Still not convinced. Great for engine temps no doubt. I'm not sure what else to look for really..on either D1 or D2.

The P1313 (D1) and 1590 (D2) obviously need to be dealt with but thats all the code info on vehicles that should be throwin loads.

Are there any gauges that would help me figure out where I am regarding head gaskets? That would be interesting although Im not sure Id want to know.

 

Will it fit a 300tdi my one is a auto with electronic diesel control (EDC) with the same ECU plug as the V8's ?
Thanks
Lee

 

Not unless the 300TDi is OBD2...

slang, the main reason people get something like the UltraGauge is to see live data, such as the TPS, MAF, O2 sensors, ECT, IAT, and whatever else the vehicle manufacture has plugged in to the ECM. I'm not sure what info you are looking for regarding head gaskets, but in my experience, the only way to know the condition of your head gaskets is to visually inspect them. As for oil pressure/temp, there are very few vehicles that give that info to the ecm. Usually that info is only available through the gauge cluster.

The UltraGauge does a fine job reading and clearing codes. And has a nice, small footprint that allows us to see what the values of different sensors are so we may monitor and watch for inconsistencies.

 

I under stand I was after oil temp & pressure, coolant temp, volts and the like!

 

CB...but don't you think one code each off the two vehicles after tons of neglect is just wrong?

What gauges do you rely on?

 

I like my UltraGauge. I also periodically pull out my scan tool and to verify any codes and about once a month run around with my laptop hooked up to verify live data. The UltraGauge has always been accurate with everything except the fuel stuff.

Oh, and I verify temps also with my IR temp gun.

 

Hey Chris,

Which scan tool an IR temp gun do you use? Also, where would one acquire software for use with using a laptop? Is it MS, Linux, Mac software?

Thanks in advance for the info.

 

I have an advantage others do not have. I am a mechanic and have access to some nice equipment. But what I tell my friends is to go onto Amazon and look at the live data scan tools that cost about $100 and read the reviews and see what fits your needs and budget. As for the IR gun, just go to any auto or HVAC store and buy one. Of the programs on laptop, one is DOS based and the other is Windows. But you can purchase that stuff online as well, but it is usually better to get a scan tool that reads live data because of it's portability. The Ultra Gauge is accurate where it matters and only costs $70.
UltraGauge Automotive Information Center and OBDII Scan Tool

 

leakdown and compression tests are probably your best bet for headgasket checks...
also a quick scan of your spark plugs will let you know whats going on in that department.

 

BTW, the sticker under my hood says my 96 is OBD compliant. Says nothing about OBDII. Maybe that's why I have this lingering feeling it's not reporting what it should.