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Generic OBD2 reader or a ScanGauge II?

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Vanguard

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2013 Odyssey EX-L RES
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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hey Odyclubbers,

I got my first P0740 code (tranny) last week. Tranny seems to be working fine. However, I am somewhat concerned about the code, and not too impressed to pay Honda $114 just to read a code for me. Time to buy an OBD2 code reader.

This is where I need an opinion and/or advice. I have shopped around for a code reader here in Canada and nobody seems to have them under $130. Does anyone know where to pick up a decent reader on the cheap? Seems like you can pick them up for $30-$60 in the US.

I am also wondering if anyone has tried a ScanGauge 2? I found this on another forum and it is available locally. The interesting thing about it is that you can hook it up to the OBD2 port and then leave it installed and use it as a real-time computer. It has up to 37 gauges available (only 4 display at a time). One of the gauges that caught my eye was transmission temp. Could be useful.

If anyone has tried one of these, are these gauges reliable and useful, or is it better to save a few bucks and stick with a basic ODB2 reader?

Thanks!
 
#3 ·
Hello Vanguard,

I use the ScanGuage II and think it works great. I haven't had any codes, but it is supposed to be able to give you information on those and allow you to reset them.

The main issue with using the ScanGuage II while driving is that if you have VCM, it is not accurate with fuel consumption, fuel left in the tank, and trip mileage. I think the other gauges work fine.

Since the Odyssey has a bad reputation of going through batteries, I monitor the battery voltage. I just noticed that the battery voltage, after resting overnight and before starting, had dropped to 12.4 volts. I charged the battery and now it only drops to 12.7 volts. Since 12.65 volts indicates the battery is 100% charged, my battery is doing well.

Batteries die when they are left undercharged and it seems that the Odyssey charging system is unable to keep the battery fully charged when the majority of trips are short. By watching this one gauge I can save the cost of the ScanGuage II by avoiding a premature battery failure.

On the other hand, if your only need is to review codes, any OBD2 reader will work.

Tom
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
SilverFoxCPF said:


The main issue with using the ScanGuage II while driving is that if you have VCM, it is not accurate with fuel consumption, fuel left in the tank, and trip mileage. I think the other gauges work fine.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback SilverFoxCPF. My 99 Ody EX does not have VCM, so that's not a concern. VCM is only in the higher end 05+ models, right?

I'm sort of leaning toward picking up a ScanGauge...I love gadgets. Glad to know it works as advertised. I like that it records not only the ODB2 code, but it also saves the RPM, engine load, throttle position, engine temp, speed, transmission temp, etc....the exact conditions that led to the CEL. That is very useful info that not even Honda can give me for a $100 diagnostic. I can pick one up at a shop here in Ottawa for $159 CDN....not much more than a standard ODB2 reader.

However, my budget-savy wife may insist on a cheaper basic reader...I'll have to watch the crappy tire flyer for mother's day sales :p

Thanks!
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Thanks for the update SilverFoxCPF.

Now why would Honda go and do that?!? Any conspiracy theories? :D

I guess that is why you should always read the fine print. I just read the fine print: "vehicle specific information is only able to be displayed on the ScanGauge if there is a sensor in the vehicle that monitors it."

Well, yes...that makes perfect sense. So Honda has no sensors in the tranny?

Is there any other gauges you have found that do not work with the Ody, or is it just the *conspiracy alert* transmission one(s)?

This device just got a little harder to justify as the transmission is my most prevalent concern at the moment. Still a very cool gadget though.:cool:
 
#7 ·
Transmission controller information is propriatary and not released to the public. Information read by most OBDII readers and scanners is limited to EPA mandated information which is mainly polution control information. When getting a diagnostic tool you have to decide what information you want. A code reader does just that. It reads out the primary codes and allows you to read them. A scanner reads out most of the engine information, sensors, which allows you to diagnose problems. A hand held scanner or code reader has limited saving capability. A computer (laptop) based scanner allows tou to save the scan information for future reference. If also allows advanced functions such as graphing sensors while driving. I can't comment on the scan guage as I have never used one so my knowlege is limited to what has been posted on this site.
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
Finally just bought a regular ODB2 code reader....they were on sale at Crappy Tire this week! Woohoo!

I actually had the CEL come on again and figured I would rather buy a 1/2 price ODB2 than pay Honda another $100 to pull the codes.

The code reader even sent me a report via email:

=== Stored Error Code(s) ===
Error Code: P0740

Freeze Frame Information:
1. DTC for which Freeze Frame was Stored - P0740.
2. Fuel System 1 Status - Closed Loop.
3. Fuel System 2 Status - Not Supported.
4. Calculated LOAD Value - 65.10 %.
5. Engine Coolant Temp - 183.20 °F.
6. Short Term Fuel Trim - Bank 1 - 2.34 %.
7. Long Term Fuel Trim - Bank 1 - -7.03 %.
8. Intake Manifold Absolute Pressure - 19.54 Inhg.
9. Engine RPM - 1,769.75 Rpm.
10. Vehicle Speed Sensor - 54.68 Mph.
11. Intake Air Temperature - 118.40 °F.
12. Absolute Throttle Position - 20.39 %.

