AEM boost/vacuum gauge
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
AEM boost/vacuum gauge
I have a AEM digital boost gauge (that also reads vacuum). I installed it a couple weeks ago, and notice now that with the car on, but not running, the vacuum shows 4 (every time; not 3 or 5, etc..)
My question is;
1. Has anyone else experienced this with a digital gauge
2. What are the chances it will affect my boost (4psi off) The obvious would be to check it with a vacuum gauge to compare, but I don't want to pay $$ to check it ONCE
My question is;
1. Has anyone else experienced this with a digital gauge
2. What are the chances it will affect my boost (4psi off) The obvious would be to check it with a vacuum gauge to compare, but I don't want to pay $$ to check it ONCE
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,412
Likes: 1,144
From: Dyer, IN
I have a AEM digital boost gauge (that also reads vacuum). I installed it a couple weeks ago, and notice now that with the car on, but not running, the vacuum shows 4 (every time; not 3 or 5, etc..)
My question is;
1. Has anyone else experienced this with a digital gauge
2. What are the chances it will affect my boost (4psi off) The obvious would be to check it with a vacuum gauge to compare, but I don't want to pay $$ to check it ONCE
My question is;
1. Has anyone else experienced this with a digital gauge
2. What are the chances it will affect my boost (4psi off) The obvious would be to check it with a vacuum gauge to compare, but I don't want to pay $$ to check it ONCE
.Have you tried disconnecting the vacuum line to the sensor to see if it returns to a zero indication?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
It just seems like a waste to buy one and then leave it on the shelf, and I'm too honest for my own good to use it and return it 
And BELIEVE me, after being nickled and dimed to death with a SUPERCHARGER install, I've got to save every dime I can just to EAT 
I haven't disconnected it yet; I will try it when I get home, but not sure if it will matter, since it shouldn't be "storing" vacuum in the line (not trying to sound smart on that reply)
"by chance is it like the electronic boost auto meter gauges where you have to hook them up to a uninterrupted power source so it can calibrate while starting car?
Not sure Slothy; I read over the installation instructions last night, and didn't see anything. It just says to hook it to a keyed source
I e-mailed AEM a few days ago, but no response yet.
Didn't know if it was a common problem or not
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 2
From: St. Clair Shores Mi
http://autometer.com/productPDF/0569A.pdf
step 8 -
i used the i believe pink wire behind the ignition switch
step 8 -
i used the i believe pink wire behind the ignition switch
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,412
Likes: 1,144
From: Dyer, IN
It might not be expensive, but since I haven't used/needed one in 10 years It just seems like a waste to buy one and then leave it on the shelf, and I'm too honest for my own good to use it and return it And BELIEVE me, after being nickled and dimed to death with a SUPERCHARGER install, I've got to save every dime I can just to EAT
I haven't disconnected it yet; I will try it when I get home, but not sure if it will matter, since it shouldn't be "storing" vacuum in the line (not trying to sound smart on that reply)
"by chance is it like the electronic boost auto meter gauges where you have to hook them up to a uninterrupted power source so it can calibrate while starting car?
Not sure Slothy; I read over the installation instructions last night, and didn't see anything. It just says to hook it to a keyed source
I e-mailed AEM a few days ago, but no response yet.
Didn't know if it was a common problem or not
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
It just seems like a waste to buy one and then leave it on the shelf, and I'm too honest for my own good to use it and return it And BELIEVE me, after being nickled and dimed to death with a SUPERCHARGER install, I've got to save every dime I can just to EAT I haven't disconnected it yet; I will try it when I get home, but not sure if it will matter, since it shouldn't be "storing" vacuum in the line (not trying to sound smart on that reply)
"by chance is it like the electronic boost auto meter gauges where you have to hook them up to a uninterrupted power source so it can calibrate while starting car?
Not sure Slothy; I read over the installation instructions last night, and didn't see anything. It just says to hook it to a keyed source
I e-mailed AEM a few days ago, but no response yet.
Didn't know if it was a common problem or not
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
I just plugged it in
I also should have been clearer. The gauge worked fine for the first week or so. (Did a sweep when you first turn it on, then went back to 0) It also read about the around 22 at cruise then, and around 22 now (although it is obviously fluctuating)
I just noticed the last few days that it does the sweep and returns to 4 instead of 0
Slothy
Mine doesn't plug into a MAP sensor, it runs to an electrical sensor with a vacuum hose on the end that plugs into the vacuum source
I forgot which keyed source I used, but it was the one in the gauge install write up one of the SC vendor shops posted a few weeks back.
I also should have been clearer. The gauge worked fine for the first week or so. (Did a sweep when you first turn it on, then went back to 0) It also read about the around 22 at cruise then, and around 22 now (although it is obviously fluctuating)
I just noticed the last few days that it does the sweep and returns to 4 instead of 0
Slothy
Mine doesn't plug into a MAP sensor, it runs to an electrical sensor with a vacuum hose on the end that plugs into the vacuum source
I forgot which keyed source I used, but it was the one in the gauge install write up one of the SC vendor shops posted a few weeks back.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
Update
I unplugged the vacuum AND electrical connection with the engine off, fired it up and switched it back off. It the went to "6" when I turned it on
I then unplugged it, fired up the engine, and plugged it up while the engine was running just for some variety. Switched the car off and now it's at "8"
I'm either going to stop on that exercise, or keep doing it until I get it all the way around back to 0!
I unplugged the vacuum AND electrical connection with the engine off, fired it up and switched it back off. It the went to "6" when I turned it on
I then unplugged it, fired up the engine, and plugged it up while the engine was running just for some variety. Switched the car off and now it's at "8"
I'm either going to stop on that exercise, or keep doing it until I get it all the way around back to 0!
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