Volt Meter Question

[RRoller123]

I am planning to add a voltmeter to my '80 FI. It doesn't have one from the factory.

Question is: Where do you folks hook it up? Do you take the (+) directly off of the Alternator post, and then take the (-) from an engine block ground? Or some other approach?

Does anyone know how the factory did it; i.e. what points did they pick from?

Pete

[GeorgeT]

I am planning to add a voltmeter to my '80 FI. It doesn't have one from the factory.
Does anyone know how the factory did it; i.e. what points did they pick from?

Pete

You answered your own question in your second sentence - the factory didn't install them. There should installation instructions with the meter.

[RRoller123]

The '80 doesn't have the Volt Meter, but I believe some of the earlier cars did, and I am going to source one of those used, like the Veglia Oil Pressure Gauge that I already have sourced used which the '80 didn't have either. Haven't installed that yet, but it will all go in at once, and will sort out the power wiring to the various relays too at the same time.

I found this little power distribution/junction device and ordered it; most of these don't have a protective cover, which I think is crazy, but this one does, and has a lot of positions available.

[spider2081]

Keep in mind that the alternator output post is "Hot all the time" So the voltmeter will be a load on the battery when the car is not running.

I would connect it to a "Hot in start or run" circuit. The "INT" position on the original Sipea ignition switch usually has an unused terminal.

[davery]

Keep in mind that the alternator output post is "Hot all the time" So the voltmeter will be a load on the battery when the car is not running.

I would connect it to a "Hot in start or run" circuit. The "INT" position on the original Sipea ignition switch usually has an unused terminal.

I had a Veglia one installed for a while and I think I connected it to the seat belt buzzer circuit.

[Nanonevol]

I hooked mine to a random 12 volt (key on) wire I found under the dash. I think the gauge will read pretty much the same wherever you hook it up. I can understand looking for a "stock" location, however.

[RRoller123]

Keep in mind that the alternator output post is "Hot all the time" So the voltmeter will be a load on the battery when the car is not running.

I would connect it to a "Hot in start or run" circuit. The "INT" position on the original Sipea ignition switch usually has an unused terminal.

Thanks, that's a good idea, and is very close to being a direct (very few intermediate connectors) battery connection. The INT on my ignition switch is presently unused. I think I will go with that, and probably use an open spot on the ground pod under the dash for the GND.

[baltobernie]

I had a voltmeter in my Spider while I searched for a clock. I never found it particularly useful, and replaced it with a working clock. If I were looking for a way to monitor the electrical system, I think an ammeter would be more informative. Just my 2¢

[Jon124]

If you are looking for a gauge that resembles the style of the later cars (needle up vs down) I would suggest a faria beede "euro" style. Example part number 12821. I used their oil pressure gauge and was very happy with the result http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic ... ge#p272879. You can buy them on amazon.

[RRoller123]

Thanks, Jon124. I will take a look at it!

[focodave]

I connected my voltmeter to the key chime circuit ( I removed the chime).
When I get in the car and insert the key, I can see the surface battery voltage on the voltmeter before I actually turn the key to start the car.
Works for me...

[chrisg]

I put a voltmeter in my 128 a few months ago, wired on the circuit for courtesy lights, so hot all the time. I thought that would be a good idea to be able to glance into the car & check the battery condition & it would be a very minimal draw. As I found, for a sporadically driven car, it is enough of a draw that I've had to charge the battery a few times, so I'll be moving it to a key-on hot wire soon. I like a voltmeter for monitoring a total load w/ fan/lights/more lights/etc. & because the wiring required is brainless (except the always-hot part...oh well) , though the comments about amps vs. volts above are probably wise.

[nelsonj]

Amazon has a device you can plug into the cigarette lighter just like a lighter. Seems like a handy option to keep in the car to spot check if issues are suspected. I think the cig lighter is hot all the time because nothing should get in between a man and a cigarette (joke).

https://www.amazon.com/Car-Charger-Smar ... te+lighter