Aftermarket Gauges

[mike1122]

First of all I have read these forums religiously for a long time and thank you people for all your advice.

I have an 04 Montana. My question since there is no guage package for the Montana (please correct me if i'm wrong) is it possible for one to install an after market guage cluster?

Has anyone done this before? If so Is it s ton of work?

I like to monitor my engine systems and probably like everybody else am not very fond of the "almost too late" idiot lights.

Thanks for your help and continued support.
Mike

[spike88]

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If I wanted to add "real time" guages within my van, I'd probably:
- Decide what specific guages I want. For example, tranny ATF temp, rad fluid temp, RPM needle, etc. etc.
- Buy those specific guages in a cluster. One can purchase 2, 3 and 4 guage clusters at most auto performance stores. And, their guages can be ordered in all sorts of different designs and sizes as well. For example, white background with RED needles in 2.5" diameter.
- Mount this cluster in a location that can be seen and doesn't stop safe operation of the vehicle. For example, install cluster in the lower right leg area - where many folks install their optional electronic Brake Controller unit (if towing trailer with electric brakes).

For me, I always felt its best to leave the factory guages and "dummy lights" AS IS, and run parallel "real time" seperate guages. Leaving factory wiring "as is" is often good thing to do.

With special guages in place, connect their wiring. I also found electronic wiring guages are easier to install compared to mechancial guages (guages with tubes).

Hope this "parallel guages" install idea helps...

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[mike1122]

Thanks for that Spike88

Mike

[roadrunner2]

Originally Posted by mike1122

Thanks for that Spike88

Mike

Measure carefully the amount of space available in that bolster location.

I had a 2000 Silo and did have a brake controller mounted there and had very little room after.

[mike1122]

Originally Posted by roadrunner2

Measure carefully the amount of space available in that bolster location.

I had a 2000 Silo and did have a brake controller mounted there and had very little room after.

Thanks roadrunner2. A good starting point and some quality advice on placement. I was wondering where to put them and what type of guages would be easier to install

Thx Again
Mike

[spike88]

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If buying guages with needles, may I also recommend guages with LED back lighting (to see better in the dark) and more importantly, guages with zone colours on them. For example, yellow, orange and RED sections (instead of only numbers). For guages with zone colouring, one doesn't need to remember different number ranges. The person only needs to look down and see where its "as is now" moving needle is. If needle is within Yellow or RED zone, then "time to shut her down".

For example, surf: http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/100/130/130-80212.jpg

Hope this helps as well...

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[mike1122]

Originally Posted by spike88

.

If buying guages with needles, may I also recommend guages with LED back lighting (to see better in the dark) and more importantly, guages with zone colours on them. For example, yellow, orange and RED sections (instead of only numbers). For guages with zone colouring, one doesn't need to remember different number ranges. The person only needs to look down and see where its "as is now" moving needle is. If needle is within Yellow or RED zone, then "time to shut her down".

For example, surf: http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/100/130/130-80212.jpg

Hope this helps as well...

.

Great. thx for the link also. I was leaning toward the needle guages instead of digital because of the remembering thing also. Thanks for the time guys.

Thx Again
Spike88

[roadrunner2]

Mike,

Thinking about where to mount those gauges, if you do not use the CD flip open compartment down at the bottom of the center dash, have a look there. Might be a bit of a job getting rid of the CD slots though.

I was thinking maybe you could mount the gauges inside and open for driving and closing (out of sight, out of mind) when parked.

There isn't a whole lot of choices with these vans for this sort of thing.