boost gauge not reading correctly?

[ditchmagnet]

I just installed an autometer sportcomp boost gauge, but I think that it is reading incorrectly. I say that because when the car is off it is at –4 (don’t think it was like that when I first bought it), anyway, when I start the car it goes to –22, and it says max boost is 8. I think its incorrect because it seems my turbo is working fine, I can feel the power. Plus, when I did the bcs mod, I could really notice the difference. So I’m thinking that I should be somewhere around 12. Also, I read on this guys website that his readings were 18inhg at idle, so that would be 4psi all around right? By the way, I don’t think it is a vacuum leak because I heard one when I first installed it, but I’m pretty sure its fixed now, and that wouldn’t explain the –4 when the car is off.
Ok, thanks

 

[Coldandafraid]

odd. considering the gauge is only activated by vacuum/pressure, there must be something wrong inside the gauge if it doesnt zero when the car is off. Leave the hoses and stuff how it is, and just exchange the gauge itself, should fix it.

 

[ditchmagnet]

thats what i was thinking....but then that means that i just wasted $50...prolly no way of fixing the gauge? maybe i should buy a more expensive one instead.
-soliloquing in enigmas-

 

[Coldandafraid]

did you buy it new? Maybe the shop can just do the exchange for free?

 

[ditchmagnet]

yeah...from advance auto...they had to order it...but would they exchange it even when i still have the tubing and light and other stuff? i guess ill just have to take it in there....i had hoped i was done with that place

 

[Defiant]

Go straight to Autometer. They'll make it right. Although AutoZone probably will.

 

[Ryan95tsiAWD]

like what was mentioned before, with the car off the only thing that could be wrong is the gauge's calibration.

my autometer used to hang on like -2 when i cut the car off, all i had to do was thump it (i know ghetto) and it would 0 out.
my normal drive pressures are -20 to -22 when idle.

Ryan

 

[ditchmagnet]

so i have to ship it? just the gauge? i was reading the paper that came with it and the 12 month waranty should cover it....but i think they should pay for shiping. oh, and i tapped it to see anything...but nothing...ok...i guess ill give em a call