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Ultragauge question...low boost?

1.3K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  gump1114  
#1 ·
So, I drive a PT Cruiser GT 5 speed, not an SRT4. And I know that the two cars arent exactly the same tune wise. With that said...

Has anyone used an Ultragauge or other OBD2 gauge device? Ive only shown a maximum of about 10psi boost on the gauge at WOT, but I thought the PT GT max boost was around 12 psi, maybe a smidge more? Is it just that an OBD2 read would lag, or reads low? Or the ultragauge in general reads a bit low? Ive only owned the car a week, so I dont now it super well yet. And I havent owned an SRT4 for over a decade. But the car doesnt seem sluggish or down on power. Wondering if anyone here might have some insight?
 
#2 ·
Couple of things at play here.
  1. You probably have at least one boost leak somewhere.
  2. its winter
  3. that gauge is only able to read what the map sensor is telling the pcm
Do yourself a favor (especially since you just got the car) and do a boost leak test. That can only help the situation.

Keep in mind with it being winter and colder, air is more dense and cars make more power. The PCM adjusts the boost pressure for a desired amount of torque. Colder air means less boost is required to make the desired amount of torque. So its possible the PCM has the boost turned down intentionally.

The scan gauge (while useful) may not be as accurate as a true boost gauge. (i've never owned one, so i cannot be sure. )