Fitting Scan Guage

Hi

I also have a BT50 and I leave my scan gauge connected all the time.


Very easy to install - they are great

Richard.

Hi Dodger,

Yes, that's what it's for, though you can leave it portable if you wish for use in other vehicles.

If you make a permanent or semi-permanent installation make sure you leave enough slack at the diagnostic plug end of the cable for service people to remove the Scangauge plug and get it out of the way for their own equipment to plug in.

Also, I frequently find that service people don't plug it back in when they've finished at the diagnostic port ;-)

Cheers

Actually that's a good question, I leave a similar unit plugged into my Prado all the time but having a computer background I have often wondered about the extra processing load it places on the engine management CPU?

All processors have a limited processing ability and they use high low bit count CPU's to handle the high speed computations required for real time engine management etc.

I don't know if in car systems they have a separate CPU for the diagnostic functions or if the engine CPU does the lot?

If it does then load could be an issue at times but then the software may simply shed excess load caused by the diagnostic I/O.

Maybe if ocoolone is following this he could add some value?

I used to have one in my 4wd ( now in a Hyundai Elantra ) , and now run an Ultragauge, which does the same stuff ( and more )..
Don't use 1/2 the features as most computer settings ( fuel economy etc ) are affected by the chip I run, but the engine temp would be the most important feature, plus the ability to read and delete engine fault codes..

Mine is plugged into the Prado all the time and I find the most useful part is the Auto Trans temp gauge and engine temp.

Cheers Rod

I have run a Scangauge II in a 2007 Defender an have run it in my 2012 Mazda BT 50 and now run an Ultragauge in the BT 50. Both work fine, give useful information and are handy for clearing fault codes.

I have not experienced any adverse problems with the electronics of the vehicle and I run them the gauge all the time. The Ultragauge screen turns itself off and restarts itself if it get hot on the dash which is a pain.

I did see that at the last dealer service a service note was made on the invoice about a non genuine whatsit being plugged into the OBD port. If there is any warranty left on the vehicle, I would unplug it for service just in case they want an excuse to get out of warranty claims.

Apart from that, in my opinion, these sorts of devices are a must have item for electronic stuff that cars now have which just might save the day when you need to use it.Check internet sites for vehicle specific information. Just search Scangauge II or Ultragauge.

Gday Dodger,
Don't know anything about yr BT 50 but have a Scangauge II permanently attached (between Mazda service) to my 2012 BT 50 3.2 L. I bought it specifically to monitor auto trans temps. Great gadget and made me add an aftermarket bigger trans cooler to look after my tow vehicle. Now my ATT are cooler and as a result the engine runs cooler.

If you have an android phone take a look at "torque" it is about $3.00, and you need to buy a bluetooth ODB2 dongle on ebay for $20.

It leaves Scanguage for dead. You connect it wirelessly.

Graphs, digital readouts, dials, meters, etc etc all logged and georeferenced against your position for downloading to a PC. 0- 100km times, torque, RPM etc etc. Hundreds of parameters.

You can make up to about 8 screens each with your own design and layout. I have a temp page ( ATF, air intake, and coolant), an economy page ( average, instantaneous, since last fill) etc. As well as a few others.

There is a free version to look at too.

Thanks all.
I have purchased this one....Scan Guage and it is on the way.
I contacted the seller to make sure it would work in my 3ltr BT50 and was assurede it would.

Hmmmm, these sound very, very interesting, not to mention useful. I notice a few advertisers on ebay say it turns off check engine light, clears trouble codes, etc. Surely this would void the cars warranty? If not, I want one.