Is the ScanGauge II Worth it?

Hey guys,

I was thinking about picking up the ScanGauge II. As you all know, the gauges on 1st gen Tacomas are lacking. There are only 4 gauges, RPM, Speedo, Fuel, Engine Temp.

I found there to be a few options that would come in handy on the ScanGauge. I like to be able to keep track of other things going on in the vehicle. So I guess my question here is, before I drop the $160 or so, is it really worth it to buy the ScanGauge II? Is there something better out there?

-Brian


*This thread is worthless without pics!

 

Yes. Check eBay first that's we're I got mine. (120-130$) I used it to check codes and monitor my mpg. It's a cool little addition to have. Unfortunately mine was stolen.

 

That sounds like a good deal. I know they have the package with the mount that goes above the rear view mirror for, I wanna say $170?? But I will check ebay first.

It's a shame someone stole yours, some people.... I recently caught someone trying to steal my motorcycle.... But I digress.

 

Try finding the SG first and then look for the mount separate on Amazon. Just checked eBay and wow prices have gone up.. Looks like you should bid on this one though. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ScanGuage-2..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item3f1a3b6713&vxp=mtr

 

Have you looked at the Ultragauge? Seems to do everything the scangauge 2 does at about half the price.

 

Thanks for the link, gonna keep my eye on it!

No I haven't, i'm not even sure whats all out there, hence the reason for this thread. I'll check into the Ultragauge though thanks!

 

Ck out Garmin Ecoroute. It does the same thing but through ur phone or garmin gps.

 

I have the UG, and am reasonably happy with it, but it has some serious drawbacks over the SG.

First and foremost, if you mount it in any way where the cable is semi-permanent, you're stuck. The cable does not disconnect from the UG. Mine is mounted above my mirror and the cable routed under the headliner and down the A-Pillar.
If I were parking at the airport for a week and wanted to remove it and leave it at home, I'd have to pull the pillar cover and remove the entire cable.
Scangauge unplugs so you can take it with you every time you park. That's a BIG drawback on the UG because from the outside of the truck, it looks similar to a GPS.

Buttons are on the back, so you can't flush surface mount it. It has to be elevated above the mounting surface enough to get your fat fingers behind it.


Features....
I'm not aware of the features/limitations of the two devices on 1st-Gen, but on 2nd Gen, trans temp and some other readings are not available on the UG, but are on the SG.


Yes, the SG is 3x the price, but IMHO, it is a better unit and worth it.
Some day, I might upgrade mine to an SG and move the UG to my wife's Rav4.

 

I'd rather have the device rather than use my phone.

That pretty much made up my mind right there. I want to be able to detach it, I want to mount it flush if need be and I want to make use of all the features.

Case closed, I'm going with the ScanGauge.

 

I like the Scangauge. It is more adaptable to different vehicles. You can program in settings that don't come pre-loaded, in case your vehicle uses more sensors that only its ECU sees but are no gauges for. The Ultragauge cannot do that.

 

Anybody know if the SG will monitor speed??

Looking for something to run while I get my gauges working (yeah whatever its only been like a year or so... )

 

^Don't think the OBDII output refreshes fast enough for use as a primary speedo and tach for shifting etc.

How does a SGII compare to bluetooth OBDII adapter + Torque app for Android?

 

There are a lot of gauges the UG can access that are not on the dash.
I routinely monitor the exact engine temp, and also the intake air temperature.
Oil pressure is one that it can't do, but I believe there is no linear OP sensor. Trans temp is available, but UG doesn't read it.

Now.. this is for 2nd Gen. I don't know what may be lacking in 1st Gen.

2nd Gen, absolutely. Once you get the unit calibrated it can replace your speedo, odo, and fuel gauge.

Of course, you'll need a GPS to calibrate any of these units.

 

Good to know.

I never liked the idea of using my phone as one of these devices. Seems way too much trouble. I'd rather just buy something that has a dedicated purpose.

Ah good point, I forgot you were talking about a second gen. I wonder what is lacking with the first gens.

 

The detachable cable is nice for using in multiple vehicles

The Scan Gauge does pretty much all the same in the 1st gen. I mostly use it for engine temp, voltage and trans temp.

In my wifes Explorer it just gets used to read error codes lol