www.ScanGauge.com User Manual Plugs into the diagnostic connector already built into all 1996 or newer cars and light trucks. Version 6.
WARNING Use of the ScanGauge while driving could lead to an accident and serious injuries. The primary attention of the driver should always be on safe driving. As with any gauge or other instrumentation system in a motor vehicle, the information should be observed as part of a normal sequence of observations performed in the operation of the vehicle. Changes to the selections in the ScanGauge should only be made when it is safe to do so. The driver must remain attentive to driving the vehicle.
Installing the ScanGauge 4 ScanGauge Overview 5 Basic Operation and Features 6 Installation 8 Setup and Calibration 10 Basic Setup Options 11 Advanced Setup Options 14 Backlight Display 18 Calibration 20 Operating Your ScanGauge 22 Digital Gauges 23 Trip Computers 26 Scan Tool 33 Advanced Features 37 X-GAUGE™ 38 Performance Monitor™ 44 Custom Commands 50 Troubleshooting 52 Where to Get Support 53 View Firmware Version of Your ScanGauge 55 Reset Your ScanGauge 56 Rea
Installing the ScanGauge The ScanGauge is simple to install and requires no additional power source other than the OBD II connector. There are, however, some important considerations when choosing a location for your ScanGauge. Please see the Installation section for detailed information. ScanGauge Overview 5 Basic Operation and Features 6 Locating the OBDII Connector 8 Mounting Your ScanGauge 8 Connecting Your ScanGauge 8 Important Installation Considerations 9 4 — www.ScanGauge.
ScanGauge Overview Package Contents • ScanGauge • Velcro® Strips • 6ft OBDII Cable • User Manual • Quick Start Guide Front Side A C B D Back G F E H A. Function/Selection Button B. Function/Selection Button C. Function/Selection Button D. Function/Selection Button E. HOME Button Use the HOME Button to quickly get back to the Home Screen F. LCD Display Screen Displays the information the ScanGauge records G. OBDII Connection Plug Primary OBDII connector H.
Basic Operation and Features Menu and Selection Buttons The ScanGauge interface is made up of 5 buttons; one HOME and 4 function/select buttons. The HOME button, located in the lower right corner of the front face and marked with a red circle, has a single function — to display the Home Screen. Pushing the HOME button will always display the Home Screen as shown to the right. Example Screens < $3.
User Programmable Commands Up to 10 commands can be generated, edited, saved and sent to the vehicle computer. This allows for future codes and some special commands to be added by the user. Flash Memory The ScanGauge uses a type of memory that doesn’t require batteries or a source of power to maintain. This means that your settings will not be lost if you disconnect the vehicle battery or disconnect the ScanGauge.
Installation 1. Locate the OBDII connector. This connector is normally located under the dash on either side of the steering column. It can also be located under the dash on the passenger side in some vehicles. On rare occasions it is behind the ashtray in the dash or in the armrest. It may have a cover on it that can be pulled off by hand. Typical OBDII connector location 2. Locate a place for the ScanGauge.
communicate with the vehicle. Communications can be established with the key in the Run position, even if the engine is not actually running. It could take up to 60 seconds for the connection to be made after the unit is plugged in with the key in the Run position. While establishing communications, the screen will display: Connecting... Up to 60 seconds Connecting Screen MORE> Home Screen If it does not stop saying “Connecting...
Set Up and Calibrate Your ScanGauge To get the most out of your ScanGauge, it is important to follow the setup and calibration procedures to ensure your ScanGauge reports accurate information. This section outlines the various setup options and provides detail information about calibrating the ScanGauge for the most accurate readings.
Setting Up Your ScanGauge Initial Setup Overview To properly use your ScanGauge, you must first set up the vehicle parameters. Basic setup parameters include engine size, fuel tank size, fuel type and unit of measure. Advanced parameters are also available and are covered later in this chapter. Access the Setup Options
Basic Setup Parameters Setup Parameter Distance Units Fuel Units Display DISTANCE FUEL UNITS Options Description Miles Kilometers The Setup Parameters include multiple units of measure settings, including Distance, Fuel, Temperature and Pressure. Gallons Liters Temperature Units TEMP UNITS Fahrenheit (˚F) Celsius (˚C) Pressure Units Engine Size PRESSURE UNITS PSI KPA ENGINE SIZE 0.0 - 9.9 (Liters) Each is set independently of the other and can be used in any combination.
