If you could monitor only 2 of the below real time readings of your Patriot, which would you choose and why?


» Fuel Rate
» Battery Voltage
» Coolant Temperature
» Intake Air Temperature
» Engine Speed (RPM)
» Manifold Pressure
» Engine Load
» Throttle Position
» Ignition Timing
» Open/Closed Loop

I have 2 readouts empty on my Scangauge and not knowing all that much of the actual internal workings of an engine, I am having a hard time choosing which of the above 2 to add.
RPMs are nice to monitor and fun to watch,but I can see that on my dash if need be.

Oh.. I should add that in this case Fuel Rate does not mean MPG, it means actual fuel RATE. (I guess)
MPG is one I am monitoring so I took that off of the list.


Thanks
Jim

Wow.. 25 views and not one tip or opinion.

Are we all that engine illiterate here? :)

yep, I know I am.
:drool:

Right now I am just using whatever changes the fastest.
Impresses the passengers more.

:)

I'm surprised that the engine has sensors to detect all of that, actually.

The temperature categories would be interesting - not for any practical purpose but to see how hot things actually get.

Having been the victim of one too many inconveniently timed dead batteries (are there any other kind?), I'd opt for the Battery Voltage reading if it gives any kind of reliable inkling of when/if it's time for a new battery and/or boost.

if you put a CAI on it would be interesting to see the intake air temp and compare before and after putting it on...

Is the Manifold pressure the same as Oil pressure?

I keep mine on Battery Voltage and RPM. Its nice to see the charging system working, and I like watching digital versions of readings, like the RPM and MPH

Since you're already monitoring mpg and you have rpm and coolant temperature gauges, I personally wouldn't find many of the other parameters all that useful. I would probably use coolant temperature (easier to see changes digitally than with the analog gauge) and engine load. It is nice to have the ability to monitor battery voltage but I would only use it if I suspected I had battery/charging problems.

You mean there's more than just the check engine light?!?!?

To be honest I was waiting for someone to post to this so I could learn something. I will say this, the battery voltage would be good, 'cause you would know when the batter is about to croak. However, the rest of these readings are Greek to me.

Most of these variables would not be of concern for daily driving. However, a drag racer would cherish this info. for shaving off tenths of seconds.
» Fuel Rate - Shows efficiency.

» Battery Voltage - 12 vdc not running, most cars run @ 13.8vdc engine running. If voltage drops severely indicates a short. Would not and could not predetermine battery failure. But, would tell you it is dead.
» Coolant Temperature- there is an optimum temp. for performance vs. best mpg
» Intake Air Temperature-cooler air equals better performance (more air in less space)
» Engine Speed (RPM)- precise measurement to a specific redline (shift points in racing)
» Manifold Pressure- all engines run @ 20psi @ idle. The number decreases as throttle increases and levels out. Below zero (on a pressure gauge) is boost and would be significant if you have a turbo or supercharger. Bouncing pressure would indicate a floating valve or other problems.
» Engine Load- indicates you picked up too many chicks
or maybe something is dragging (stuck caliper).
» Throttle Position-indicates level to which throttle body gate is open. not racing?, not a big issue.
» Ignition Timing- spark to piston position. too soon or too late causes different problems like ping. racers would advance the timing for optimum performance.
» Open/Closed Loop-? Guess: might show a sensor not working?

You have something that would be nice on a race car.
I am not an expert, these are just best guesses.

Thankls BNoble, rep given for that one!!!

Found out info.
Open/Closed Loop: When the engine is cold the O2 sensor is not yet operable. So, the engine uses open loop monitoring of some of the sensors. Warmed up the engine can use closed loop monitoring of all the sensors. Significance? Might help troubleshoot a bad sensor.

» Fuel Rate
Not really great unless you're trying to maximize MPG or track down a fuel problem.

» Battery Voltage
Battery voltage only shows part of the story an ammeter would be better, you can have plenty of voltage but low amps will cause more problems.

» Coolant Temperature
This one is helpful, tells you if there is a problem with the thermostat or fuel issues causing overheating.

» Intake Air Temperature
Interesting but not a whole lot of interesting things going on, you could play around with different inlet locations to find the coldest incoming air.

» Engine Speed (RPM)
This is the only real gauge on the dash besides the speedo, so you've already got that.

» Manifold Pressure
Again useful for troubleshooting, but not great for everyday monitoring.

» Engine Load
That might be good for towing or if performance seems lacking.

» Throttle Position
Troubleshooting again and maybe for maximizing MPG

» Ignition Timing
Troubleshooting but not for you it's all taken care of by the computer and it will readjust once the problem is fixed.

» Open/Closed Loop
Troubleshooting, but you'll be able to tell from driveability and decreased MPG

Honestly the two most important are oil pressure and water temp, yes I know there are 'gauges' on the dash but they're nothing but glorified warning lights unlike the gauges in the older vehicles that actually gave you a reading. What good is low and high without knowing the normal fluctuations and what it should be.

Can you program a setting for "Miles until Engine Death"?

That would be pretty useful... ;)

Can you program a setting for "Miles until Engine Death"?

Yes. It is right after the 'Miles untill hood disengagement' setting.

:pepper:

»

Thanks Fester. Rep gave on that also.

Now I think I am outa rep... ack :)

I'm thinking I'd want the Coolant Temp. as one of my choices. Engine temp can be a very important indicator of impending doom, and the crap gauges that are stock never really do a good job. IMHOYMMV

Battery and Coolant temp for me.

Tachometer
Fuel Gauge
Voltmeter
Outside Air Temp
Coolant Temp
Exhaust Temp

Are we all that engine illiterate here? :)

I won't like yeah I am a little bit....... haha

I don't know what ones I'd use, coolant and throttle.........

Not sure why I did no thtink of this before.. but RTFM... :)

http://www.nearlynormal.biz/pics/SG_list.jpg

I usually monitor MPG, RPM, MPH, and LOD (engine load)

I know 2 of the 4 are on the dash, but it's handy to have all the info together
to work on better mpg.