For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health and performance is paramount. While modern dashboards provide basic information, they often lack the depth and real-time data needed for proactive maintenance and performance optimization. This is where an OBDII gauge set steps in, offering a window into the intricate workings of your engine and beyond. One standout product in this category is the UltraGauge, a device praised for its affordability, comprehensive features, and user-friendly design.
Originally, I was simply seeking a more precise digital coolant temperature gauge for my ZHP. The factory gauge felt vague, and I wanted accurate readings to ensure optimal engine health. My search led me to the UltraGauge, and I quickly realized it was far more than just a temperature gauge. This compact device plugs directly into your car’s OBDII port and unlocks a wealth of information, from reading and clearing engine codes to monitoring a multitude of parameters in real-time.
The ability to set custom alarms for monitored parameters is a particularly valuable feature. Imagine setting an alarm for your engine coolant temperature; if it exceeds a safe threshold, the UltraGauge will beep and flash, providing an immediate warning of potential overheating issues. For a unit priced around $70, the quality and functionality of the UltraGauge are truly impressive.
Customizing Your UltraGauge OBDII Gauge Set
Beyond its core functions, the UltraGauge offers a degree of personalization, allowing you to tailor it to your vehicle’s interior aesthetics. For BMW owners, matching the gauge display color to the iconic BMW dashboard lighting is a popular customization. This can be achieved with a simple colored film.
Amazon offers Rosco gel swatchbooks, which contain a variety of colored films perfect for this purpose.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying the colored film to your UltraGauge screen:
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Prepare a Business Card Template: Cut a business card to the exact size of the UltraGauge screen.
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Create a Larger Template: Using the first card as a guide, cut a second card approximately 1/8″ wider on all sides. This larger template will be used to cut the colored film, providing a slight overlap for easier application.
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Cut the Colored Film: Lay the larger card template on the red film and secure it with tape. This will make cutting a precise piece of film much easier.
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Finished Film: You should now have a perfectly sized piece of colored film ready for application.
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Trim Corners: Slightly trim the corners of the film. This helps with installation by preventing the corners from catching during application.
Installed and Color-Matched: With the red film applied, the UltraGauge display now seamlessly integrates with the BMW dashboard illumination.
Mounting Your OBDII Gauge Set
The UltraGauge offers versatile mounting options to suit your preferences and vehicle interior. Whether you prefer a discreet placement or a more prominent display, there’s a mounting solution available.
The device itself is compact and connects via a lightweight OBDII cable, ensuring a minimally intrusive installation.
Key Features of the UltraGauge OBDII Gauge Set
The UltraGauge Classic and UltraGauge EM models share a robust set of features, making them compatible with most 1996 and newer OBDII-compliant gasoline vehicles. Here’s a glimpse into what this powerful little device offers:
- Extensive Gauge Selection: Supports over 75 selectable gauges, allowing you to monitor critical parameters like Engine Coolant Temperature, RPM, Fuel Trims, Intake Air Temperature, and much more. The UltraGauge EM model expands this to over 76 possible gauges. Note: Actual gauge availability depends on your vehicle’s supported parameters.
- Real-time and Long-Term Mileage Gauges: Track your fuel efficiency with real-time Miles Per Gallon (MPG) readings and long-term averages.
- Distance-To-Empty and Time-to-Empty Gauges: Plan your journeys with confidence by monitoring your estimated remaining range based on fuel consumption.
- Configurable Alarms: Set both low and high alarms for every gauge, with customizable trigger values and audible/visual alerts for proactive issue detection.
- Trouble Code Reading and Clearing: Diagnose and clear “Check Engine Light” codes yourself, saving time and potential trips to the mechanic.
- Automatic Fuel Fill-up Detection: The UltraGauge can automatically detect fuel fill-ups for accurate fuel consumption tracking.
- Trip and Service Gauges: Monitor trip statistics and set up service reminders for oil changes and other maintenance.
- Customizable Display: Features a large LCD display with automatic brightness adjustment for optimal visibility in varying lighting conditions.
- Easy Installation and Compact Design: Simple OBDII plug-and-play installation with various mounting options for a clean and unobtrusive setup.
While UltraGauge offers a vast array of gauges, it’s important to note that it currently does not support manufacturer-specific gauges like transmission temperature. However, the extensive list of standard OBDII parameters provides a wealth of information for most vehicle monitoring needs.
Example Gauges Available:
The UltraGauge can display a wide range of parameters, including but not limited to:
- Engine Temperature (F/C)
- RPM
- Vehicle Speed (MPH/KPH)
- Intake Air Temperature (F/C)
- Mass Air Flow Sensor
- Throttle Position
- Oxygen Sensor Voltage
- Fuel Pressure
- Battery Voltage
- Boost Pressure
- Fuel Level
- Instantaneous and Average MPG/KPL/L/100Km
- And many more…
Trip and Fuel Mileage Features:
UltraGauge excels in providing detailed trip and fuel mileage information. It calculates real-time MPG, allowing you to instantly see the impact of your driving habits on fuel consumption. This real-time feedback can be invaluable for optimizing your driving style and maximizing fuel efficiency.
Real-time MPG Monitoring Helps You Answer Questions Like:
- Is it more fuel-efficient to drive with windows down or AC on?
- Does tailgate position affect MPG in trucks?
- How does tire inflation impact MPG?
- What’s the optimal gear for climbing hills?
- What speed yields the best MPG for my vehicle?
UltraGauge’s MPG readings are not limited to 99 MPG like some factory gauges; it can display up to 999 MPG, offering a truly comprehensive view of your fuel economy.
Advanced Alarm System for Proactive Vehicle Management
The configurable alarm system is a standout feature of the UltraGauge. You can set alarms for any monitored parameter, with both low and high thresholds. When an alarm is triggered, the device provides both audible and visual warnings, displaying the set value and the current reading. Alarms can be temporarily suspended during a driving cycle if needed. You can also disable the audible siren for visual-only alerts or globally disable all alarms.
Furthermore, alarms can be assigned to trouble codes and pending codes. This means the UltraGauge can alert you immediately if a new code is posted while driving, which can be crucial for diagnosing intermittent issues and preventing more significant problems down the road.
Conclusion: Is an OBDII Gauge Set Right for You?
For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their vehicle’s performance and health, an OBDII gauge set like the UltraGauge is an invaluable tool. Its affordability, extensive feature set, customizable display, and proactive alarm system make it a smart investment for both car enthusiasts and everyday drivers. Whether you’re looking to monitor engine vitals, improve fuel efficiency, or gain peace of mind with real-time diagnostics, the UltraGauge OBDII gauge set is a highly recommended upgrade for your ride.