Can the ScanGauge use Imperial Gallons? ScanGauge uses gallons as a unit label, not a unit of measurement. Because of this, it can read in either US or Imperial Gallons without conversion. Make sure all units entered into ScanGauge are consistent, and the readings should remain accurate for US or Imperial Gallons.
Advanced Setup Options Advanced Setup Overview The Advanced Setup Options provide additional setup parameters you can use to adjust the functions and features of the ScanGauge to suit both your vehicle and your preferences. ScanGauge provides a number of advanced setup parameters, including the ability to adjust the reported speed to compensate for oversized tires and the ability to set the fuel cutoff level, as well as the update rate at which ScanGauge reports data.
Advanced Setup Parameters Setup Parameter Display Options Slow Normal Fast Description Sets the rate in which ScanGauge reports data. See below. Data Update Rate UPDATE RATE Speed Adjustment SPEED -100%-100% Sets the speed offset to compensate for inaccurate speed readings. See page 15 and 16. Fuel Cutoff Setting CUTOFF 0-99 (Default: 24) Sets the fuel cutoff level. See page 16. Parameter Identification Descriptor method PIDS ALL Supported Sets the PID method. See page 16.
wear or any other factor that may affect the accuracy of your vehicle’s speedometer. It is important to note that this adjustment only affects the ScanGauge’s indicated speed and distances, and it does not affect the vehicle speedometer or odometer readings. While viewing the SPEED Screen, the lower left and right function buttons can be used to increase or decrease the selected adjustment in 1% steps. The upper line displays the word SPEED and a percentage. The percentage is the adjustment factor.
LHK Liters per Hundred Kilometers (LHK) is a popular way to express fuel economy in Europe. < LHK > < ON > By default, ScanGauge will express fuel economy in LHK, provided you have set fuel to LITERS and distance to KILOMETERS as outlined in the Basic Setup procedure (see page 12). If you would prefer fuel economy to be express as Kilomiter Per Liter (KPL), set the LHK parameter to OFF.
Backlight Display Backlight Display Options You can customize the backlight display of your ScanGauge. Options include the ability to set the intensity of the backlight, choose a standard built-in color for the backlight, and create your own custom color. Access the Display Options To access the Display Options Screen, press the function button next to MORE on the Home Screen. Next, press the function button next to DISPLAY.
Change the Backlight Color Use the lower left and right function buttons to cycle through the available colors.
Calibrating Your ScanGauge Improving the Accuracy of Your ScanGauge The accuracy of your ScanGauge can be improved by calibrating the fuel consumption. Calibrating your ScanGauge to accurately report fuel consumption is a 2-step process: your first fill-up and your second fill-up. While both steps involve using the FILLUP function of your ScanGauge, the procedures for Step 1 and Step 2, vary slightly from each other. Please read carefully.
Helpful Calibration Tips: • When filling the tank on your second fill-up, try to use the same pump you used for your first fill-up with the vehicle pointed in the same direction. If you fill up your fuel tank with your vehicle on an incline, it can have an effect on the amount of fuel the pump can dispense into your tank. • When filling your tank, let the pump shut off automatically. Do not top off.
Operating Your ScanGauge The ScanGauge features a simple and easy-to-use, menu-driven design. After each button is pressed, new selections will appear in the display prompting you for what can be done next. The HOME button (button with a red circle around it) will take you back to the starting point at any time, or activate the ScanGauge if asleep.
Digital Gauges Digital Gauges Overview The ScanGauge can display up to 4 digital gauges at a time. The gauges are updated in real time when your vehicle is running and can be used to monitor the operating condition of your vehicle. Access the Digital Gauges From the Home Screen, pressing the button next to GAUGE causes the display to change to show the currently selected gauges. Home Screen MORE> 1937RPM 16.2MPG 55MPH 3.
