Replaced stock boost gauge with the Aeroforce unit
Senior Member
Joined: 03-29-2009
Posts: 1,097
From: Quebec City
Yes. The Aeroforce gauge plugs right into the OBDII port of your vehicle. However, you will have to purchase a 2008 HHR SS plastic A-pillar boost gauge trim to put the Aeroforce gauge in. 2009 HHR SS with the digital RPD did not come with the A-pillar analog boost gauge.
Senior Member
Joined: 10-06-2008
Posts: 182
From: Toronto
No need to buy anything extra. The gauge comes with:
- the gauge itself
- a universal mounting bracket (which you will probably need to modify a bit)
- wire with OBDII connector (gauge connects to the diagnostic port)
Don't even need to run power/ground to the gauge... it's powered entirely from the diagnostic connector.
You need to run the wire UP to the gauge area, starting from the bottom by the diagnostic port... the OBDII plug is too big to fish DOWN. The wire fits nicely along the a-pillar/hinge pillar area, between the end of the instrument panel.
To make the fishing a bit easier, remove the plastic trim panel under the steering column... just two hex-head fasteners down at the bottom. Top portion of the trim panel snaps in place (just pull it away/out). Once that's removed, there's a plastic brace that also comes out easily... 4 hex-head fasteners. With these two items out of the way, fishing the wire is much easier.
I wrapped a couple of layers of electrical tape around the new gauge housing itself, since it was a bit loose in the stock cutout location in the a-pillar... one or two layers of tape helped to snug it up in the opening a little better.
- the gauge itself
- a universal mounting bracket (which you will probably need to modify a bit)
- wire with OBDII connector (gauge connects to the diagnostic port)
Don't even need to run power/ground to the gauge... it's powered entirely from the diagnostic connector.
You need to run the wire UP to the gauge area, starting from the bottom by the diagnostic port... the OBDII plug is too big to fish DOWN. The wire fits nicely along the a-pillar/hinge pillar area, between the end of the instrument panel.
To make the fishing a bit easier, remove the plastic trim panel under the steering column... just two hex-head fasteners down at the bottom. Top portion of the trim panel snaps in place (just pull it away/out). Once that's removed, there's a plastic brace that also comes out easily... 4 hex-head fasteners. With these two items out of the way, fishing the wire is much easier.
I wrapped a couple of layers of electrical tape around the new gauge housing itself, since it was a bit loose in the stock cutout location in the a-pillar... one or two layers of tape helped to snug it up in the opening a little better.
Just picked up this guage this week. Is there an easy way to get the existing guage out?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 10-04-2007
Posts: 217
From: Yours To Discover
You'll need to remove the A-Pillar plastic trim piece, as the gauge is attached from the back side.
If you have the roof-rail-airbags, you'll see a little separate "airbag" piece near the top of the a-pillar trim - pry that thing off carefully to expose a fastener. Once you remove the fastener, the trim piece pulls off with a bit of a tug (it's held into the underlying sheetmetal by clips).
With the trim piece pulled off, detach the electrical pigtail from the tweeter. Once you have the a-pillar trim removed and can see how the existing gauge is held in, removal of the gauge itself should be self-explanatory.
Happy tinkering.
D
If you have the roof-rail-airbags, you'll see a little separate "airbag" piece near the top of the a-pillar trim - pry that thing off carefully to expose a fastener. Once you remove the fastener, the trim piece pulls off with a bit of a tug (it's held into the underlying sheetmetal by clips).
With the trim piece pulled off, detach the electrical pigtail from the tweeter. Once you have the a-pillar trim removed and can see how the existing gauge is held in, removal of the gauge itself should be self-explanatory.
Happy tinkering.
D
Senior Member
Joined: 03-29-2009
Posts: 1,097
From: Quebec City
Senior Member
Joined: 11-27-2007
Posts: 1,115
From: Austin, Texas
One other minor item to watch for. When you are reinstalling the cover, make sure you line up the retainer clip carefully. You can look through the windshield and see that the alignment is correct while you push it into place, otherwise you run the risk of breaking the tab.
Senior Member
Joined: 10-06-2008
Posts: 182
From: Toronto
OK, got the guage and installed it with relative ease. Thanks to all who provided insight and advice!!
I will post some pictures soon for others considering this mod.
Question for the group - other than the boost reading, what other variables do you find handy to display?
I have also set the lights to come on at +20lbs. Any other ideas on what works best?
I will post some pictures soon for others considering this mod.
Question for the group - other than the boost reading, what other variables do you find handy to display?
I have also set the lights to come on at +20lbs. Any other ideas on what works best?