The GoWesty Vanagon combination SmartGauge is not just a replacement, it is a significant upgrade to the original 1970s-technology combination gauge that came in your Vanagon. This is a truly modern electronic smart gauge with features found only on the newest automobiles on the road. Everything about it looks identical to your original combination gauge (and therefore matches your original or our GoWesty GPS speedometer), but that is where the similarities end. The needles are subtly illuminated and are fitted to modern, accurate, and reliable stepper motors that are electronically controlled, just like on all modern cars. Also, on initial “key on” all three needles do a full sweep so you know it is fully functional and ready to go! And much, much more:
Tachometer: It looks and works just like your original, except the needle action is crisper compared to the relatively lazy motion of the original. A great improvement over the original tachometer, and an infinite improvement over the useless clock if that is what you currently have!
Fuel gauge: The original fuel gauge reading on all Vanagons is notoriously inaccurate. No two Vanagons read exactly the same, and you don’t dare run low on fuel for fear of running out purely based on what the gauge is telling you. No more worries with the new GoWesty fuel level SmartGuage! Out of the box, the gauge is programmed based on a Vanagon that has a perfect fuel level sending unit and wiring, and will read at the top of the red zone when you are down to two gallons. But if your Vanagon is like most, you will want to calibrate it for your specific Vanagon. To do so, simply run your tank completely empty (the included instructions show you how to do this safely), add exactly two gallons back in, push a button on the back of the gauge, and voila, the needle reads right at the top of the red zone. Fill the tank and it will still read full, half when you are half way empty—you know: Like a fuel gauge is supposed to read! In addition to that, there is a nifty audible alarm that sounds for a second and an amber low-level LED that comes on when you get down to exactly two gallons! No more worry about running out of fuel!
Temperature gauge: This too is a gauge that is notoriously unreliable on all Vanagons. It also reads differently from one van to the next, or after switching out the temperature sensor, for example. Sending units can vary wildly between one brand to the next, or even between one batch and the next. When replaced, you have to get used to whatever new, whacky reading you get, and always be on the edge of your seat worried that your engine might overheat without notice. Here again, our GoWesty SmartGauge comes preprogrammed for the theoretical Vanagon. To calibrate to your particular beauty, you simply let the engine idle until you hear the cooling fan on the radiator cycle on, push another button on the back of the gauge and voila, the needle will read right at the top of the “normal” zone on the coolant temperature gauge face. And similar to your original temperature gauge, you still have a red LED that comes on when the temperature gets too high or if the coolant level gets too low. But in addition to that, your new GoWesty SmartGauge has an audible alarm that acts as an additional “heads-up!” that something may need your attention. No more playing “Truth or Dare” with this critical instrument or need to stare at incessantly for fear of a meltdown.
Modern performance with a vintage look. How sweet is that!