Ford Manual
The ammeter is located on the instrument board. This indicator registers "charge" when the generator is
charging the battery and "discharge" when the lights are burning and the engine not running above 10
miles per hour. At an engine speed of 15 miles per hour or more the ammeter should show a reading of
from 8 to 10 with lights turned off. If the engine is running above 15 miles per hour and the ammeter
does not show a proper reading, first inspect the terminal posts on the ammeter, making sure that the
connections are tight, then remove cut-out, and with the engine running at a moderate speed, take a pair
of pliers or a screw-driver and short-circuit the terminal stud on the generator to the generator housing. If
the generator is 0.K., a good live spark will be noted. (DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE ANY LONGER
THAN IS NECESSARY WITH THE CUT-OUT REMOVED.) Next inspect the wiring from the
generator through the ammeter, to the battery for a break in the insulation that would result in a short-
circuit. If the trouble is not located, then remove the dust cap from the end of generator and thoroughly
clean the generator commutator, using for this work a fine grade of sandpaper which has been slightly
oiled. With the motor running, hold the sandpaper against the commutator with the fingers. until all dirt
has been removed and a bright surface attained.
How are the Lights operated?
Answer No. 126
The lighting system consists of two headlights and a tail light operated by a combination lighting and
ignition switch located on the instrument board. The headlamp bulbs are of 6-8 volt, double filament gas
filled type. The major filament is 21 candle-power, and the minor filament is 2 candle-power. The small
bulb used in the tail light is of 6-8 volt, single contact, two candle-power type. All of the lamps are
connected in parallel so that the burning out or removal of any one of them will not affect the other.
Current for the lamps is supplied by the battery. Do not connect the lights to the magneto as it will result
in burning out the bulbs and might discharge the magnets. Cut No. 21 shows the different circuits and the
course of the current.
What Attention do the Electric Headlights require?
Answer No. 127
