Ammeter not showing charge

[JoeM]

Working behind the panel of 65E, I ended up with two wires from the main harness disconnected. Neither is hot. Not sure where they go. Could it be master switch or ignition switch or somewhere else? Ammeter is moving slightly but not showing normal amps. Voltage is not increasing with engine running. Searched for wiring diagrams for master switch and ignition switch without success. Any help appreciated.

[Prior owner]

Standard A&P stuff….the wires are numbered and can be found on the electrical system diagram.

[carusoam]

A basic diagram is in the poh…

the real one, the maintenance manual…

Be on the look out for wire numbers on the wire itself…

PP thoughts only, not a mechanic…

-a-

 

[A64Pilot]

What is the voltage at higher RPM? If 14 or very close it’s possible you don’t have an issue.

It’s not real uncommon especially on older aircraft to have wires that don’t go anywhere as things are added or removed wires aren’t, they are just left in the harness.

If I see the picture correctly those wires have no terminals on them, which is suspicious.

Edited February 8, 2022 by A64Pilot

[RLCarter]

As mentioned above, the one looks orphaned (no terminal), when dealing with wiring which can get very busy, take a picture before removal, label the wires if needed with colored zip ties or tape so you can identify them going back together.

[JoeM]

It turned out they were old (replaced) wires for the Shower of Sparks. Further research into the lack of charge (no amps and voltage on bus same before and after start and at 1500 rpm) discovered no power at Field wire. Interav over voltage relay appears to have failed (has power from bus going in but isn't connecting field wires) so ordered a plane power regulator to replace Interav OVR and regulator. When new regulator is installed, we will see if the alternator is good.

[Guest]

On 2/7/2022 at 7:19 PM, JoeM said:

Working behind the panel of 65E, I ended up with two wires from the main harness disconnected. Neither is hot. Not sure where they go. Could it be master switch or ignition switch or somewhere else? Ammeter is moving slightly but not showing normal amps. Voltage is not increasing with engine running. Searched for wiring diagrams for master switch and ignition switch without success. Any help appreciated.

Does this help?

Clarence

[JoeM]

Thanks Doc. Fortunately, I have the SMM.