What is the degree range for a transmission gauge?
The ideal range for fluid temperature is between 175 and 225 degrees, and every 20-degree drop in fluid temperature can help to double the life of your transmission.
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Installation and Troubleshooting
Should I use Teflon tape on the threads of the sending units I am installing?
Yes, Teflon tape should be used on all of the threads of the sending units you are installing.
What is the proper way to tap?
Drill the hole to the correct size, and ensure the tap is sitting at a 90-degree angle. Make sure you apply tapping oil to the tap before tapping. Slowly turn the tap a few threads and then back the tap out. Do this process until the drilled hole...
What if I cannot find an open firewall?
If you do not have a pre-existing hole in the firewall, you can drill one, just be sure to use a rubber grommet to ensure the lead wire is not cut or pinched.
How much should I tighten the EGT probe fitting?
Once you tighten the fitting to where it is snug, just simply turn a quarter more! Be sure not to go too tight. If you tighten the EGT ferrule too tight it could damage the EGT probe and cause inaccurate readings .
Is there a particular type of anti seize I should use?
You will be able to use any type of anti seize.
How deep should my EGT probe be into the manifold?
The tip of the probe should be in the center of your exhaust manifold.
Should my EGT probe be installed before or after the turbo?
The best place to install the EGT probe is in the exhaust manifold before the turbo. You must make sure after drilling and tapping the exhaust manifold that no metal shavings enter the turbo housing. Using a pen magnet and vacuum will help remove...
How do I install the EGT probe that came with my Exhaust Gas Temperature Gauge?
You are going to have to drill and tap your exhaust manifold. The drill bit size for the EGT probe is a size R. After you drill and tap the hole to 1/8-27 NPT, ensure the tip of the probe is at the halfway point inside the manifold and then...
Should I use Teflon Tape when installing the Banjo Bolt and Snubber Valve?
Yes, without Teflon Tape, it will leak.
Is there another fuse I can utilize other than the fuse places mentioned in the instructions?
When installing an expandable circuit to your vehicle’s fuse panel, the expandable circuit can be installed into any fuse location up to 20 amps.
What is the recommended install location for the EGT probe?
The best install location for an accurate Exhaust temperature reading is to install the Exhaust temperature probe into the Exhaust manifold where all the cylinders exhaust meet into one and before the turbo. You always want to ensure the tip of...
What color is the signal wire on the transmission temperature gauge?
The white wire would be the signal wire from our temp sensor.
Does the Steel Braided Cable have to be away from direct heat?
The Exhaust Temperature Gauge steel braided cable can withstand higher temperature than a regular harness, however, we still recommend staying at least 6 inches away from any heat source.
Do I have to jack up my vehicle to access the test port location?
We suggest using a jack or vehicle lift for safe and easy access to your vehicle's transmission.
What is the difference between the 30,000PSI Fuel Rail Pressure and the 30/100PSI Fuel Pressure?
A Fuel Rail Pressure Gauge reads the fuel pressure in your diesel truck directly from the common rail to ensure it is running at optimal levels. Neglecting to monitor fuel rail pressure can result in damage to your fuel pump, injectors, or a loss...
Do I have to use the expandable circuits?
Expandable Circuits are not required for the install. However, we suggest using the expandable circuit for easy installation to obtain the correct power source. There will be a constant and a switched power source required for the gauge to work...
Where is the best place to connect the ground wire?
The best place to connect a sensor ground is to a clean, bare metal chassis ground and or directly to the Negative terminal of the vehicle battery. We highly recommend cleaning the ground location with a piece of sandpaper or scuff pad to ensure...
I have finished the install, and checked for loose connections and leaks - but the gauges are still not powering on. What should I do?
If after your installation, the gauge(s) are not powering on, we would highly recommend going back through your wiring on the gauge power harness wires. If you are using an expandable circuit to get power from your vehicle’s fuse panel, ensure you...
Where are the best locations to install the screws to secure the pod?
You can screws them in at each corner of the pod that would best secure our pod to the stock A pillar.
Do you need to remove the intake manifold when drilling and tapping?
MaxTow highly recommends the removal of the vehicle's intake manifold when drilling and tapping. By removing the intake manifold, this will prevent any metal shavings from entering the vehicle’s engine
What is the Best Boost Gauge installation? Boost bolt vs Drilling intake
Both drilling and or installing the boost bolt adapter will give you 100% accurate readings. Unfortunately, there is no “Best” option as they are both great options. However, drilling and tapping the manifold can be a very intensive job and is why...
My Pressure Gauge stays pegged out and all the wires are properly connected, what is the issue?
MaxTow Gauges are designed to go to the max pressure when the gauge is experiencing a connectivity issue between the Gauge and Sensor itself. This can mean the sensor is not connected, the harness from the gauge to the sensor is damaged and or the...
How difficult is the installation of the gauges?
Regardless of your automotive experience, MaxTow recommends having your gauges and/or pods installed by a professional. Any damage that occurs to our products as a result of improper installation will immediately void the warranty.
What will happen if there was damage done during the installation or removal?
MaxTow does not warrant the installation of the Product, which is the sole responsibility of the Purchaser. Installation should be done by licensed professionals. Improper installation may cause damage to the Product and any vehicle in which it is...
How accurate will the reading be at my test port location?
