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Old 06-29-2010, 08:14 PM   #1
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I am just curious if anyone here is using a scan gauge to improve fuel mileage.
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Old 06-29-2010, 08:45 PM   #2
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I use one - primarily for the transmission temperature gauge.
I suppose I could watch it to try and improve mileage, but I think it would try to get me to drive like my dad did 40 years ago - easy on the gas when you start out, don't race up to a stop sign ....
I did use it to check a code and clear a CEL the other day.
I like it..
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Old 06-29-2010, 10:46 PM   #3
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The Scan Gauge II info states only coolant temperature not transmission temperature .
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Old 06-30-2010, 04:37 AM   #4
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Evidently it will display Tranny Temp for certain vehicles.
I know some other Sprinter owners have reported this function.

I use mine every time I tow to watch coolant temp,engine load,MPG amd GPM and in general just have something else to watch and be unsettled about?

I move mine from car to car too and track and reset codes as needed.
It gives a lot of info in a small package I think.
I need to look into the extended functions more and see if I can take advantage of any in my vehicles.
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Old 06-30-2010, 05:08 AM   #5
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How do you know which vehicles it works in? I would like to moniter the transmission temp. Is must install in some simple way? (As you can see I am not familar with the scan gauge!).
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Old 06-30-2010, 05:15 AM   #6
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Here is a link to the Scan Gauge web site

http://www.scangauge.com/

Bill K

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How do you know which vehicles it works in? I would like to moniter the transmission temp. Is must install in some simple way? (As you can see I am not familar with the scan gauge!).
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Old 06-30-2010, 05:19 AM   #7
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I have one. You can read 4 gauges at a time. I have mine set to read Water temp,Trans. Temp
Avg MPG and MPG as you drive. It has about 25 other gauges also. My ScanGauge II is on a 99 Silverado Pickup.
http://www.scangauge.com/

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Old 06-30-2010, 07:49 AM   #8
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To be able to track mileage requires a lot of user inputs since the OBDII connector does not have any gas tank capacity information. So on each fill up the user needs to input the data. I don't do this as I find it a bit of a pain. What the scan guage is great is looking at fault codes (check engine lights etc) and self diagnosis before deciding to take into the shop. With all of the electronic sensors on today's vehicles is nice to know what's going on and if it is an intermittent or serious issue. Besides, if the garage charges you $75 to clear fault codes, you'll have this paid for in 3 visits.
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Old 06-30-2010, 08:02 AM   #9
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Don't most later model vehicles have this information available on board?
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Old 06-30-2010, 08:27 AM   #10
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To be able to track mileage requires a lot of user inputs since the OBDII connector does not have any gas tank capacity information. So on each fill up the user needs to input the data. I don't do this as I find it a bit of a pain. What the scan guage is great is looking at fault codes (check engine lights etc) and self diagnosis before deciding to take into the shop. With all of the electronic sensors on today's vehicles is nice to know what's going on and if it is an intermittent or serious issue. Besides, if the garage charges you $75 to clear fault codes, you'll have this paid for in 3 visits.
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Old 06-30-2010, 08:30 AM   #11
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Quote:
To be able to track mileage requires a lot of user inputs since the OBDII connector does not have any gas tank capacity information. So on each fill up the user needs to input the data. I don't do this as I find it a bit of a pain. What the scan guage is great is looking at fault codes (check engine lights etc) and self diagnosis before deciding to take into the shop. With all of the electronic sensors on today's vehicles is nice to know what's going on and if it is an intermittent or serious issue. Besides, if the garage charges you $75 to clear fault codes, you'll have this paid for in 3 visits.
I think it takes less than 10 seconds at each fill-up to enter the data?
I consider this extremely quick to do.







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Old 06-30-2010, 08:38 AM   #12
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Quote:
Don't most later model vehicles have this information available on board?
Ya - The ScanGauge just plugs in to your car's OBDII connector and lets you display whatever data's available that you want to see. Higher end versions of my truck have a display built in to the dash.

I had to set some codes to display the transmission temperature (The instructions are on their web site). Evidently its not available from from vehicles.

