Gauge question
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 514
Likes: 3
From: Long Island
Gauge question
Many on the forum have said that the factory oil psi and trans temp gauges are nothing more than glorified idiot lights. How do the OBDII readings compare? I have an Edge CTS. Should I consider these readings accurate? Am currently using it to monitor EOT, ECT, trans temp, boost, volts.
Thanks,
Thanks,
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
I cant answer directly but there are differences. In my case I have installed a scan gauge, you can also monitor speed (MPH), my speedo reads about 2-3 mph high, the scan gauge goes to the actual I know that I should be at! I.e at 80 indicated I am doing about 78, the scan gauge reads 78, so I am sure there are things more accurate off the computer than are depicted.
or you can add a gauge off the trans to verify the readings you are getting, as the indicators only give a Normal type range and do not indicate the actual temp.
or you can add a gauge off the trans to verify the readings you are getting, as the indicators only give a Normal type range and do not indicate the actual temp.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 6
As a general rule of thumb, there is no such thing as "accurate" as the measurement you are reading is directly influenced by,
- sensor position
- sensor calibration / sensitivity
- computer interpretation of the sensor
However, what it is, is a measure that is both acceptable and convenient.
If you were to add sensors, unless it is in exactly the same place, it will have different readings just from the location, before anything else.
I am an old school guy that always put a mechanical gauge to validate electronic sensors.
I also will, if needs be, tap a sensor and read its own actual output before the computer messes with it.
But, that is for very specific purposes --- which are beyond normal use.
- sensor position
- sensor calibration / sensitivity
- computer interpretation of the sensor
However, what it is, is a measure that is both acceptable and convenient.
If you were to add sensors, unless it is in exactly the same place, it will have different readings just from the location, before anything else.
I am an old school guy that always put a mechanical gauge to validate electronic sensors.
I also will, if needs be, tap a sensor and read its own actual output before the computer messes with it.
But, that is for very specific purposes --- which are beyond normal use.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 514
Likes: 3
From: Long Island
I guess "accurate" is open to interpretation as you suggested. I guess acceptable would be a better term. What other perameters are others monitoring besides :
Diff temp
fuel psi
EOT
ECT
Boost
Pyro
Trans Temp
oil PSI
volts
Diff temp
fuel psi
EOT
ECT
Boost
Pyro
Trans Temp
oil PSI
volts
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 406
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Can you post the scangauge code to read oil psi??
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
You can't read oil PSI with an OBD-II gauge, because the truck does not have an oil pressure sensor.
It has an oil pressure "switch". If the oil PSI is above 7, the oil gauge moves to the middle. If it goes below 7 the gauge drops to 0.
It has an oil pressure "switch". If the oil PSI is above 7, the oil gauge moves to the middle. If it goes below 7 the gauge drops to 0.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 406
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that is what I thought, but oil psi was mentioned above. He must have added his own transducer.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 821
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From: Nashville
I got a rear differential temp gauge because I tow a gooseneck with a fairly heavy tongue weight.
I dont worry about oil pressure because if there's no LPOP then the engine will shut down.
I dont worry about oil pressure because if there's no LPOP then the engine will shut down.