For automotive enthusiasts and DIY mechanics seeking a reliable and user-friendly OBD2 gauge, the Aem Obd2 Gauge from the X-Series lineup is making waves. After hands-on experience with this device, it’s clear why it’s quickly becoming a sought-after tool, often selling out at distributors across North America. Having used the AEM OBD2 Gauge for a couple of weeks, a noticeable preference has developed for it over the ScanGaugeII. While slightly pricier, the enhanced features, user interface, and aesthetic design justify the investment, making it a superior choice for monitoring your vehicle’s performance and health.
Superior Mounting and Enhanced Aesthetics Compared to ScanGaugeII
One of the immediate advantages of the AEM OBD2 Gauge over its predecessors like the ScanGaugeII is its mounting flexibility and visual appeal. Unlike the ScanGaugeII, which relies on double-sided tape and a somewhat ungainly long, skinny design, the AEM gauge is designed to fit seamlessly into standard gauge pods. This allows for a much cleaner and more professional installation. Currently, it’s housed in a temporary, budget-friendly pod, but the plan is to integrate it directly into the driver’s side vent for an even more streamlined look. The difference in mounting options alone significantly elevates the user experience, providing a stable and visually integrated display within the car’s interior.
Visually, the AEM OBD2 Gauge is a significant improvement. The bright red numerical display is crisp and easily readable at a glance, ensuring that vital data is accessible without distraction. The gauge smoothly toggles between different monitoring functions, clearly flashing each function name before displaying the corresponding numerical values. This is functionally similar to the ScanGaugeII but presented in a more refined and visually pleasing manner. While the surrounding green “meter” on the gauge might be considered somewhat superfluous by some, the overall aesthetic is undeniably more modern and integrated compared to the older, more utilitarian design of the ScanGaugeII.
Key Features: Engine Code Reading and User-Friendly Operation
Beyond aesthetics, the AEM OBD2 Gauge is a practical tool for vehicle diagnostics. Like other OBD2 monitors, it provides real-time readings of various engine parameters, allowing users to keep a close eye on their car’s performance. Crucially, it also functions as an engine code reader, capable of displaying diagnostic trouble codes should any issues arise. Furthermore, the AEM gauge offers the convenience of clearing these engine codes directly, potentially saving trips to a mechanic for minor, easily resolvable issues. This dual functionality – performance monitoring and diagnostic capability – makes the AEM OBD2 Gauge a valuable asset for any car owner concerned with maintaining their vehicle’s health and performance.
Minor Design Consideration: OBD2 Connector Orientation
One minor point for consideration is the orientation of the OBD2 connector. As currently designed, the cable tends to protrude outwards from the dash when plugged in. In the current setup, the cable is looped back and routed through the steering column to manage this. While this is a workable solution, exploring an adapter to reverse the connector’s direction could further improve the installation’s neatness and reduce cable visibility. This is a small detail in an otherwise well-designed product, and for most users, easily manageable with some cable routing adjustments or aftermarket adapters.
Conclusion: A Highly Recommended OBD2 Gauge for Car Enthusiasts
In conclusion, the AEM OBD2 Gauge stands out as a worthwhile purchase for anyone looking to effectively monitor their vehicle’s vital signs. Its user-friendly interface, aesthetically pleasing design, robust feature set including engine code reading and clearing, and improved mounting options make it a clear upgrade from alternatives like the ScanGaugeII. Despite a minor connector orientation quirk, the overall benefits and enhanced user experience position the AEM OBD2 Gauge as a highly recommended tool for both everyday drivers and serious automotive enthusiasts seeking a reliable and visually appealing OBD2 monitoring solution. For those looking to step up their car monitoring game, the AEM OBD2 Gauge is definitely worth considering.
