Ammeter hook up

[Jeff Elsner]

I bought a new oliver ammeter (ebay) and it has a + and - on the back. Hooked the + from the alternator and the - went to the battery. Shows a discharge. Does this mean that its hooked up backwards? Sound like a dumb question but that is not how my other one was hooked up. It is a new alternator and seems to be functioning right. 14.55 volts at the battery. Any thoughts?

 

[rvirgil_KS]

With engine not running and lights or ignition on ammeter should swing negative. If it goes positive reverse the leads.

Ignition and light switch input should come from alternator side of ammeter