Im thinking about putting the radio in the center console and using the large radio hole in the dash as a place to put a cluster of gauges. I want to put gauges that read real time and actual temp and pressures. Below is what i want to do:

Install real time water temp gauge
Install real time oil pressure gauge
Install real time trans temp gauge
Install real time volt meter gauge

Will disconnecting the sensors and replacing them with aftermarket sensors and wiring them directly to aftermarket gauges so they are a stand alone system throw a CEL? Or does the ECU need these sensors to monitor engine?

 

LOL!!!

They are there for a reason!!! Haha

 

Obviously, but does the computer monitor them and acually use them to monitor engine operation or just for a visual reference for the driver? I know the oil gauge just shows if it has pressure or not, not actual pressure psi. Does anyone with an opinion that has useful input other then "they are there for a reason"?

 

Ok to answer your question more clearly.

The water temp sensor, aka ECT sensor, is used for multiple things, fuel calculation, shift points, etc.

Oil press sender yes is basically a switch to say yeah there's oil pressure there.

Trans temp sensors "TFT" are internal to the trans- used for multiple things in an auto trans, epc pressure, shift scheduling- ford knows what else.

The voltmeter in your dash should be fine and should move if the batt voltage gets too low.

If you were to install gauges and want "real time" I'd go with an oil press gauge that uses a capillary tube and T it off down at the oil press sender.
You could tap a hole in the t-stat housing to put in a water temp probe & tap the trans pan for a trans temp gauge- make sure you use the ones that actually have a probe coming out of the gauge.
A voltmeter is simple, hook the ground to ground, hook the other side to any 12v source- (some like to put it right on the alternator)

 

Thank you