MaxTow has done countless hours of testing between the three different install locations on a transmission for a temperature reading (Test port, Cooler line, Bottom of Pan). During our testing, we found that the test port will give you an accurate...
Should I use thread sealant, or teflon tape to install the fuel pressure sensor?
MaxTow Fuel Pressure sensors already come with thread sealer on the threads. If the sensor was already installed and for some reason was removed, we would recommend applying Teflon tape to the thread before any re-installation.
Can I attach the dimmer wire to the adjustable light dimming settings used for the lighting in the cabin of the vehicle/dash?
MaxTow Gauges automatically dim when the Orange wire of the gauge power harness is provided a switched 12-volt power. If the voltage is reduced when you lower the Dimmer Wheel or and adjustable voltage location it will cause the gauge to flash...
What if the pod is not sitting correctly?
If your complete replacement pod is not sitting correctly, we would suggest removing the pod and ensure you have removed the vehicle's weather stripping before re-installing the pod. If you are still having fitment issues, loosen the mounting...
What size drill and tap do I need to tap my Manifold?
You will need tap drill size R, which can be purchased directly from us! https://www.maxtow.com/1-8-27-npt-drill-and-tap-kit/
What adapters do I need to install a Fuel Pressure Gauge in my Chevy Duramax?
In order to install one of our Fuel Pressure gauges in your Duramax, you must have an aftermarket lift pump installed. You can use a 6.6L Pressure adapter, MT-FA_Duramax, when installing in a 2000-2013 6.6L which replaces the stock bleeder screw...
What adapters do I need to install a Fuel Pressure Gauge in my Ford Super Duty Powerstroke?
We offer Pressure adapters and T-fitting adapters to assist in an easier installation based on your year and engine size. Pressure adapters 7.3L Pressure Adapter, MT-FA_PS-7.3 - Designed for the 1999-2002 7.3L to replace the pressure port fitting...
What adapters do I need to install a Fuel Pressure Gauge in my Dodge Ram Cummins Diesel?
To properly install a Fuel Pressure Gauge in your Dodge Ram Diesel, you must install a 1/8 NPT Diesel Snubber Valve, MT-Snubber . This valve regulates the pressure spikes from damaging the included sensor on the initial startup of the vehicle. The...
I need to extend the wires on my sending unit, what size wire should I use?
Here at MaxTow just about all of our Temperature and Pressure harnesses can be extended with 18-20 Gauge automotive rated wiring. The only gauge harness that can not be extended is the special grade Exhaust Temperature sensor harness. We also...
How do I install my Boost Gauge on my diesel truck?
A Boost gauge can be installed in many different ways on a diesel application. Here at MaxTow, we offer a line of boost adapters on our website for most light-duty diesel truck applications. If we do not offer an adapter for your application, the...
Where can I install my Fuel Pressure Sending Unit?
If you are installing this into a diesel vehicle, the fuel pressure sending unit can be installed to your lift pump, injection pump, or the fuel filter housing. If you are installing this into a regular gas vehicle, the fuel pressure sender can be...
Where would I install my Transmission Temperature Sensor?
A Transmission temperature sensor can be installed in three different ways. Here are the three installation methods. Test Port: Some transmission has a port on them called a "TEST PORT." This port was designed for transmission companies to test...
Can I reinstall the factory Intake Air Heater Plug at any time?
Yes, the MaxTow Heater plug adapter can be easily removed once your boost line or sensor is removed from the adapter. Once everything is removed, you can install your factory heater plug back into the intake.
Will the sensor wires reach my mounting location?
Most MaxTow Gauges come with a provided 9ft sensor harness. If for some reason, the distance is longer we offer extended harnesses on our website under “ Wiring Harnesses ” or harnesses can be extended with any 18-20 gauge automotive rated wiring....
I did not purchase the HPOP Gauge Pigtail Harness, can I still install this gauge on my 7.3L/6.0L Ford Powerstroke?
The HPOP Pigtail harness is not required to purchase to install an HPOP gauge to your 1999-2007 Powerstroke. The HPOP Pigtail harness eliminates you from having to tap into the vehicle's factory wiring harness. If the Pigtail harness is not...
Why is my gauge flashing?
There are a couple of reason why the gauge might flash. One reason would be that the sensor is not connected to the gauge and the other would be that the orange wire is connected to a adjustable dimmer switch causing a flickering.
Why is my gauge maxed out?
The gauges are designed to max out when there is a connection issue between the gauges and the sensor or an issue with the sensor.
Why does the needle and digital readout not match?
The needle and digital display not matching could be an issue with the gauge and the stepper motor. If this is the case we may need to set up an RMA to get the gauge back and tested and replaced if found defective.
Why does the wiring harness not match my other gauges?
Depending on how old the other gauges you have are the power harnesses have been updated to now have a yellow, red, orange, and black wire.
Why does the MaxTow gauge have to be connected to a 12 volt constant source aswell as a 12 volt switch source?
The gauge needs to be connected to a 12v constant source in order to keep the memory of the last brightness level you set. The 12v constant wire also is for the back lighting of the gauge so if you do not care about the gauges memory and the last...
Why is there no option for a sandwich plate adapter if the instructions say to use one?
At this time we do not offer any sandwich plate adapters. You would have to search other platforms to find a sandwich plate adapter for your vehicle.