Mod to get better MPG

[flinchlock]

We have a 1998 Pontiac Transport that has a DIC. Before you ban me from this forum, the DIC is the "Driver Information Center" (see page 2-99 in the owners manual).

A few years back we hauled our 5x8 covered trailer containing my buddies ATV 2011 miles (one-way) to NW Montana and I used the DIC to watch what gear and speed was best for gas mileage.

Our new 2007 Tundra (purchased Aug 2007) does not have a DIC.

In the mean time, I have been reading lots and lots of good things about an after market DIC => http://www.scangauge.com/

I paid $149.95 (no tax and free shipping) for the ScanGuage.Works On 1996 or Newer Vehicles
Including: Gas, Diesel, Propane and Hybrid Vehicles

I have the ScanGuage installed (took less than 60 seconds and NO tools or opening the hood), but really can not provide any MPG savings info until after our month long Michigan-California-Montana-Michigan trip in June.

Mike

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

I've been playing with this in my Jetta as well. I haven't hooked it up to the truck yet, but will do that when we go on a long trip with it.

You can also create your own XGuages too. I've added transmission temperature, Distance to Empty and a few other combinations of Fuel monitoring.

 

[flinchlock]

You can also create your own XGuages too. I've added transmission temperature, Distance to Empty and a few other combinations of Fuel monitoring.
YES, it is very amazing you can create/store an additional 25 XGauges!

Mike

 

[Rockjok]

I picked up a scangauge from Amazon a couple weeks ago and I think it will definitely be worth the investment.

I had some (ignorant) problems with installation. Neither manuals I had for my S10 gave a location for the OBD socket. After an exhaustive web search I found the best description of "just below the instrument panel to the left of the steering column". Even tho' I thought it should be easily accessible I ended up taking the dash apart and an hour of searching later I was about to bag the whole idea. I dropped a screw and discovered the socket was near the floor near the parking brake. DUH!!! Anyway it would have taken about 30 seconds to install and it worked great immediately.

My tires are a bit larger than the stock size and, with the smooth automatic transmission, a quiet engine, and no tach, it's hard to tell whether I'm in 3rd or 4th gear. It's nice to have the scanguage on the dash since I've got an almost instaneous readout of rpm and mpg.

On my typical commute to work I've discovered that I can get 18 mpg at 65 mph versus 13 mpg at the 55 mph I used to drive to "conserve gas". This has convinced me that I need to go back to the smaller stock size tires in order to be able to "hold" 4th gear at lower speeds.

I haven't played much with the x-gauges yet but I was definitely surprised at all the info that is available.

Rob

 

[flinchlock]

I had some (ignorant) problems with installation.
It took me about five minutes to find it and mine was right in my face as I lay under the dash. Another DUH!!

On my typical commute to work I've discovered that I can get 18 mpg at 65 mph versus 13 mpg at the 55 mph I used to drive to "conserve gas". This has convinced me that I need to go back to the smaller stock size tires in order to be able to "hold" 4th gear at lower speeds.
WOW, is that interesting!

Yup, a super gizmo!

Mike

 

[ScottBailey]

ScanGaugeII or other option?

So, I'm looking at my instrument cluster's volt gauge... And holy #@$%! I have 2 temp gauges (trany and engine?) but no volt gauge! Maybe it's time for a little more info...

Is the consensus that ScanGaugeII is the way to go?

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

Scott,

I'll have it in the truck on Thursday if you would like to check it out. Are we still on for 10 or so?

Kyle

 

[EdoHart]

I don't have a Scan-guage, but they seem pretty cool

While I don't have a scan-gauge, from what I have read, they are a great way to access all of your vehicle's sensors (it's amazing how many there are). I'm surprised it doesn't have a built in voltage gauge, but maybe the manufacturers only meant for it to be used while the engine is running, hence voltage isn't a consideration. For getting better fuel economy, the cheapest solution is probably to put an egg between your foot and the right most pedal, then drive so as not to break the egg.

 

[ScottBailey]

Good deal!

Scott,

I'll have it in the truck on Thursday if you would like to check it out. Are we still on for 10 or so?

Kyle

Yep. 10 is good. I'll check it out.

 

[Kilroy]

Scan-Gauge does show voltage. you get to pick which four readouts you want on the screen at one time. I've found mine very useful.

It's amazing the mileage difference if you can avoid having to stop or slow down very much. Really pays to try to time traffic lights if your not interrupting traffic. My mileage in Tundra across town is about 13 if I catch a lot of lights, about 18 if I time them (get lucky).


While I don't have a scan-gauge, from what I have read, they are a great way to access all of your vehicle's sensors (it's amazing how many there are). I'm surprised it doesn't have a built in voltage gauge, but maybe the manufacturers only meant for it to be used while the engine is running, hence voltage isn't a consideration. For getting better fuel economy, the cheapest solution is probably to put an egg between your foot and the right most pedal, then drive so as not to break the egg.