Scan guage II vs ultra guage

So I have been looking at getting one of these for awhile and have been trying to do some research on them. What I really want is to be able to monitor tranny temp and gas mileage(I have oversized tires, and odo and speedo are off). Which one will do that for me? I read that tranny temp didn't come via OBD II till the later 1st gens, is it available for my 99? I also don't have ABS

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/82690-scangauge-ii-transmission-temp-2.html

 

Does this mean you prefer the scan guage? And that it does read trans temp on my truck?

 

Either gauge will provide mileage, and I know the UltraGauge can be "dialed-in" with each successive fill-up. (You will, of course, need an accurate measurement of the miles driven to do so. From a GPS, perhaps?) I don't believe transmission temp is available on 1st Gen Tacomas.

FWIW, I put together this comparison when I was trying to decide which one to buy.

 

I read that scan guage will on 1st gens, I just read certain ones. It had trouble for awhile on 2nd gens. The ultra guage will not read trans temp. How would a GPS record my mileage?

 

I'm pretty sure most include some type of trip meter. If you reset that when you fill-up and have it on when your truck is moving, it should record the actual miles traveled to your next fill-up. That, and the actual gallons of gas pumped, are what you need to calibrate an UltraGauge.

 

Ok thanks. I did look at your thread. The second guy in even stated scan guage read trans temp, but it was 01-04. If I can't get that, which is what I realt wanted for when I tow, I'm just gonna get the ultra guage. Can I also calibrate the speedo on the ultra guage?

 

I don't use the UG speedo, so I can't speak to that from first-hand experience. According to the User Manuals (available here), however, calibrating the distance traveled (as discussed above) directly affects the accuracy of a number of gauges including speed. I take that to mean the speedo CAN be calibrated.

 

Ok thanks

 

Just information....

I've never owned an Ultra Gauge - so I can't say which one is better or which one I'd like better.

I own a Scangauge II. It's an older unit that doesn't have the ability to do transmission temps. I never sent it back to have the firmware updated. I don't need that type of information to be worth sending it back.

I don't know about the new models....

 

I know I've seen that it reads trans temps. But I think only for 01-04s. Can't get confirmation yet though. Might just have to make a call to scan guage

 

You'll want to 'confirm' the newer Scangauges have the abilities to pull transmission temps. It appears they do....but I can't comment on that for certain.

My older Scangauge can't pull transmission temps due to older firmware. I can send it back to have the firmware updated for a certain cost - but that's not high on my priority list.

 

I am running a scangauge 2 on my 01 Taco 4wd DC. I searched for the x-code on this forum, entered it, and it now displays the transmission temp. Seems pretty accurate.

John L
Bethlehem, GA
01 Tacoma 4wd DC

 

The UG does not read trans temp (unless there's been a software update). Keep in mind both gauges only read information provided by the ECM. The gauge may be able to provide trans temp but the ECM has to send that info.

The ECM on my 06 Highlander only provides about 1/2 the info the UG can read. I also had to purchase an isolation cable (ECM uses 9141 protocol). My main screen is speed, water temp, voltage, eng load & miles to empty.

I had a misfire in cyclinder 6 the other day, no CE light, the UG picked it up, read the code while driving down the road.

 

Does the 99 have a trans temp sensor to even tap? I know some of the older trucks don't.

 

If you need trans temp add one of these

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bmm-80212?seid=srese1&gclid=CKyg1dSozrwCFc1hfgodEj4Ayg

 

My '99 2.7 does not have a tranny temp sensor. My Ultragauge would pick it up if it did. Having an automatic, this is a valid concern.

 

From what I've read, ultra guage will not. Scan guage will. But all I see is for 01-04 tacomas. Can anyone confirm if a scan guage will pull trans temp for a 99? And yes I think some trucks have temp sensors, and some have temp switches. The temp sensor monitors the temp. The temp switch just flips if it gets too high and a light comes on on the dash. That's what I'm trying to figure out

 

If I can't get a guage I might have to go this route.

 

I dont think the 99 has a temp gauge. I know the 01-04 has a temp gauge that inputs into the ECU. Scan gauge is able to tap into that input, but I dont think the earlier models have a temp gauge.

I could be wrong but just something to double check before you get a scan gauge.