Dan,
This is a guess here, but they might want you to start the clock with all hands at the 12 O'clock position just for keeping them in proper alignment. You don't want the hour hand in limbo between 2 numbers, for instance.
As for your Amp gauge, if you can run the car, then it is working. It is probably just rubbing up against something, so it can't move. Is the needle pushed in a little or something?
Mike