Gas consumption features:
When you first set it up you enter your vehicles gas tank capacity and when you do the next few fill ups, you correct the quantity of gas your car thinks you pumped in to calibrate the unit. I think its as accurate as I usually am doing division on the back of a gas reciept.

I like it for the four extra gauges I keep displayed - intake air, transmission & water temps and miles per gallon - but there's a lot more available if you want to play with it.
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Old 06-30-2010, 09:16 AM   #13
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I have mine set for current MPG, Miles Until Empty, Water Temp & Battery Voltage. As long as you enter the # of gallons at each fillup & the tank size, the Miles Until Empty works pretty good. I Do wish transmission temperature was available for the RAV4, but I have not been able to find codes for it. Not sure why since there is an transmission overtemp indicator lamp.
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Old 06-30-2010, 10:46 AM   #14
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NO sensor for a RAV4.
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Old 06-30-2010, 04:27 PM   #15
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NO sensor for a RAV4.
I believe you since ScanGuage states it can't measure transmission temp, but what makes the transmission over temperature light come on?
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Old 07-01-2010, 07:52 PM   #16
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What is the OBDII connector? On all cars? I own a 2010 Subaru Forester. Anybody using a scanguge to check trasmission temps on their Forester?

I am dragging my feet at installing a trans cooler because it voids the warranty on the transmission so it would be nice to keep an eye on the temps as I tow my Scamp.
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Old 07-01-2010, 09:20 PM   #17
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HI Mark J,
Its the interfaced to the cars computer where your mechanic or emission control tech if you have to pass an annual test, plug their equipment to look for codes. Looks like a big rectangular plug.

Scan Gauge FAQs
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How do I find the plug to connect the ScanGauge II?
The OBD2 connector is supposed to be located within 1 meter of the steering column. It is usually under the dash and just to the right or left of the steering column. Sometimes it will have a cover over its face. Other locations are under the dash on the passenger side under the dash, behind the ash tray and in a rare case, under the ash tray in the back seat armrest. The pictures below show the OBD2 plug in a typical location.
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Old 07-01-2010, 09:45 PM   #18
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I use my Scan Guage to prevent the transmission from downshifting so often.

I have it setup to display RPM, THP (Throttle Position), LOD (calculated load factor), and TFT (Transmission Temperature).

I set the Cruise Control for 60 MPH and when THP approches 50% I deprress the Engage/Coast button and when THP returns to <30% I depress the Resume/Accelerate button.

It works like a charm.

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Old 07-01-2010, 10:06 PM   #19
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What is the OBDII connector? On all cars? I own a 2010 Subaru Forester. Anybody using a scanguge to check trasmission temps on their Forester?

I am dragging my feet at installing a trans cooler because it voids the warranty on the transmission so it would be nice to keep an eye on the temps as I tow my Scamp.
Mark:

I suggest contacting your dealer and asking whether the OBDII for your car carries transmission temperature information, and explain why you are asking. I have done that, but don't have a reply yet.

I have installed a transmission oil cooler on my 2003 Subaru Forester and suggest that you do the same. The risk of the transmission overheating is much greater if you don't have a transmission oil cooler, and the cost of the cooler is much less than the cost of a new transmission. Besides, if the transmission overheats and fails while you are towing a trailer it is possible the warranty on the transmission will not be honoured -- check with your dealer.

Brian
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Old 07-06-2010, 10:00 AM   #20
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Quote:
Mark:

I suggest contacting your dealer and asking whether the OBDII for your car carries transmission temperature information, and explain why you are asking. I have done that, but don't have a reply yet.

I have installed a transmission oil cooler on my 2003 Subaru Forester and suggest that you do the same. The risk of the transmission overheating is much greater if you don't have a transmission oil cooler, and the cost of the cooler is much less than the cost of a new transmission. Besides, if the transmission overheats and fails while you are towing a trailer it is possible the warranty on the transmission will not be honoured -- check with your dealer.

Brian
Mark:

Today I had a reply from our Subaru dealer in Vancouver. He says that when they use a shop scan tool they can get a transmission temperature reading, so assume that there is a transmission oil temperature sensor.

Brian
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