Gauge Abbreviations The following table shows what the gauge names. In some cases, the unit selections made in the Basic Setup Parameters (see page 12) will determine the gauge abbreviations. The information available will vary from vehicle to vehicle. If the information is not available for a certain gauge, no data will be shown for it. If the same gauge is selected for more than one position, only one of them will show data (if it is available).
Add Custom Gauges The ScanGauge features the exclusive X-GAUGE™ programmable gauge system allowing you to add custom, vehicle specific gauges to the digital gauge set. For an overview of the X-GAUGE™ system, see page 37. For an up-to-date list of known X-GAUGE™ codes, visit us online at: www.ScanGauge.com/support Gauge Name Description VLT Battery Voltage Normal running battery voltage is between 13 and 15. When the engine is off it should be between 11 and 13.
Trip Computers Trip Computer Overview The ScanGauge features 4 built-in trip computers. The trip computers automatically store a set of useful information about the trips you have taken in your vehicle and are updated in real time as you drive.
Accessing the Trip Computers From the Home Screen, press the lower left function button next to TRIP, then push the function button next to TRIPS to access the trip computers. Pushing the lower left function button allows you to cycle through the available trip computers. MORE> TRIP FUNCTIONS > < RESET> 14.3 MPG Previous Day’s Trips < > 175.
Time-based Trip Computers The Current Trip (CURRENT), Today’s Trip (TODAY) and Previous Day’s Trip (PREVIOUS DAY) computers all track similar information for different time periods. The ScanGauge automatically records trip data as you operate your vehicle. In addition, the information from the Current Trip is automatically transferred to the Today’s Trip each time you shut off your vehicle for more than 3 minutes.
Resetting Current Trip Data The Current Trip data is automatically reset after about 3 minutes of the ScanGauge being asleep — generally after the vehicle has been shut off. When this happens, the data stored in the Current Trip will automatically be transferred to the Today’s Trip. < 12.3 MPG RESET> Push the lower right button to rest all trip data for the CURRENT trip You can reset the trip data at any time for the Current Trip computers.
Tank and Tank to Empty Trip Computers The Tank Trip shows different types of information in some cases from the other trips. The Tank Trip substitutes TANK TO EMPTY data in place of MAXIMUM data. For instance, the Tank Trip can show you MPG as well as the distance and the amount of time you have traveled on the current tank of fuel. In contrast, the TANK TO EMPTY trip data will show you the amount of remaining fuel in your tank and the approximate distance and time you can travel before needing to refuel.
this higher fuel efficiency to the fuel remaining in the tank can actually result in more remaining distance. If you drive slower than the average speed of the tank so far, the time to empty can increase. To maintain accurate To Empty information, you must use the following FILLUP procedure shown under Filling Up Your Tank to indicate the vehicle tank has been refilled. It is also necessary to fill the tank to make the TO EMPTY information correct.
There will be variations in the agreement of the pump fuel used and the ScanGauge indicated fuel use from tank to tank due to: • • • • • Different shutoff levels of the fuel pumps Different tilt of the vehicle at the fuel pump due to ground slope or vehicle loading Different temperature of the fuel (changes density – best to refill in the morning when the fuel is colder) Variations in vehicle sensors due to temperature and time Pump accuracy limits These are just some of the variables that limit absolute
Scan Tool Scan Tool Overview The ScanGauge features a built-in Scan Tool that you can use to view and clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), view the parameters that were present when a Trouble Code was logged, and turn off the Check Engine light. Access the Scan Tool From the Home Screen, press the function button next to SCAN to access the built-in Scan Tool. When you press SCAN, the ScanGauge immediately checks your vehicle’s computer for any DTCs.
What to Do if DTCs Are Found If you your vehicle’s Check Engine light is on, that’s a good indication that your vehicle may be storing Trouble Codes (DTCs). If ScanGauge indicated it has found stored DTCs, you can access the specific code numbers and related Parameter Identification Descriptors (PIDs), also known as Freeze Data, if data was captured when the trouble occurred.
