Who is running a ScanGauge II?

Good choice but a cheaper alternative bracket that only only cost me $2 at the Dollar store and fits perfectly

 

Like the looks of your mount. Have a brand name or which dollar store chain you found it at ?

 

Thanks, No name brand. Just any 99ct store or $1 store. Here's the link to install:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/134888-simple-scangauge-ii-mounting-mod.html

BTW My post on page 6. I used screws instead of double sided tape.

 

Used my buddies to run some codes on my Tundra a while back. When I got the Pro I bought one so I could check the Auto Tranny. Lots of cool stuff can be accessed with it. Thinking of putting it in the cubby at the front of the console. Didn't go with the ultra gauge due to the buttons being on the back side in case I want to flush mount it somewhere.

 

That makes sense, buttons on the back is kind of a deal breaker for me.

 

I have a Scangauge II with a above the mirror mount, it is very accurate verified speed against 3 different GPS units. When I fill up the tank it is very accurate as to how much I filled up with.

 

Have a SCII that I ran on a Civic to learn how to use it, then moved it to my '04 Highlander.

Bought another for the Tacoma, one of my early mods.

I like having readings, particularly for voltage and coolant.

 

the SG2 was the first to come out with the trans temp. The ultra gauge followed behind. It has two places to measure the temp: One at the torque convertor and the other at the tranny pan. It's more accurate at the oil pan then the torque convertor since it differentiate too much to be accurate. I have mine at the tranny pan.

 

You have to send in your SG2 for an update in order for it to read transmission temp? So if you buy He used one there’s a chance it won’t have the update? Maybe I won’t buy a used one.

 

I tried the $.99 clip bracket mount, but I couldn't move it down or tilt it towards the driver. I liked the location above the mirror, so sprung for the BlendMount.



I thought I remember something that 2005-2009 Tacomas were hit or miss with tranny temps on the SGII, but can't remember.

Here's a link to their X-Gauge coding:

https://www.scangauge.com/support/x-gauge-commands/toyota-lexus-scion/

 

Yup like @DesertRatliff said make sure you entered the correct codes in to get it programmed. No problems showing the pan temp on my 2012 with SGII running firmware 4.40 (<- from memory..) Havent tried to read the converter temp though, just learned about that a few weeks ago. I do know that you need 4.45 or newer to get the TPMS readouts which would be cool to have.

Also for anyone looking for a cheap way to mount these things, but need a bit more flexibility than a tape measure clip - grab some 1/16" thick aluminium bar at your local hardware store and go nuts. Hands down the best mod-for-the money Ive done on my truck. Clips to the headliner just to the left of the mirror so I can keep my mirror riser bracket. Quick on-off if someone else needs an engine code read. And its rock solid too, probably one would have been fine by itself

 

Question for Y'all that have scangauges:

I am looking at picking one up and i'm having trouble deciding between ordering directly from Scangauge or buying one off Amazon.

From Scangauge Directly, it's $170, but from Amazon it's only $140. Now, I'm not nescesarally trying to pinch every penny but 30 bucks is 30 bucks. the only difference that i can tell based on reviews and stuff is that the Amazon version has outdated firmwear (Ver. 4.42 vs Ver.4.5 or whatever is current). for those of you who have run them, is it worth biting the bullet and spending the extra $30 for the updated Firmwear?

this is the one i'm looking at on Amazon BTW:

$152 ScanGauge - SG2 II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Computer with Customizable Real-Time Fuel Economy Digital Gauges , Black , 5"

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AAMY86/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

I’ve been running one for about 2 years. I love it. I have a manual so I didn’t care about the trans temp feature. I use volts, water temp, ave mpg and RPM.

 

I believe V4.45+ has the ability to monitor TPMS, which I really wish I had. Also factor in current Amazon leads times what with all this virus crap

Edit: looks like you have a 1st gen, so that may not apply to you

 

yeah, the other thing worth mentioning is that you can supposedly send your unit to Scangauge and they will upgrade the Firmwear for $20 or so. I could just buy the Amazon unit and if i need to send it off and do that... but by that point the price difference overall will only have been $10, which means that convenience wise, it might just be easier to buy from Scangauge. As far as Amazon lead times, i've ordered a couple of things from them so far during the Covid lockdown and even though the times might be a bit inflated, they tend to deliver early. I bought a box of Rivets on Wednesday afternoon, they weren't supposed to be here until Tuesday, they arrived last night.

i'm not real worried about stuff like TPMS, the main stuff that i want to monitor right now are Average MPG, Instant MPG, Intake Temp (rudimentary thermometer), RPM, and maybe battery voltage. with that said, I also don't want to pigeonhole myself into those gauges, the ability to monitor trans temp, engine temp, and etc. might be useful down the road (trans temp might not be too important as i have a manual, but i think y'all get the gist).

 

Why in the heck would you have to send a unit back for firmware? Why can't you just plug it into your computer and download it yourself? I would be hesitant to purchase one if I had to ship it back to them every time you needed a firmware update. Thank goodness nothing else I own needs to be shipped back for updates!!!!!

 

yeah... that's not ideal but as long as i can get the gauges that i need, i shouldn't ever need to send it off for updating.

 

I used a scan gauge for several years. It's a nice product and does it's job well.

That being said; I got a Bluetooth OBD scanner for Christmas a couple years ago. After playing with the Torque and OBD Fusion apps, I've since retired it.

The apps give you access to soooooo much more info, it is well worth buying the apps and vehicle/brand specific files IMO.

You can be all set up for about $50.

Just my .02

 

This link should probably help you:
https://www.scangauge.com/tips-tricks/firmware-notes/
It lists all the updates and what they mean.

FWIW, I just checked mines and I'm running 4.06, haha. But it does everything I need it to do. Lately my gauges are monitoring my mileage and trans temps.

The only differences between 4.42 and 4.5 is:
4.45

• Fixed screen flicker which occurs while using certain Nissan XGauges
• Improved XGauge to handle Toyota / Lexus / Scion TPMS based XGauges
  
  

 

I've looked into those Bluetooth OBDII scanners before but for something that should be running constantly as long as the truck is on, i'd like to have it be independent of my phone. I've had my phone's battery shit the bed a couple of times, then spontaneously be fine as soon as it's charged. it's due for an upgrade (I have an iPhone SE, had it since they were current in 2016) but regardless, i'd like to keep my reliance on a cell phone for gauges and stuff minimal.

Sweet! this is exactly what i was looking for! Think i'm going with the Amazon version, as long as it does the job it'll be fine. doesn't look like there were any major gauge changes between Ver 4.42 and current so it should be fine. Thanks again!