how do you hook this up i wont to put some gauges in my car. thankshttp://www.harborfreight.com/automot...ter-95778.html

 

You should have titled your post something like "How do I install an amp meter?" Because it is about wanting to install an amp meter.

Anyway to do this you want the meter to measure all the current that enters or leaves the battery, except for the starter (the starter uses too many amps for a small meter to measure). To measure current, the meter needs to be wired in series with the circuit, in other words you break the circuit and splice in the meter.

Disconnect the battery before starting electrical work. Find a place for the meter on the dash and prepare to attach it there. On the (+) terminal for the battery there are two wires, a big one that goes to the starter and a smaller one that goes to the underhood fuse box. Leave the starter one alone. Disconnect the small one at the fuse box and splice on an extension and lead it to the amp meter, connect to the (-) terminal on the meter. Then install another wire from the (+) terminal of the amp meter back to where the battery wire used to connect to the fuse box.

Use heavy wire like #6 or larger. All the current your car uses (except the starter) will pass through this wire. A wire that is too thin will impair performance and catch on fire. Also be sure that the wire can't short out to ground.

It is possible the Civic electrical system can exceed 50 amps. A meter that goes up to 100 may be a better choice.

 

ya im going to get a different amp meter but thanks so much for the help.