Factory Battery Gauge, How does yours read?

[1972BlueC20]

I just did the conversion from idiot lights to gauges.

Never had a battery gauge before. Just want to make sure my gauge is acting right.

My battery gauge tends to lean towards the right side near C. Sometimes it's in the middle.

It does fluctuate to different spots on the gauge spectrum as the truck is running at a stand still or driving. It also reacts slightly when the headlights or radio or heater is switched on or off.

Does this behavior sound correct and normal ?

[FirstOwner69]

Sounds normal.

The gauge shows if the battery is being charged or discharged and to what degree. If you turn the key and the lights on, the needle should swing to the left of the center line toward the "D" (discharge). When you are starting the truck, it should also swing to the left of center, probably more than when the lights are on since a lot of current is being drawn by the starter. After starting, which drains the battery and when the battery is otherwise in need of charging, the needle should move fairly far right toward the "C" (charging). As you drive, the needle should gradually move back toward the center. After the battery is properly charged, the needle should reside very slightly to the right of the center line. If you turn on an electrical accessory or honk the horn when driving the needle may briefly drop to the left of center (amount depends on the amp draw of the accessory) and quickly return to the right indicating the system increased the rate of charge to compensate for the added draw. It's not uncommon for the needle to be slightly to the left of center when the truck is idling depending on your idle RPMs.

[1972BlueC20]

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

Sounds normal.

The gauge shows if the battery is being charged or discharged and to what degree. If you turn the key and the lights on, the needle should swing to the left of the center line toward the "D" (discharge). When you are starting the truck, it should also swing to the left of center, probably more than when the lights are on since a lot of current is being drawn by the starter. After starting, which drains the battery and when the battery is otherwise in need of charging, the needle should move fairly far right toward the "C" (charging). As you drive, the needle should gradually move back toward the center. After the battery is properly charged, the needle should reside very slightly to the right of the center line. If you turn on an electrical accessory or honk the horn when driving the needle may briefly drop to the left of center (amount depends on the amp draw of the accessory) and quickly return to the right indicating the system increased the rate of charge to compensate for the added draw. It's not uncommon for the needle to be slightly to the left of center when the truck is idling depending on your idle RPMs.

Great this helps!

Thanks for your input!