Pending Trouble Codes and Force Clear If no codes are found, you may still have Pending Trouble Codes. Pending Trouble Codes are DTCs that your vehicle’s computer has detected but may not yet have triggered a DTC. Pending DTCs can be viewed and cleared in much in the same way other DTCs can be. After scanning your vehicle and getting a NO CODES FOUND result, press the lower right function button next to MORE. This will scan your vehicle for Pending DTCs.
problem is to do a search on the Trouble Code and the type of vehicle. For instance, searching for “P0401 Ford” will return not only the code definition but also information on the cause and cure. When you find a list of codes for your vehicle, it would be a good idea to print them out and keep them in the glove compartment for future reference. It is comforting when you are on a trip and the Check Engine light comes on to be able to read the code and determine if it is a critical problem or not.
Advanced Features The ScanGaugeII includes a number of advanced features and functions, such as the exclusive X-GAUGE™ programmable gauge system, the built-in vehicle Performance Monitor™ and the ability to send your vehicle’s ECU Custom Commands.
X-GAUGE™ Overview TM While all OBDII compliant vehicles supply a “standard” set of data that ScanGauge can read, some makes and models of vehicles can supply additional information beyond the standard set of data. Your ScanGauge features the exclusive X-GAUGE™ Programmable Gauge System that provides you a method to tap into this additional information.
The X-GAUGE Home Screen From the X-GAUGE Screen, pressing the upper left and upper right buttons allows you to cycle through the 25 available memory slots (0-24). Each memory slot can store an individual X-GAUGE. If the memory slot is in use, the 3-letter name for the gauge will be shown in the top line next to the memory number. If no name is shown, this memory slot is not being used.
Programming Your Own X-GAUGE Step 1 - Select an Empty Memory Slot Start by selecting an empty memory slot by using the upper left and right buttons. Next, press the EDIT button. Step 2 - Enter the TXD Data The TXD on the lower line means that the value being entered is the command that will be transmitted to the vehicle’s computer. IMPORTANT: Entries must be an even number of characters. If an odd number of characters is entered, a 0 will be appended to the string to make it even.
Step 5 - Enter the MTH Data The MTH (math) screen tells the ScanGauge the math needed to scale and/or offset the value received for the X-GAUGE entry screens. When you’re done, press the OK button to proceed to the next step. Step 6 - Give Your Gauge a Name The Name Screen allows you to input a 3-letter designator for the name of the gauge you are making. This screen allows a complete ASCII set of characters to be used. This includes punctuation and symbols. You can give the gauge any 3-character name.
X-GAUGE saved in that memory slot. Saving the new X-GAUGE in that particular slot will overwrite any X-GAUGE data already present in that memory slot. Once you have the desired memory slot selected, press lower right function button next to SAVE. All the data will be written to that X-GAUGE memory slot, leaving the previously selected memory slot unchanged. Disabling an X-GAUGE To disable an X-GAUGE already in memory, start as if you were going to edit the gauge.
Steps 4 and 5 Do not make any changes to the RXD and MTH screens. Simply press the lower right function button next to OK until you reach the name screen. Available Trip Parameters Parameter Trip Name Step 6 Enter a name for your new X-GAUGE. For this example, we used TDT for Time Driven Today. When you’re done, press the lower right function button next to OK, to move to the next screen.
Performance Monitor Overview The Performance Monitor™ provides the ability to track the performance of your vehicle over short periods of time, distance and acceleration. You can also designate a specific digital gauge to track, as well as store and recall the recorded data. You can think of the Performance Monitor as a performance-based Trip computer with a specialized purpose. TM Accessing the Performance Monitor Features From the Home Screen, press the lower left function button next to TRIP.
Recording a Performance Run To record a Performance Run you must first arm your ScanGauge. Arming the ScanGauge is easy—simply press the lower right function button next to ARM. Arming the ScanGauge ScanGauge will enter the Armed state and begin monitoring your speed. The Performance Monitor uses a MPH trigger to determine when to begin recording. The ScanGauge will remain in the Armed state until a change in your speed is detected.
