charger amp meter not working

[plantguy90]

While the charger clicks and hums and appears to charge the cart, the ampmeter needle doesn't really move. At first I thought it was because the paint had peeled on the meter and wa impeding the needle, but even after cleaning that off the needle still does not move. From fixing diodes on another charger I was told those ampmeters are pretty robust, so now am wondering if this AccuPower might have the same problem of busted diodes and low charge amps... how can I tell?

[sonnysmith]

Has anyone answered this post?? If not, I'm asking the same question.
I'm having the same problem with a power drive charger.
Amp meter shows no amps being used.

Thanks for the help.

[Stevegrmich]

. . . here's a start for troubleshooting . . .


1. Blown charger fuse.
2. Diode(s) in charger failed.
3. OBC malfunction.
4. Failed transformer.


. . . if possible, borrow a known working charger to try on your cart to verify OBC is not the issue . . .

[Sergio]

5) blown fuse on the back of charger socket (on models that have it)

But I don't think any of those would apply to the original post as he said the cart was charging... If the cart charges and the meter does not move, the meter is bad.

[Stevegrmich]

Originally Posted by Sergio

5) blown fuse on the back of charger socket (on models that have it)

But I don't think any of those would apply to the original post as he said the cart was charging... If the cart charges and the meter does not move, the meter is bad.

. . . his statement is kinda foggy . . . he said "appears to be charging", but did not qualify that the batteries are actually being charged . . .

[Sergio]

I agree, I was not sure what that meant either so I qualified my answer as to avoid being misinterpreted.

[sonnysmith]

I change the diode board, tried another charger. It worked. jumped the relay and charger Output (51.2) volts. but no amp reading. Is there away to check the amp meter?? If so please let know. I sure would to know before I buy one and it not be needed.

Thanks all Great info from you guys.

[jdunmyer]

If the voltage is coming up as you describe, but there's no reading on the ammeter, the meter is bad. Any number of sources carry the meter, and they're not expensive, at least compared to a new charger.

[jjance]

Disconnect the amp meter and connect your multimeter in amps mode to the two wires from the meter and see what you get. You will probable need some kind of alligator clips for a positive connection.

[jdunmyer]

Disconnect the amp meter and connect your multimeter in amps mode to the two wires from the meter and see what you get. You will probable need some kind of alligator clips for a positive connection.

That might not be the best idea: most multi-meters that I've seen have a 10-amp scale, which will be overloaded with the typical charger's output of 15-20 amps. If you monitor the voltage on the pack until it's at least half-charged (see the SOC charts on this site) and THEN do this test, you should be OK. But, if the voltage rises over time as it should, then the charger is working and the ammeter is simply broken.