There is a wealth of information available on the On-Board-Diagnostic version 2 or OBD2 system that has been installed on cars sold in the U.S. and Canada since 1996. Now, you can access it while driving using the ScanGaugeII from Linear Logic.
Called a "3-in-One" gauge, the ScanGuageII includes a Trip Computer, Digital Gauges and the Scan Tool. In the Trip Computer mode, the display shows average and maximum speed, driving time and distance, maximum coolant temperature, engine RPM, fuel used, trip fuel economy and distance, time and fuel amount to empty.
The Digital Gauges provides real-time, fuel economy and rate, battery voltage, coolant and air intake temperatures, engine and car speed, manifold pressure, engine load, throttle position, and ignition timing. This feature is great for monitoring your driving habits to get the most mpgs.
The Scan Tool displays trouble codes for diagnosing potential problems before they become expensive repair jobs. The ScanGaugeII functions like a conventional scan tool and can be used to read error codes, and the conditions present when the error occurred. It can also be used to turn off the "CHECK ENGINE" light.
The non-volatile memory will store data for up to a day, such as how fast and far your teenager drove, and if it was disconnected. Other features include slow, normal and fast update rates; HOME key to quickly return to the start screen; user settable back-lit display colors; back-lit display and keys; today, yesterday and tank trip data automatically saved, and automatic power-up when engine is started. Installation is very simple. Connect the cable to the vehicle's OBD2 port, turn on the ignition and the ScanGaugeII is automatically connected to the car's computer.
The connection port is usually under the dash and just to the right or left of the steering column. Once operating, enter the engine size, gas tank capacity and type of fuel used. You can chose between English or metric measurements.
The gauge's LCD screen shows four parameters at a time. The unit is 4.8" wide, 1.5" high and 1.0" deep and can be attached to dash using the pieces of Velcro included. The detachable cable allows for easy portability from car to car, and you can purchase extra cables.
The list price of $169.95 includes shipping. The company's website, www.scangaugeII.com, has a complete listing of cars for which the ScanGaugeII can be used, some dating back to 1994 models. Also look at the emissions stickers under the hood to see if it says OBD2 or OBD II.
For those who like to read computer manuals, there is 32-page manual that will allow the display of the maximum amount of information available from the OBDII system, as well as for troubleshooting. However, the print in the manual is quite small.
