UltraGauge suggestions?

Just picked up a 2005 Mustang for my son yesterday and the coolant temp gauge doesn't work. Looks like it's a very common problem with the stepper motors used on the instrument cluster. replacing the instrument cluster is very $$$, Think I can send it off for repair or possibly unsolder/resolder new parts on but it sounds like the gauge is basically no more than an idiot light anyway. got me thinking of other possible options. started with just a "real" aftermarket temp gauge, then something like a scangauge or dashhawk. Finally ran across an UltraGauge here...

http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/index.htm

Plugs into the OBDII port and looks like it's got a lot of functionality for only $69. Being able to set Alerts is really nice, i.e. can set to sound an audible alert if the coolant temp exceeds a certain temp, among other things. Also has the added benefit that it works on any car with an OBDII connector so I could easily move it between cars if I wanted.

Anybody know anything about them or have other suggestions?

http://www.scangauge.com/ is another popular option.

TDR sells the Scan Gauge and it is a great tool. The Ultra Gauge is an interesting option for the price. I wonder if it's a get what you pay for deal or if it is actually an excellent buy.

Another items I'd recommend is a Motorad Fail Safe Thermostat.

http://www.motoradusa.com/products/f.../webposter.jpg

Link-http://www.motoradusa.com/products/f...rmo/index.html

The Ultra Gauge seems to big and cumbersome. A thief would think it's a GPS if you had it mounted to your window and break into your car.

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Originally Posted by jrj512

The Ultra Gauge seems to big and cumbersome. A thief would think it's a GPS if you had it mounted to your window and break into your car.

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Doublechecked the dimensions and found it's 2.138" x 3.429" x 0.465". The pictures make it look much bigger than that. I'll have to check but I may be able to mount it in the pocket under the radio.

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

Another items I'd recommend is a Motorad Fail Safe Thermostat.

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Interesting thermostat. I'll have to keep it in mind next time I change one.

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Originally Posted by black roadster

I wonder if it's a get what you pay for deal or if it is actually an excellent buy.

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Yeah, that's what I was hoping to find out before ordering... Looks like it's currently on backorder until 1/6/2012.

One of the intriguing features of the DashHawk unit was that it could store max data values to be viewed later. i.e. max speed, RPMs, etc. This could be a very interesting information for a Dad from his 16 yr old sons car... ::BigWhack. I'm just thankful that kind of technology didn't exist in the late 70's :D

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Originally Posted by Keifersmith

Interesting thermostat. I'll have to keep it in mind next time I change one.

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Yep it is cheap insurance. I run them in a couple of the cars of my fleet.

Looking on the googler it looks like those steeper motors are a relatively easy and cheap fix. Although hoping a teenager may actually look at the gauges is a pipe dream. :-)

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Originally Posted by Keifersmith

One of the intriguing features of the DashHawk unit was that it could store max data values to be viewed later. i.e. max speed, RPMs, etc. This could be a very interesting information for a Dad from his 16 yr old sons car... ::BigWhack. I'm just thankful that kind of technology didn't exist in the late 70's :D

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It is amazing how much data you can collect on your kids these day. Heck my folks had no clue where is was for most of 1984 & 1985...

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

.....Heck my folks had no clue where is was for most of 1984 & 1985...

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Did You? ;-)

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Originally Posted by Keifersmith

...This could be a very interesting information for a Dad from his 16 yr old sons car... ::BigWhack. I'm just thankful that kind of technology didn't exist in the late 70's :D

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My Dad had to rely on corded tires and bent valves find out about my shenanigans.::Banana:::burnrubr:

Well, I placed my order for an Ultra-gauge. looks like it'll be on backorder for at least a week. I'll try to remember to post up my thoughts after it gets here and I get a chance to play around with it.