the display of the multimeter to your assistant. Have him compare that number to the number on the volt meter. If the number is off by more than a full volt, then the volt meter is reading incorrectly. If the numbers match or are very close, then the volt meter is reading correctly.
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