Scan Gauge II

Does anyone else use a Scan Gauge II? I've had it for awhile, originally bought when I had a janky 1999 Frontier 6 years ago that was a bit wore out and was always throwing codes. It is pretty handy and I thought I would use it with my Tacoma. I know there are other cooler Bluetooth options that you can use with your phone. But I already have this.

Looking at the Scan Gauge web site I see you can send it in for an update for $25. Has anyone done this and are the new features worth it?

Mark

 

I had one on my 08, mostly got it for the distance to empty option and bat voltage. I did the update (in 2014?), honestly I don’t think it’s worth it for a gen3. If you look at the website, it should tell you what the update has though.

 

I had one years ago and considered the firmware update. In my experience, it is really only necessary if you are trying to do something with the programmable xgauges and it is not supported with the FW version you have. At the time, I was trying to measure the trans temp on a 2007 RAV4 and could not do it. I think all of the basic functionality has remained the same through the years.

 

I have one in my 17’ I wanted it for trans temp and battery voltage. 4lo on a hot summer day for hrs on end trying to get to nowhere I saw it as a necessity

 

I got mine primarily for monitoring the trans temps but then found an x-gauge code that displays the current gear(CGR). No need to guess with this display.

 

I had one in my '05 and moved it to my '17. Mainly for trans temp when towing and other temps. I did the firmware upgrade a few years back, which allowed trans temp monitoring.

 

I have one but haven't installed it yet. Interesting to see there is a firmware upgrade, as well as the X-Gauge commands. I'll have to look into it more. Funny, if I did mount it I would put it exactly where OP did. Good spot!

 

I've got one, I had it in our 2005 as well, when I put it into the 3rd gen I updated the chip (cheaper in Canada to have them send me the new board).
I use it to monitor coolant and trans temps when towing, and instant over daily avg mileage..

 

Thanks Mike. That Current Gear option is just what I needed for towing, right behind TF1 and TF2. I like the CGR name better than the GER name that Scanguage has for it.
For the ogherfolks. https://www.scangauge.com/xgauge/current-gear-2015-3-5l-equipped-toyota-lexus/

 

There's a gauge for front differential temp as well.

 

I use mine for trans pan , converter , oil temp and water temp . I love the set up

 

I use mine for transmission oil at pan,transmission oil at converter, engine oil temp, coolant temp. All for when I’m towing my camper

 

I use mine for transmission oil at pan,transmission oil at converter, engine oil temp, and current gear. All for when I’m towing my travel trailer.

 

Nice. What did you use to mount it? I have mine sitting on left vent trim piece with some heavy duty double sided tape. I know there are special mounts for it.

 

Couple stupid questions for you all to laugh at
-Does the scan gauge automatically turn on with the trucks ignition?
-Does it remember what you want it to display?
-Does the scan gauges screen automatically illuminate with the trucks dash back lighting?

 

Yes, yes, and no.

 

Damn…

Wonder if there is a way to make that last point a reality….

 

Who has the best cost on these.

Thanks

 

Are you talking about matching SG color to the truck's color or when is it illuminated? You can come pretty close to the color (but not exact) and illumination is always on, you just don't see it during the day.

 

I bought one when I went to check the trans fluid, hearing about low level from the factory. Then realized about Toyotas dumb sealed transmisson..... so its a tool for checking fluid.