Engine Temp Info/Gauge

You need to get a Prius aware OBD2 scanner. There are several that can display engine/car data in real time:

1. ScanGauge2 - Simple display of up to for data items for about $150
2. Torque Pro - An Android app for $5 plus you need a Bluetooth OBD2 dongle ($15 - $50) and an android phone/tablet.
3. Priidash - A somewhat "techy" free windows/Linux application that will run on any pc/tablet but again you need a Bluetooth dongle.

JeffD

 

welcome, all the best!

 

And where would I be able to buy a ScanGauge2 for $15?

 

there is no temp gauge on the car, but you'll get a warning if you overheat. more concerning is the hybrid battery, make sure you keep the a/c on when the outside temp is hot. if you're comfortable, so is your battery.

 

This is not meant to "rub your noses in it" but the CMax has both a user selectable engine temperature and tachometer available in a custom display. My guess is they saw enough concern among other hybrid owners to included them.

 

AFAIK, no that won't happen.

As mentioned earlier, you can get a scangauge for around $150 but there is another alternative that I used on my 2010 for only $60. It has tons of gauges including three important ones: engine temp, tachometer, and voltage meter. If you have the diligence to calibrate it, it can also be a much more accurate fuel economy computer too; however, it can't program things like the scangauge can.

UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center

 

Corrected, left off a zero

JeffD

 

Agree, there should be an option for that in one of the display tabs. RPM, coolant temp, and 12V battery voltage should be included as a minimum.

 

I wouldn't bother asking for a temp. gauge based on what other cars have. You do know that they are designed to not respond to the -actual- temp. until it's too high don't you? When they put in -real- gauges customers get worried, as they can then see the coolant temperature vary all over the place as they drive. Causes busy service departments.
The Prius has a light that will come on if the temperature gets too high. We just never see it. Watch for it when you first turn on the Prius.
I have a Scangauge II, which works well.

 

The lack of a temperature gauge in the Prius drove me batsh*t crazy, too at first.

I bought my Prius at a dealership over 900 miles from where I lived and drove it home in two days, including a lot of hilly terrain to visit Mt Rushmore on the way back. I was pretty worried when we stopped and I had no idea where the engine temp was.

So now I am stalking a Scangauge--just haven't convinced myself to spend that much yet.

 

I've driven in very hot conditions, over 100 Deg F. The temp rarely goes over 91 degrees C. (Ultra Gauge and Scan Gauge 2)

 

Here's where I placed my SG2


Mike

Mobile on my SGH-i717

 

Like your scan gauge installation. Looks neat.

 

Mine is mounted in the same place. It seems like the ideal location. Easy to read without having to take your eyes of the road.
As far as temperature goes, my Prius never gets hot enough to worry about. I've driven mine through the heart of Nevada at 107 degrees for 8 hours and the engine temp. stayed stable and in the normal range for the whole time. This was also with the A/C running the whole time. The trip consisted of 2400 miles through some of the most inhospitable terrain in the western USA. And to add, it did it averaging 52.4 MPG. One amazing car, for sure!!!

 

It is not during normal operation that one has to worry about the engine temperature.

It is ABNORMAL operation than can kill your engine--radiator leak, water pump broken, etc.

I have had both occur in vehicles in the past (ok, the radiator problem was because a dealership left the radiator cap off, but it's the same effect as a leak).

So it is nice to be able to watch that temperature in advance of the dummy light coming on, in hopes of getting a little more advance warning that something might be going awry.

A Prius will got hot enough to worry about with the right mechanical failure.