Scan Gauge

Dangit Will now you have all of us wanting a new head unit!!

 

lol

 

I like sound of this. I am trying to figure out where I would mount the SG. How much did that run you, if you don't mind me asking?

 

There's alot of different mounting options for the SG, I have mine on the window with a suction cup but I've seen them under the rearview mirror, on the steering column, in the center console, in the overhead console, and/or on the left A-Pillar.

 

Did you run the behind the dash?

 

It's on top of the dash and I ran it down behind the weatherstrip on the left side of the dash.

Been there 9 years without issue, occasionally the suction cup falls off the window but I just wipe it with a wet towel and stick it back on.

 

I wanna say the HU cost about $300 for the AVH-1550NEX, but you can get both cheaper and fancier ones that are compatible. I wanted one with carplay and all that jazz. You can also get one with wireless carplay too (this one is just wired, with a USB extension cable I routed out under the dash to the console.

I also opted to splurge on the idatalink RR (~$150) instead of the SW(~$50) for the added functionality and programmability vs JUST retaining steering wheel controls. The RR is what connects to the OBD port and relays that info to the HU.

Plus whatever extra for the aftermarket trim pieces, whatever connectors you need for the wiring, etc. I have my own amps and subwoofer setup so my wiring wasn't as plug-n-play as stock. NOTE: mine did not come with an antenna adaptor. I realized this when I was almost done installing, so I just left it disconnected as I don't use AM/FM much anyway. 3 years later I still haven't bothered installing it.

Also, you'll need a special pigtail if you want to bypass the parking brake wire(like a couple bucks on ebay or Amazon). The usual hardwire-it-to-ground works for most things, but any video function(besides the backup camera) requires the user to apply, release, and reapply the parking brake to deter people from the above hack and cover their asses. The pigtail has a microchip that mimics that signal pattern. I bought one, but again haven't been bothered enough to install it as i never have the urge to watch movies in the truck.

More pricey on it's own than just slapping a scangauge in, but like I said, if you're looking to upgrade anyway it's worth a thought.

 

Non blocking mounting option

 

Have you gotten the RR module to read trans temp? I have a Kenwood system connected through the idatalink RR module and I get all the OBD and TPS stuff you mentioned but according to idatalink I cannot program in other codes to pull things like that weren't already configured at the factory, others say it can use the OBD port for any PID's the port supports but I've yet to locate where that can be done no heard of anyone pull trans data from one. If I can't find how to do it I'll probably go with a scan gauge or a different system that I can get that info from. I'd run both but according to the idatalink documentation the idatalink detects any other OBD connections and disables that capability in the head unit when something else is connected.

 

Sorry, I can't help ya with trans temp, I have a manual trans so that sensor doesn't even exist for me. The menu item is there but has an X next to it.

Basically my understanding is that the idatalink has its master list of readable PIDs, and it pings the OBD for whatever it can supply out of those. I could be wrong on that. For instance I show an option to display the Manifold Air Pressure reading, but it also has an X since there is no MAP sensor. I more recently learned that the EGT readout is a calculated/estimated number based on various tables in the ECU, as there is no actual EGT probe.

I do vaguely remember that it took a few tries for all the PIDs to populate in the menu when I first used it. Maybe try unplugging/reseating the OBD connector, and/or the "Validate PIDs" menu option if you haven't already

 

If you wanted to mount it above your rearview, I used a lightbar mount from Amazon.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...en-tacoma-today.6499/page-10824#post-25185702

 

Thanks, it's been on there for about 4 years and gets disconnected every year for emissions checks. I may have an older version than yours.

 

Maybe the firmware can be updated via USB and the Maestro software? Possibly even set up for trans temp that way? I haven't dug that deep into it, or even used it since initial setup. Wish I could be of more help

 

I just went back onto the menu and scanned PIDs and the trans temp is greyed out. I'm going to update the firmware and see if that helps, it's able to be read trans temps from a scan gauge so the issue is in the idatalink, probably firmware or an older unit. Thanks for the assist.

 

Thank you for taking the time to write all that out. Sounds like a great system.

 

How do you like it above the mirror?

 

I like the looks of this setup. Any issues running the wire?

 

I've left it there for about 9 years now.

I'd like it better on the column, but as you pointed out it blocks other parts of the cluster. Since I don't have problems to monitor, the occasional glance is all I need.

I display coolant, trans1, V and MPG.

All the other options work, but don't matter to me when running well.

If you're one who likes to flick through options while on the road, it's not the best location.

 

No issues at all. If I remember correctly, I pulled the drivers side A-pillar trim to run the wire through there & then I was able to tuck the wire under the headliner without even pulling it down.

 

Same for my setup. I did use a plastic bike tire tool to pry the leading edge of the headliner a bit to make it easier, but definitely didn't remove