Digital OBD Instrument Cluster for my 2000 Ranger
 

I always wanted a tach... most recently because my linkage on the column is so sloppy I can't tell what position it is in (automatic xmission)

Another thing that always bothered me was that the oil pressure gauge is actually nothing more than a needle idiot light. Once the motor gets like 4psi of oil pressure the needle goes to normal and that's about all it does.

Since my speedometer was off with smaller tires I was wondering how hard it would be to use GPS like they do in some android radios. I have found GPS to be extremely consistent between phones and an old Garmin Etrex GPS I have.

When looking at the OBD port from my computer I saw it provided a tachometer and water and maybe oil temperature, not sure about pressure but it seems one could get REAL readings from the OBD port.

I know they have those heads up dis[plays that project onto your windshield but I would prefer to get it in a LED or OLED or whatever, computer type display.

Did I miss discussions on this or other sites? It seems when I search for such things there are products out there but I am interested in Ford Ranger experiences not on new models but those like mine that are old enough to buy liquor, heh.

In a few she will be cheaper to license!

Instead of swapping out your IC, try using your Android phone / tablet (or simply re-task an old, unused phone / tablet you might have laying around). Or look into a mechless aftermarket radio head that's Android based.

Spring for a paid version of Torque. Get a bluetooth-capable OBD reader and you're all set. Easy peasy.

Thanks for your response.

I use old android and iPhones at home for Audi and Video feeds to my entertainment stuff and that works better than my laptop.

And hey! I had been thinking bluetiooth or wifi because those little things with obd cables don't look good to me.!

What I wanted was to make a good looking drop in replacement for my gauge set. I think there are devices that let you plug OBD, add sensors like pressure and temperatures. I think they were using Torque , btw.

I was hoping somebody did this with like a 7-10" android driven screen that neatly fit in the instrument panel location. Bright/dim lamp, turn signals, overdrive on/off would have to be fed to the screen as well.

Looking for somebody who has done it before.

Thanks again some good input... in fact, I am enthused enough to go ahead and buy torque, put on an android I have around and start to learn what I can do. I think I do have a 7" color display that might USB to the phone for at least a temporary larger display. I would spend at least what I would for a used instrument cluster with a tach for a display. Trick is to make it look good and still have the same functions I currently have.

I doubt the OBD is going to give you turn signals, high/low beams, overdrive, 4x4 etc.

I use an Android-based head unit with Torque as an extension of the IC. The GPS speed will be dead-on regardless of any tire/wheel mods. I particularly like the vacuum readout. I've managed to maintain my 4.0l 14/highway 18/city mileage at 18,8 MPG overall. The head unit also gives me a back-up cam.

Did you mount the head unit at the radio location or instrument cluster?

..and what Android-based head unit did you get?

Tell me if I'm wrong, but
don't think 2000 Ranger has an actual OilPressureSensor, only a 5psi Off\OnSwitch to a fake ClusterGage.
So no analog\variable OilPressure signal available, thru OBD2 or otherwise,
unless you add an actual analog PressureSensor & hard\physical PressureGage.
Seen\read about PostMounted Clusters with OilPressure, FuelPressure, IntakePressure, Temp...
usually guys that have Super\TurboCharger conversions.

I said that in in my OP. It bugs me that they would make a bogus gauge that performs at such low pressure. I probably did not state it very clearly though.

That's why I put in my own analog electronic gauge but it has failed. The sensor I have still installed goes in a 1/8"npt hole so it is easy to find aftermarket stuff for it.

That is a most excellent looking install and a great writeup, thanks!

...now, I wonder if I can use it for my instrument panel display... Who knows, I like your radio install and may do that to start with. I really like getting the info on the screen for artist and title. I like to name tunes within the first few notes and test my memory. (child of the 70's).

Maybe I will end up cutting part of my instrument panel and have a video display inset somehow.
Great input, folks, much appreciated,.

If you're listening to a broadcast, it may or may not be part of the signal. Some stations don't provide the data.

If you're going to listen to MP3s, that data has to be part of the music file. Otherwise, it won't display anything.

I figure I can find a source that has it someplace with so many options these days. I am sure I would not want it exclusively. Besides there is Shazaam or whatever I keep on my phone.

If I ever get around to doing something that has not been done before I might write it up but likely not as well as you did!