ScanGauge II vs WatchDog vs Ultra-Gauge

I got a 2000 with ABS, would I have any problems if I bought one?

 

According to the Ultra-Gauge Compatibility Exception List, you should NOT have any problems.

 

Norton this is a GREAT write up and very well put together. I don't suppose that you have a more recent one? I just recently bought an Ultra Gauge and I think that they have added a lot of new parameters. I was REALLY hoping for engine oil temp, but it looks like I may have to install a gauge for that one.
Thanks again,
Ken

 

Sub'd great info!

 

Thank you, both, for your kind words! I'm glad you found the info useful. In answer to your question, Ken, I don't have anything more current. Once I made the decision to go with UG, I stopped tracking product differences. FWIW, however, I remain happy with my UG. (I started out with a Classic, but had it upgraded to EM software along the way.) I also noted that the folks at UG recently are now selling a "ISO-9141 & KWP2000 Isolation Cable" that it solves the problem owners of "2001-2004 6-lug Tacomas with ABS" frequently experience. (I found the problem to somewhat intermittent, but I'm considering buying a cable to eliminate it.)

 

Does the Ultra-Gauge can read 01-04 Auto transmission TEMPERATURES yet?

As of February this year, Ultra-Gauge doesn't seem to read Auto trans temps.

I have verified myself that the ScanGauge II reads the automatic transmission temperature from 2001-2004 (I have a 2003).

This is my only reason to get another ScanGauge II at this point.

 

I just hooked mine up and I was trying to flip through the pages and held one of the buttons too long and it made it think I had a full tank when really I'm less than half. Every time I look at the fuel page it says no sensor found. Don't tell me that I really have to tell it how much fuel I add every time right? There is a better way I hope.....

 

I wish. I don't bother using the fuel "feature" of the Scangauge because the interface is really terrible with too many levels deep to traverse and remember in order to do it.

 

Ultra. Works. Use the manual setting for fuel use and will be pretty accurate. Great deal, does exactly as advertised.

 

There is a better way. Spend some time with the owner's manual.

+1.

 

I have an 04 Tacoma DCSB 4x4. Which one is the best bang for your buck? It sounds like scan gauge is a little pricier than the Ultra gauge but I want to be able to have the trans temp reading available to me but is it really worth the extra money?

 

Trans temp availability is one of the differences between UG and SG. Only you can answer the question of whether it's worth the extra money (to you).

FWIW, I think UG offers the most bang for the buck, but I have a manual transmission.

 

Reading the auto trans fluid temps was the main reason for getting one of these devices. ScanGauge.

 

Are you sure this is still accurate? I'm asking because I don't know much about it, not to be negative.

I looked on UGs website and it seems the upgraded model "MX" I think, can tell Trans Temp. I was wondering if maybe it just doesn't work on Tacos?

I have an 08 4x4 TRD Auto. So 2nd Gen.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

Trans Temp is listed as a "Toyota Tundra/Tacoma with CAN (2005+)" capability with the MX, but that doesn't include First Gens like Sicyota04's 2004. Based on that, Trans Temp does appear to be available for your 08 4x4 TRD Auto (2nd Gen).

Of note, however, the manufacturer states "UltraGauge MX 1.3 is only recommended for advanced users that are very comfortable with technology and are familiar with the concept of OBDII codes."

 

I just read that about being recommended for advanced users. Plus I would have to get a Scan gauge fir trans temp capability. I don't know if it's worth that much extra money. I saw on the Ultra gauge website that there is still stuff like oil temp and a lot of other great capabilities

 

Thanks for the info. I'm probably the opposite of an advanced user. Essentially I was going to use it to track fuel consumption, and use the Trans temp when changing the AT fluid. I suppose I would eventually like to become more advanced. Do you know if it's simply too complex for someone who is a noob?

 

I'm sorry but, no, I don't. I've had an EM for years, and have never used the MX.

FWIW, I find the controls/interface on the UG (EM) a little quirky. Nothing overly complicated, but navigating the many screens/options via three buttons isn't the most intuitive for new users. (I'm coaching my son and one of his friends through it now, after they both recently bought EMs.) As someone who also tracks fuel consumption, I can confirm the UG (EM) can be very accurate. Getting there requires manual adjustment of fuel and mileage with each fill-up. With each adjustment, the gauge becomes more and more accurate. Again, however, the process of doing so is more complicated than some users prefer.

To be clear, the control/interface (of the EM) don't require any special training to master. They are, however, a little tedious at times. The Manual is helpful, but experience is the best teacher.

 

FWIW, ScanGuage user here. I installed it in my dash intending to monitor fuel economy all the time. Long story short, it has a parasitic draw that empties the battery in about 7 days. I contacted ScanGuage and they said that they had never heard of this. I didn't feel like pushing them so I unplugged the unit and use it for specific situations, like reading codes.

 

Interesting. While I know the UG probably draws something when the truck is off, I've never had this problem (even when I was away on business travel for over a month).