Extremely Useful Diagnostic Tool.

[Diesel4Life]

Thought this might be helpful/interesting to the community.

A very useful diagnostic tool is the ScanGauge, which plugs directly into your diagnostic port/OBDII connector. Generally located on the bottom of the driver side lower dashboard and the monitor display can be placed anywhere on the dash etc you like. I have these in everyone of my vehicles for many years now. Not only does ScanGauge give you real time values via the vehicles on board computer while driving to let you know how your vehicle is operating/performing. But also allows you to read and clear codes as well. An inexpensive alternative to auto style code readers, available for Diesel,Gasoline and RV's. Great customer support, software upgradable & 3-yr warranty.

Point of note; Unfortunately ScanGauge can only operate on vehicles equipt with OBDII ports, which are generally on 1996 and newer vehicles.


An American owned and operated company; located right in Mesa, Arizona.

http://www.scangauge.com/

https://www.amazon.com/ScanGauge-SG...F8&qid=1470942153&sr=1-1&keywords=scangaugeii

I have no connection to this company, other then as a longtime very pleased customer.

 

[highdesertranger]

just as long as you know how to interpret the information I agree. the problem comes when people don't know how to use the info. highdesertranger

 

[Diesel4Life]

Nearly everyone knows someone or can find someone that does know how to utilize the data. And the OBDII codes are readily available for download all over the internet. Repair shops charge a lot of money these days for diagnostics utilizing similar types of devices, this tool is for anyone who wants to be more self reliant. And honestly I could show nearly anyone how to use this tool very effectively and save money. And the all inclusive real time data on performance and operating condition is just the cats pajamas IMHO.

For many in this community-lifestyle, their vehicles are their homes. So adding protection from damage and being able to see problems before they become major issues, just seems to make good commonsense to me.

 

[highdesertranger]

I wasn't saying they are bad. but you must know how to use the tool. just because you get code such and such doesn't mean you run out and buy that part and replace it. when you get multiple codes it gets even trickier. you need to be able to test the parts that could be causing the codes, the wiring and/or the CPU could be the problem or something completely diffeent. so yes they are a good tool but the one using the tool still must be a troubleshooter and not a R and R person. highdesertranger

 

[Hippiechk]

I think a good set of real guages & learning how to drive that particular vehicle optimally is a lot more vital. Sure, I could learn to read & interpret codes but I honestly do not need to do this WHILE driving.

Deisel4Life...glad to see you are loving your gear!! You have a few 'testamonials' up right now. *smile*

 

[Diesel4Life]

Yes Hippiechk,
That is what I like so much about the ScanGauge, it is a "Real Set of Gauge's" giving up to date real time values from the vehicles on board computer. On top of the ability to read and clear codes. True plug and play single plug connection. And btw, a Chick that appreciates and uses gauges is beyond "Cool" . Just saying *Smiles back*

My idea of "Gear" is anything that empower, and allows someone to become more self sufficient and reliant.

Encourage & Empower others, and stop feeding the beast. I try to lift up my fellow man, so that he can see above the heard mentality and realize the real world that exist beyond.

 

[ArtW]

Having a datastream is great, knowing how to interpret that stream is even better

 

[AltTransBikes]

Good stuff D4L, thanks for posting, and yeah there's a ton of info these days online about utilizing code data especially in vehicle specific, enthusiast forums that proliferate the net.

 

[bigsallysmom]

I bought a cheap one online. Definitely a mistake. Didn't work.
Had a steering wheel issue on a 2011 chevy silverado. took it to a service/parts place. they used an expensive scanner and told me exactly what was wrong. they didn't have the part so i took it to the chevy dealership. they scanned it and came up with same issue. would have charged me $90 to scan and not have them do the repair.

 

[AngryVanMan]

The first purchases I made for my van were the factory service manual and a scan tool that covered the widest array of the proprietary manufacturer computer codes. The manual I got from Helm on a CD, and the scanner I chose was the AutoEnginuity due to its reputation in enthusiast corners. Unlike most here, this van is still under warranty, however I have no illusions as to the skill of the average dealer service department. I intend to do 100% of any and all major repair work and preventative service, and I think these 2 tools give me the best chance of success going forward. Not cheap by any means, but I expect a positive return on investment from both items.

I also love the ScanGuage and similar OBD interfaces, I plan on getting one at some point to monitor more live system information than the dashboard provides. It can be used for lots of basic diagnosis, and many times that might be all you need. At the very least it might point you or your mechanic in the right direction!

 

[akrvbob]

You guys are thinking way too small. This thing can read ALL the info the OBD II is creating (which is a huge amount of stuff) not just codes!! Best of all, it presents it to you in a simple, understandable way. To name just a few of the most useful:

RPM
MPG
coolant temperature
transmission temperature
torque converter slip ratio

And 40 other things. You wouldn't want to know the exact temperature of your transmission when you were climbing a hill? The exact MPG at every moment of your drive? It wouldn't be worth it to you to find the sweet spot for MPG?