Accessing the Performance Monitor™ Data There are multiple ways to access the data screens. You can view the data immediately after a Performance Run from the Postrun screen. You can also access the most recent run currently in temporary memory from the Performance Monitor Home Screen. In addition, you can recall and load a saved Performance Run from the Memory Screen. Access Data Immediately After a Performance Run Once a Performance Run is complete, the ScanGauge will display the Postrun Screen.
Reading Performance Monitor™ Data The data the Performance Monitor records can be read through the DATA screen. The data screen displays the speed, distance and elapsed time for each data point. A data point is generated each time the Performance Monitor records data.
Step-through Parameters and Recording Rates Parameters Display Step Thru Intervals Time T Data is recorded and can be viewed incrementally every: - 0.2 seconds with MONITOR Turned OFF - 0.
Save A Performance Run You can save a Performance Run for later review. ScanGauge provides storage slots for up to 8 Performance Runs in the Memory Screen. You can save a Performance Run anytime after it has been recorded - the most recent run will remain in temporary memory until you either rearm the Performance Monitor or until ScanGauge is turned off or unplugged.
Custom Commands Function Custom Commands Overview The Custom Commands function allows you to create and save any arbitrary commands and then send those commands to your vehicles ECU for a response. This advanced function can be especially useful when troubleshooting communication issues between your ScanGauge and your vehicle’s ECU as well as for those individuals who are familiar with the OBDII protocols.
The Commands Home Screen From the Commands Home Screen, pushing the upper left and upper right buttons allows you to cycle through available memory slots. Each memory slot can store an individual command.
Troubleshooting This section provides basic troubleshooting information. For more comprehensive information, please visit us online at: www.ScanGauge.com/support. Basic Troubleshooting 53 View Firmware Version 55 Reset Your ScanGauge 56 Read or Set the Operating Mode 57 52 — www.ScanGauge.
Basic Troubleshooting Where to Get Support Below is a list of the more common troubleshooting tips. For a more comprehensive list of troubleshooting tips, tricks and frequently asked questions, please visit us online. Online: www.ScanGauge.com/support www.facebook.com/ScanGauge Toll Free: 1-888-433-5664 E-mail: support@linear-logic.com Problem Possible Cause Solutions Nothing displayed and no backlight Vehicle has a blown fuse Replace blown vehicle fuse.
Problem Possible Cause Solutions Unable to clear trouble codes Vehicle is not responding to the Clear Codes command Sometimes multiple attempts are needed to clear the codes. You may also try clearing the codes with the vehicle not running, and the key in the on position. Some vehicles don’t respond properly to the Clear Codes command and the codes cannot be cleared by the ScanGauge.
Problem Possible Cause Solutions Some gauges are blank Some sensors are not used in the vehicle or data is not reported by ECU About 10% of vehicles show FPR and 50% show MAP. 1995-1999 Subarus don’t show intake air temperature. Some Ford diesels don’t show coolant temperature. For a compressive compatibility list, please visit: www.ScanGauge.com/support View Firmware Version of Your ScanGauge From the Home Screen, push the lower right function button twice next to MORE.
Reset Your ScanGauge You can reset your ScanGauge to factory defaults and clear all custom settings and saved data. To Reset Your ScanGauge From the Home Screen, push the lower right function button twice next to MORE. Next, use the upper left and right function buttons to cycle through the available options until you reach the screen titled; Use Defaults??. To begin the process, push the lower left function button next to YES. The next screen will ask you to confirm the reset.
Read or Set the Operating Mode ScanGauge allows you to view the operating mode your ScanGauge is using to communicate with your vehicle’s ECU. You may also manually set the mode.
Notes: 58 — www.ScanGauge.
Troubleshooting 59
Limited Warranty Linear Logic will repair this product with new or rebuilt parts, free of charge, for a period of 3 years from the date of original purchase in the event of a defect in materials or workmanship. Warranty Service can be obtained by sending the product to: Linear Logic LLC ATTN: Warranty Service 2222 S Dobson Rd Suite 800 Mesa, AZ 85202 Include your name, address, telephone number and/or e-mail address along with a copy of the Receipt or Packing List.
