Audi Q5 Digital Boost Gauge
 

Found a cheap universal Digital Boost Gauge which I will test on my Q5.
Items ordered for my Q5 2009-2012 (first gen)
1. Boost tap Chinese unbranded or Forge FMBGFK2 (or ECS boost tap which seems to be the best and similarly the APR boost tap which has other advantages both not available at my region)
2. If Chinese unbranded you need to buy 2m 4mm vacuum hose in addition (I think)
3. Max power Universal Digital turbo boost gauge.
4. Dashboard holder (magnetic stick on type maybe or double tape/velcro)
5. Fuse 3A

Having bought the Forge Blow Off valve (not installed yet, since this will be done on my next service) for my Q5 I am also thinking of purchasing the Forge boost tap kit though the Chinese unbranded one also looks and feels the same.
Will update with pictures once this Digital Boost gauge is installed in the Q5 cabin.

There is also a P3 option which is designed exclusively for Q5 (hardwired option) but this will not be tested on my Q5 because I believe it has already been tested by others (YouTube)

Regarding wiring info, red is +ve and I have already one extra from fuse (or use a tap fuse holder to extend one ). -ve or black (blue on this interface) is ground. Not sure if switched or direct +ve is required but I will use a switched fuse.

Why do we need a boost/vacuum gauge. It is easy to find out if our boost or vacuum lines have a leak. Second reason would be to check stage 1 or chip tune if it is working (indirect method)

​​​https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...98d69cc3f9.jpg

​​​

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...0efa190ad8.jpg

I have 2 boost tap types.

Is ọne better than the other?
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...69cae5236c.jpg

Checking out today the fitting of the two boost taps only the top one fits perfectly (photo above). The bottom one moves in an angle and is not stable thus not recommended since boost leak most probably will occur (looks same as forge boost tap). ECS makes a modified one which seems to be better than the second one but have not tested if any better than the upper one. The first boost tap is very similar to the APR one however comes with just one tap. Dont buy the bottom boost tap. Waste of money. (My opinion but I am not an Audi expert :))
Now you can install this technology before I do :). Note there are better boost gauges just got this one for testing purposes (due to being slim and digital actually I could only find 2 choices). Note forge blow off valve was uninstalled due to more rich mixture used when air blows out of the system (higher fuel consumption).

Conclusion upper type might be the best (APR or the one in my photos) or you may want to try the ECS boost tap.

Instructions of how to install the first boost tap:

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...8ca9406419.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...2c27f84591.jpg

Location
the normal boost gauge procedure is to velcro or double tape the boost gauge on the steering column cover (some people remove the cover and drill 2 holes in order to fix mechanically the boost gauge casing) the wires should come from behind the steering column in order to avoid any drilling (see photo).

​​​​​​This is the general idea. For my case I did some customization on this idea. Wires were prepared (cable tapped, I used 0.35mm2 cables + ring terminal and fuse terminal) and ready to be connected. Need a 3Amp fuse and velcro tape (used double tape for the moment)

I think the location is the best i could find bearing in mind that this is a universal boost/vacuum gauge. When I started the project I did not think about the how to detail but now I am happy with how this project is developing. For LHD probably i would use the left air vent and not the one in the center.

When i decide to complete the installation i will review this hardware.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...6119c920f2.jpg

Retrofit completed. Used small factor fuse terminal. Did not find 3A so used 5A (but wires are thin should try to find 3A).
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...cf3b03726c.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...e6a2e99d0f.jpg

Well done! Is it working fine? Is Racechip giving you the boost they say they give?

:) Thanks
Test with comparison soon

​​​​

Hey, did you ever get to test this? How did it go?

I dont think I can. I am getting a boost pressure regulator error. Will post fault code tomorrow.