ScanGauge II 3-in-1 Compact Multifunction Vehicle Computer
The ScanGauge II is a variation of the standard handheld auto code reader. It is a computer that combines a diagnostic code scanner, a multifunction trip computer & up to 37 digital gauges in one package. It is an easy connectiion to your vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) port so that it communicate directly with the vehicle’s computer.
It is compatible with OBDII or Controller Area Network (CAN) protocols. If you aren’t sure which one your vehicle uses the ScanGauge II will automatically determine which system to use and switch to it.
The ScanGauge II works on all 1996 or newer OBDII cars, including gas, diesel, propane and hybrid vehicles, as well as vehicles with the latest CAN systems.
Want to use it on multiple vehicles? The unit has a detachable cable that allows you to effortlessly switch between vehicles. It doesn’t require any tools for the basic installation and its menu-driven application doen’t make you memorize comlex sequences to access the data you want to see.
The scan tool function is comparable to the entry-level code readers out there. By that I mean it will check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), clear the codes, and turn off the “Check Engine” light on the majority of 1996 and newer vehicles.
The ScanGauge II will show how many DTCs it finds as well as the codes themselves. Then you can use the Internet or repair manual to find out which part is faulty, so you can repair it yourself or know what needs to be fixed at the mechanic’s shop.
So what else does this tool do?
The ScanGauge II has added technology that allows the user to monitor up to 37 of a vehicle’s sensors depending on which ones it is equipped with. It will display 4 gauges at a time that lets you see things like fuel consumption rates, coolant temperature, engine speed in real time while you are driving. There are 12 original “gauges” listed below……….
- Fuel Economy
- Fuel Rate
- Battery Voltage
- Coolant Temperature
- Intake Air Temperature
- Engine Speed (RPM)
- Vehicle speed (MPH)
- Manifold Pressure (not available on some vehicles)
- Engine Load
- Throttle Position
- Ignition Timing
- Open/Closed Loop
In addition to those 12 the ScanGauge II allows you to add up to 25 custom gauges. Some of those custom choices are “vehicle-specific”. You can see the full monte of custom gauges here.
So What??? This tool allows you to display four gauges at the same time to help you determine fuel consumption rates and allow you to adjust your driving behavior and save gas. At the same time you can keep an eye on coolant temperature, engine speed, and much more in real time. With the price of gas this could save a lot.
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Don’t Forget the Multifunction Trip Computer!!
The ScanGauge II will automatically record four sets of data on the trip computer: Current, Today, Previous Day, and Tank Trip.
The “current” trip restarts after the engine has been off for more than 3 minutes. The “today” trip restarts after the vehicle has not moved for 9 hours, and the data from “today” is moved to “previous day” when you restart the car, so you don’t have to reset the computer every time you begin a trip. “Tank trip” resets when you fill up the tank. It can provide you with “to empty” data and other useful information, which can be viewed any time during the trip.
The trip computer also integrates information from the Cost Per Mile gauge. Simply enter how much you paid per gallon or liter of fuel, and the ScanGauge will automatically calculate the cost of your trips as you drive. The ScanGaugeII features the 12 individually stored parameters listed below:
- Maximum Speed
- Average Speed
- Maximum Coolant Temperature
- Maximum RPM
- Driving Time
- Driving Distance
- Fuel Used
- Fuel Cost
- Trip Fuel Economy
- Distance to Empty
- Time to Empty
- Fuel to Empty
Are you going to use all the features of this tool? Unless you are a serious gearhead, data junkie or obsessive about all aspects of your vehicles operation probably not. But it does allow you monitor your vehicle in whatever way is important to you.
Some of the benefits I see are……
- The ability to monitor fuel consumption several ways in real time
- Lets you easily keep track of your cost per mile
- Easy to install and set up the gauges any way you want
- Lets you monitor coolant and transmission temperatures when towing or driving the RV
- Because it records trip data you can know how fast the kids were driving last night or if they unplugged the unit
- The code reader function lets you know why the check engine light comes on
Some of the drawbacks I see are……
- No cable or software to connect to a PC or laptop
- The battery seems to drain much faster when the ScanGauge is connected
- It can be hard to setup for non-standard data
In my research I found over 190 positive 5-star reviews for the ScanGauge II. If anyone buys a product and takes the time to write a review it must have provided some value to them. I have included a couple below….
Works great and saves me money, February 3, 2011
B. ElkinsI have had a ScanGauge II in my Honda Civic Si for about six months now and I love it! I have used it primarily to track mpg, but it does a lot more that that.
This little guy really teaches you how to drive smart. You don’t have to be a hypermiler to improve your gas mileage with this. I went from averaging 25 mpg per tank to 29 mpg per tank and I do not hypermile.
Anyway, really cool gadget that pays for itself over time.Read the original review here.
Great item to help your gas mileage! August 21, 2010
W. NiklasI’ve had this for almost 3 months, and it has helped me improve my gas mileage when towing. I’ve found out that not using the cruise control can add to the MPG. Throttle postion plays a big part in MPG-I can get higher MPG traveling at a higher speed sometimes if I stay light on the gas pedal. I also like the temp functions (water temp) as I can monitor how it is doing under load. Still playing with it, checking out different functions. You will have to experiment with it as many functions on the X-gauge are not supported by my truck (06 F-150), but you won’t know till you do all of the programing and see if anything happens. Easy hook-up, took less than 5 minutes. It has helped me increase my MPG at least 1-2 MPG by learning new techniques and I average 10-12MPG towing my 5,000lb travel trailer, so I’m a happy camper
Read the original review here.
If you have the time you can read all the reviews here.
Final Thoughts……
The ScanGauge II takes the concept of a simple auto code reader and expands the capabilities of the tool by allowing you to monitor various vehicle functions in real time. The ease of use and being able to monitor your fuel consumption under different driving conditions make this unit a valuable item for your vehicle and your pocketbook. Sure, the upfront price tag is higher than the average entry-level code scanner, but the extra features of the ScanGauge II gives you the opportunity to quickly recoup the cost in fuel savings alone. I would recommend this tool to any driver that wants to save money and keep their vehicle in top running condition.