Scangauge II vs III

Anybody used both on a 3rd gen? I have found out the hard way I need to be monitoring my trans temps. It looks like the version II will do it, but with some annoying looking numeric code input and some potential trial and error to find a code that works. The version 3 appears to be truly plug and play, plug it in and the trans temp will come up with no tinkering, but the screen is so much bigger and obtrusive, and it's more expensive. Is that essentially the long and short of it? Has anybody had both? Preferences? Has anybody found a place to mount the III without obstructing the view out the window or mounted it anywhere else it doesn't get in the way? Thanks.

 

I haven't used the SG3 but the 2 works perfectly and mounts right on top of the steering column. I have been using one for years to monitor trans temp on my Tacoma and now Tundra. Entering the xgauge code for TFT isn't that hard and we know what the correct one is (need to find the other thread) and is only a one-time thing. That works like way old school texting from a phone number pad. Awkward, but takes only a few minutes.

Edit: there is only one trans PID in our Tundras, and IIRC the code that works is the first one in this table:

» TOYOTA – LEXUS – SCION (scangauge.com)

 

Why not just get a bluetooth adapter and OBDFusion or Torque Pro on your phone?

Toyota people are the only people I have seen that run ScanGauges lol.

 

Because it reads in real time, comes on with the ignition, and you don't need to futz with your phone or an app.

 

You'll have to decode that for me. I rode the shortbus to technology school. What Bluetooth adapter and what's OBD Fusion or Torque Pro? Some app? I need simple steps in simple English, please.

When it comes to vehicles, I struggle with tech. It' a tool, I just want it to work and do the job. I don't want to fight techy stuff.

 

Just get a scan gauge I guess then.

 

Dang, and for only $270!

 

Nope, ~$150. And my SG2 is 10 years old so that cost has been well amortized. ;-)

 

Hold on here, if there's an app or something that doesn't involve a separate screen or gadget I have to mount somewhere, I want to know about it. I'm sincere when I say I'd appreciate a dumbed down how-to on this.

 

Go big or go home. It just works.

 

Can Carista read trans temp? Or use it somehow with some other app? I already have that thingy (to disable the seatbelt chime and fake engine noise)

 

Carista cannot read the trans Temps from their app but I do use their dongle with the Car Scanner app and that does work.

 

Pardon my ignorance. So you plug the dongle in, and have to leave it plugged in, and then use the Car Scanner app on your phone to read the temps? And specifically which “Car Scanner” app? I see several.

 

Just know that ScanGague II if you need to have a firmware update flash, you have to send it back to them and pay a fee $25 (not sure if need to include return postage)
ScanGague is OTA update, so no issues there, but price is steep.

 

https://veepeak.com/



OBD2 reader plugs in the OBD port under your dash.

Fusion and Torque are apps that will display the gauges on your phone.

I was going to get the Scangauge as I wanted a dedicated readout and didn't want to have to mess with my phone.

I decided instead to upgrade the head unit in my truck to the big bitchen Kenwood that will display the gauges on the giant 10" screen.

Not the most cost effective way to get the info, but certainly the coolest. How's that one grab ya' Mass-Hole?

 

Thanks but since I already have a Carista, would like to figure out how to use it for this purpose.

 

I have the SGIII mounted just above the left vent equal with the grab handle. It's not in the view or obtrusive, but I am short so the seat is pretty far forward. I got it specifically for watching transmission temperature and completed a 5000 mile trip through the mountains in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico and never saw transmission temperature higher than the coolant temp and the coolant was never above 200 and was generally between 185 and 195. Last fall we didn't some exploring in the central Idaho mountains, climbing on a gravel road 2000 feet in about 4 miles finishing with about a mile that required 4lo. Unfortunately I didn't have the SGIII at that time, but got no high transmission temp alarms.

 

I'm interested in seeing hybrid battery charging rates and when the friction brakes kick in. I can kind of sense a jump in intensity when I think the friction brakes kick in, but not sure. I'd like to maximize my recharging when slowing. Is there a unit that will do that?

 

Any pictures of the install of the SG3? And what you used to mount it there with cable routing info?

I got my gauge yesterday and am looking at how I am going to place it in my 22 Limited.


Thanks in advance,
Mike