To Scanguage or Not to Scanguage?????

If you have an Android - there's an app called Torque that can help which could be a cheaper solution.

ScangaugeII is a useful tool when hypermiling because it gives the driver a finer level of feedback needed to tweak/ fine-tuning the accelerator pressure levels and the battery's state-of-charge.

If you are doing grill blocking in the winter - a ScangaugeII is useful for monitoring the coolant temperatures.

If you are not trying to be an expert hypermiler - you can get by with watching some of the online videos posted on the Priuschat.com forum on fuel economy which uses just using the Prius' HSI display.

 

I have both the ScanGauge and the cheaper Ultra Gauge. After running both I like the more expensive ScanGauge the best. It tends to be much more accurate than my Ultra Gauge. Both have lots of information that is useful in trying to improve mileage. Right now I am monitoring the RPM, engine Temp, Instant MPG, and voltage. Worth the money if trying to maximize mileage or just want to watch what is going on.
Dan

 

The better you can understand such things as coolant temperatures during warmup stages, the relationship of the MG and ICE torques, the power flows between battery and MG's, battery temps, etc. the more you will be able to understand how to improve mpg

 

That is what I meant to say.

 

I have one and use it every time I drive my car. I currently monitor engine temp, instant mpg, average trip mpg and RPM. I also disabled the backup/seat belt beep.

 

I use the Ultraguage instead, it's much cheaper in price and does a lot of the same things as the Scanguage. Looks better and matches the dash better, it also has a larger read out display. Just my two cents worth no need to start a guage flame.

 

You are correct about the Ultra Gauge. I just can't bring myself to get rid of mine, yet. It is a bit more complicated than the ScanGauge. I also found that mine was not as accurate as the ScanGauge. I suppose I just did not have it set up properly though. When my ScanGauge says I have .8 gallons remaining in the tank, that is what is in there. If the ScanGauge says I am getting 50 mpg, instant, that is what it is getting. The Ultra Gauge is more liberal. As stated, I don't think I had the Ultra Gauge set up to be accurate and the reason for that, it is a bit complicated. I think the Ultra Gauge is best product for the buck but the ScanGauge is what I like using.
Dan

 

I settled on 4 gauges with ours, after flip-flopping through what's in there, initially. Pretty mundane, but works for me. Basically filling in the gaps in the Prius instrumentation. They're:

1. Accumulating mpg (since start-up)
2. Instant mpg
3. RPM
4. Coolant Temp

They're all helpful for me. I know I could be using a lot more of it's resources. Maybe down the road.

 

Good Velcro on back of Ultra Gauge. Lesser sticky velcro on bottom of ScanGauge. UG is just above the steering column and the SG is mounted on the column.
Dan

 

Here's the website if you need to check it out: UltraGauge Automotive Information Center and OBDII Scan Tool I use the back clip with velcro to the dash just above the steering wheel that way I can take it off to hide it if I need to.

 

With ScanGage I put loops of masking tape (DIY double sided tape) on the underside, and pressed it down onto the dash, a bit beyond the steering wheel. This was meant to be temporary, but 1 year plus later, the method is working; I never switched over to the included velcro. Hasn't left any residue when I pull it off occasionaly. Maybe twice I've put new tape on. Likely woudn't work if you've used ArmorAll or similar on the dash.

 

so can you tell me how you disabled the seat belt beeper? iv looked into this and can not find one with this function? can ti=ou tell me the make and model and how you went about it pretty please i need mine of the dogs sending me round the bend please help me

 

I always wanted Scangauge, but couldn't justify the price having a wired interface to read codes already.
I just invested $15 for Bluetooth ELM interface and $5 Torque app for android and I'm more than pleased with the results. The only thing is tablet is not something you want to look at while driving.
I haven't disabled the reverse beep as I consider it a safety thing, but I wish it could be made softer.

 

No; you don't NEED a Scangauge, but if you like data, you'll really like the Scangauge.

 

Yup. It's a very nice educational instrument, but not by any means necessary.

If you ever have a family member or friend that suddenly finds themself starring at a engine-light, you can save the day by reading the code. That relieves some anxiety, giving them a heads up on what's really the problem. That easily helps justify the purchase. So far for me, I've done that 6 times now.

What I find most informative is the coolant temperature, since knowing when the engine will shut off or turn back on is really handy.

 

Amen