OBD Scanner for Trail Kit

[teotwaki]

For trail use, I would get one that has a screen that translates the code, rather than one that just gives you the code. Otherwise, any brand is the same these days. Expect to pay between $50 and $100.

I uses a Scanguage II.

I don't know of a small non-laptop computer unit that can correctly display all translations for non-standard or OEM specific codes. The Toyota OBD-II data stream has about 60 additional data words. So I bring a list of standard and Toyota codes with me.

Toyota codes

P1100 BARO Sensor Circuit.
P1120 Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Circuit.
P1121 Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Range/Performance Problem.
P1125 Throttle Control Motor Circuit.
P1126 Magnetic Clutch Circuit.
P1127 ETCS Actuator Power Source Circuit.
P1128 Throttle Control Motor Lock.
P1129 Electric Throttle Control System.
P1130 Air/Fuel Sensor Circuit Range/Performance. (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
P1133 Air/Fuel Sensor Circuit Response. (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
P1135 Air/Fuel Sensor Heater Circuit Response. (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
P1150 Air/Fuel Sensor Circuit Range/Performance. (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P1153 Air/Fuel Sensor Circuit Response. (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P1155 Air/Fuel Sensor Heater Circuit. (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P1200 Fuel Pump Relay Circuit.
P1300 Igniter Circuit Malfunction - No. 1.
P1310 Igniter Circuit Malfunction - No. 2.
P1335 No Crankshaft Position Sensor Signal - Engine Running.
P1349 VVT System.
P1400 Sub-Throttle Position Sensor.
P1401 Sub-Throttle Position Sensor Range/Performance Problem.
P1405 Turbo Pressure Sensor Circuit.
P1406 Turbo Pressure Sensor Range/Performance Problem.
P1410 EGR Valve Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction.
P1411 EGR Valve Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance.
P1500 Starter Signal Circuit.
P1510 Boost Pressure Control Circuit.
P1511 Boost Pressure Low.
P1512 Boost Pressure High.
P1520 Stop Lamp Switch Signal Malfunction.
P1565 Cruise Control Main Switch Circuit.
P1600 ECM BATT Malfunction
P1605 Knock Control CPU.
P1630 Traction Control System.
P1633 ECM.
P1652 Idle Air Control Valve Control Circuit.
P1656 OCV Circuit.
P1658 Wastegate Valve Control Circuit.
P1661 EGR Circuit.
P1662 EGR by-pass Valve Control Circuit.
P1780 Park/Neutral Position Switch Malfunction (Only For A/T)

[ExpoMike]

Scangauge II for the win!!!

I have actually reset codes on the trail. Later Cherokee's had a heat soak issue that can cause a temp misfire on startup and will throw a code. I like not having to look at the check engine light for the rest of the trip. Will allow me to see other codes and determine if it's still okay to drive or not.

I have it set to show 4 other gauge parameters to verify factory gauges. Tach, voltage, water temp and intake temp. I can change those as well.

These are a great asset for any late model rig.

[TangoBlue]

SC II for the last 3 years. But, I've never used it to decipher or clear codes. I don't have to -- its a Toyota Tacoma.

[bribassguy]

I'd vote for an Ultra Guage.

It's more of less the same thing as the Scan Gauge II but at 1/3 of the cost. I've read some review that saw it's better even. I picked the Ultra Gauge b/c to me it had a better screen. At around 60 bucks shipped it was really hard to beat... It will read and clear codes and pending codes just like a hand held but will also serve as a trip computer + Live gauges + warnings.

[teotwaki]

I'd vote for an Ultra Guage.

It's more of less the same thing as the Scan Gauge II but at 1/3 of the cost. I've read some review that saw it's better even. I picked the Ultra Gauge b/c to me it had a better screen. At around 60 bucks shipped it was really hard to beat... It will read and clear codes and pending codes just like a hand held but will also serve as a trip computer + Live gauges + warnings.

Please do a full review with pictures in a new thread. The UltraGuage has the same functionality as a ScanGuage but has a bigger screen that can have more displayed guages.

Some tech details are hidden in the "support" button at their website. Some of the buttons don't work.

Manual: http://ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/su...ser_manual.pdf

[Beowulf]

There are a few YouTubes on it.

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...tra+gauge&aq=f

[teotwaki]

There are a few YouTubes on it.

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...tra+gauge&aq=f

That is what made me want someone here to write it up. In one video it show the guy touching some buttons behind the display and it looked a bit akward. Also it illustrated how small the display may really be.

[Martinjmpr]

How much of a writeup do you want? I've been running an Ultra Gauge since October in 2 different cars (my 99 4runner and my DD 97 Mazda Protege.)

Right now it's back in the 4runner because I'm getting ready to put the Mazda in the shop. Nice thing about the UG is the "DTE" i.e. Distance To Empty which is my de facto gas gauge (3rd gen 4runners are notorious for having inacurrate gas gauges.)

The MPG readings are spot-on once you get calibrated for distance and MPG.

It's also fine for clearing codes. My Mazda throws a P0170 code all the time, I just reset and drive until it goes off again (from what I've seen on Mazda forums, P0170 is a fuel trim malfunction.)

Unfortunately, Ultra-Gauge's business practices are a little shady. They had proxies post a bunch of "reviews" on car-related message boards that were basically Spam.

The other thing is, their "rebate" is kind of a sham, they give you a convoluted process to go through and then they basically tell you that if you didn't get your rebate, it's because you did something wrong in the application process and they will not allow resubmissions nor will they tell you what you did wrong. So when you factor in the price, just understand that your chance of actually getting the rebate is maybe 2 out of 10.

Other than that, it's a great unit. Worked very well all Winter, looking forward to seeing how it does in Summer. Worked fine in Death Valley and MPG display remained very accurate.

EDIT: Here's a picture. The screen is a little smaller than my GPS (Garmin Nuvi 255w.)



The display is easy to see without being so bright it is distracting. Can also be seen in bright daylight even with sunglasses on.

[bribassguy]

The rebate is more like a quiz and a liability waiver... you have to read and answer questions correctly about the product to get it then sign a waiver and mail it in.

I didn't bother, the unit it self works great, the buttons aren't hard to reach. There's 3 on the back (basically up down and enter). It's very easy to use.

I can't complain about much and cant see spending 3-4 time extra for the $canGauge. I'm not going to do much more of a write up but if you have questions send me a PM.

[bribassguy]

The rebate is more like a quiz and a liability waiver... you have to read and answer questions correctly about the product to get it then sign a waiver and mail it in.

I didn't bother, the unit it self works great, the buttons aren't hard to reach. There's 3 on the back (basically up down and enter). It's very easy to use.

I can't complain about much and cant see spending 3-4 time extra for the $canGauge. I'm not going to do much more of a write up but if you have questions send me a PM.