Monitoring vital stats while towing is crucial. Older vehicles, like my Ford E350 van, often lack comprehensive factory gauges. My van suffered from a chaotic mix of aftermarket gauges, with a failing EGT probe. Instead of another gauge replacement, I opted for a modern solution: the Edge CTS2.
Edge Products, renowned in the diesel community for performance electronics since 1999, offers the Insight series of gauges. The CTS2, a larger touch-screen multi-functional gauge, reads data from the Ford E350 Running Obd2 port and expands functionality with additional sensors and modules.
While an Evolution version of the CTS2 exists with programming capabilities, it’s incompatible with the unique Ford van Powerstroke ECM. Disappointing, but the standard CTS2 still reads crucial data from the OBD2 bus, allowing supplemental sensors for unavailable or undecoded parameters.
The CTS2 package includes everything needed: the display unit, windshield mount, OBD2 connection cable, USB computer cable (for firmware updates and programming adjustments), zip ties, and documentation. A sticker is included too, of course.
The manual recommends a firmware update via computer connection as the first step. Following instructions is always a good practice. Peeling the protective plastic off new electronics is a personal ritual I enjoy.
Locating the OBD2 port under the dashboard is straightforward. The photo reveals the existing wiring complexity from aftermarket gauges, a keyless entry system, and added power windows – a common scenario in older vehicles.
Installing the basic CTS2 is remarkably simple. Plug it into the Ford E350 running OBD2 port. That’s it. The unit powers on and off with the vehicle. Truly the easiest wiring project ever.