 

[AngryVanMan]

That's exactly why I want it (or something like it) in addition to a scan tool, so much info is available while you're driving! Do you travel with one Bob?

 

[LeeRevell]

I have the basic code reader, and it has helped a lot. I can reset codes myself, and it has helped identify a couple problems, one of which I had to have fixed by a shop.
When I hit the road more seriously, I may well get the ScanGauge. Looks to be a good useful unit.

 

[Belinda2]

Where I live in Maryland, if you go to Auto Zone, they will loan you one for free over the counter. Once you diagnose your code, then they believe you will buy items at their store to fix the problem. I have used it several times just to clear codes on my minivan when the light pops up that I need service at "X" miles.

 

[Diesel4Life]

Bob,

'You guys are thinking way too small". This is one of the many quality's I admire about you, your a "true thinking man". You always seem to solve problems with logic, reason and practicality, occam's razor principle. I was brought here after finding and reading your great blog. I also truly enjoy your video's, and commentary in these forums. You also seem to be correct me if I'm wrong, a very proactive self reliant man. And that is why you can see the real value in a simple inexpensive tool like ScanGauge. Thank you Sir for all the many things you do for others, and your very needed voice of reason in a growing world of insanity.


Disclaimer; I have no connection to this company, other then as a longtime very pleased customer.


Encourage & Empower others, and stop feeding the beast. I try to lift up my fellow man, so that he can see above the heard mentality and realize the real world that exist beyond.

 

[Vacilador]

After weeks of research and comparison shopping, got a Scan Guage II - sounds like it would more than pay for itself in gas mileage and avoided repairs.  Installed it in the V10 (Ford e350) by following the directions and took a test ride.  Hard to start, belching black smoke, ran very rough and would not accelerate above 55 mph.  Unplugged the Scan Guage and the problem went away.  Plugged it back in to make sure, and it is a direct relationsip between the device being attached and the engine running poorly.  

It does indicate a 'high idle motor' condition, even after the idle motor was replaced.  Oh, and before the Scan Guage.  Check engine light comes back after a reset with that condition reported.  

Unfortunately, had bought it and let it sit until getting around to the installtion, so the return/service period has expired.

All this said, I'm sure it is a great device and that it SHOULD be working just fine.  Every connection's been jiggled and checked, directions reviewed and triple checked, even shook the chicken bone rattle with the black feathers at it and still no joy.

Any suggestions?  I'm hoping for a "did you push the hidden button" kind of thing . . .

It will be brought along to Quartszite in January for the folks with the 100 pound brains in attendance to look it over and we'll have a ceremony- either a celebration or a burial . . .

 

[Diesel4Life]

Vacilador,
Sorry to hear of your trouble, but ScanGauge can not create a problem. It can only reports issues i.e. diagnostic codes and monitor operating and performance conditions. I have these installed on personal vehicles, 7.3. 6.0 & 2 TDI's as well as numerous family and friends vehicles over many years. And have never had anything but stellar results. Sounds like your issue lies elsewhere. Does this issue happen when another code reader is connected? 

ScanGauge has great customer service.
Contact Us
1-888-433-5664
Mon - Fri, 8am to 4pm, MST

Encourage & Empower others, and stop feeding the beast. I try to lift up my fellow man, so that he can see above the heard mentality and realize the real world that exist beyond.

 

[frater secessus]

I have a scangauge and love it.

But since then there are also bluetooth dongles that plug into the OBDii and display the data on smartphone/tablet. They are around $15 on amazon, much cheaper than even the Scangauge. So if you have an old phone leftover after an upgrade you could run it on a dashmount as a display.

And since the old phone is on the dash maybe run a dashcam app in the background. I run Autoguard for android on a leftover phone I had in the drawer. It will run in the background and recycle old video when the sdcard gets full.

So there you go: ODBii real-time stats and dashcam combined for about $20.

 

[speedhighway46]

I just had the same problem Vacildor described, except on a 7.3 Ford diesel. It has been running great for 165,000 miles and 13 years. Plugged in a friends OBDII reader and immediately started running rough and stalling. Unplugged it and it ran better, but still not right.

Guess I'll go to Autozone and have them read it; if that doesn't fix it I'll guess I'll go get screwed at my local Ford dealer.

Interesting . . .

 

[highdesertranger]

Ford diesels have a proprietary OBDII. the plug looks just like the others but the pin outs are different. you MUST have the correct scanner to read. this is an example of what I was talking about, you HAVE to know exactly what you are doing. highdesertranger