Monitor Information:

1. MIL - ON.
2. Misfire Monitor - Complete.
3. Fuel System Monitor - Complete.
4. CCM Monitor - Complete.
5. Catalyst Monitor - Complete.
6. Heated Catalyst Monitor - Not Supported.
7. EVAP Monitor - Complete.
8. Secondary Air System Monitor - Not Supported.
9. O2 Sensor Monitor - Complete.
10. O2 Sensor Heater Monitor - Complete.
11. EGR Monitor - Complete.
12. NMHC Monitor - Not Supported.
13. Nox Adsorber Monitor - Not Supported.
14. Boost Pressure System Monitor - Not Supported.
15. Exhaust Gas Sensor Monitor - Not Supported.
16. PM Filter Monitor - Not Supported.

Maybe not quite a cool as a ScanGauge, but I'm happy! :D

I have noted that both times the torque converter clutch triggered a CEL, it was right around ~55 mph. I believe that is the speed it engages at. Strangely, nothing noticeable happens....:confused:
 
#9 ·
Scan Tool

Have a look at ultra-gauge.com. Not only can it read codes, but it provides all sorts of gauges. They call it an information center and scan tool.
Its priced at an amazing $39 and yet seems to do all that the other tools do and more. Seems like a hell of a value.
 
#10 ·
SilverFoxCPF said:
Hello Vanguard,

One correction...

I don't think you can read transmission temperature. We have been trying to figure out a way to do that, but it seems that Honda doesn't make that available through the OBD2 port.

Tom
Click to expand...
Correct. And additioanly, I found temps in general are not accesible even with the XGauge codes, on all Honda's.

I would skip the ScanGauge and buy a purpose built reader.
 
#11 ·
Re: Scan Tool

ody_Lost said:
Have a look at ultra-gauge.com. Not only can it read codes, but it provides all sorts of gauges. They call it an information center and scan tool.
Its priced at an amazing $39 and yet seems to do all that the other tools do and more. Seems like a hell of a value.
Click to expand...
Did you get one? Seems too good to be true... :)

Nicolas
 
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#14 ·
ody_Lost said:
Yep, I ordered one. It was not clear when the promotion would end, so I did not hesitate.
Shipping was only $6.50

It does seem to good to be true....then again, I always thought SG and the others were way over priced.
Click to expand...
Cool! Let us know how it is when you get it. :)

Nicolas
 
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#15 · (Edited)
My friends need to do intervention for me :) I just ordered it but played it safe and used PayPal rather than giving them my credit card number.

Googling showed that this has just popped up and almost all the references are from newbies in every forum.

One has to be skeptical and the deal seems to be too good to be true but I had personally thought about this product. With far east manufacturing, there is no reason why one could not sell it cheap and make lots of money.

I looked at the user manual and it is done professionally. It is NOT a Chinglish version! Features have been well thought e.g. "Force Protocol" (and remembering the last protocol) is brilliant. I wanted that in my scanners but none provide it. There are lots of features and they are all well laid out. It is as if Apple guys are behind this product.

Shipping charges are realistic and reasonable. So I decided to take the plunge.

- Vikas

P.S. I do have to ask our newest member i.e. ody_lost if he has *any* connection to this product. It is hell of a coincidence for him to pop up here. Any relation to Mr Bruce Melvin? He is president of Nexzor,Inc, a 2 man company incorporated in Roseville, CA just last month.
 
#16 ·
sontakke said:
My friends need to do intervention for me :) I just ordered it but played it safe and used PayPal rather than giving them my credit card number.

Googling showed that this has just popped up and almost all the references are from newbies in every forum.

One has to be skeptical and the deal seems to be too good to be true but I had personally thought about this product. With far east manufacturing, there is no reason why one could not sell it cheap and make lots of money.

I looked at the user manual and it is done professionally. It is NOT a Chinglish version! Features have been well thought e.g. "Force Protocol" (and remembering the last protocol) is brilliant. I wanted that in my scanners but none provide it. There are lots of features and they are all well laid out. It is as if Apple guys are behind this product.

Shipping charges are realistic and reasonable. So I decided to take the plunge.

- Vikas

P.S. I do have to ask our newest member i.e. ody_lost if he has *any* connection to this product. It is hell of a coincidence for him to pop up here.
Click to expand...
I think you're referring to the ultra gauge. Looks decent and priced right except that (correct me if I'm wrong) all the controls are on the back of the unit. That's just silly. With the scangauge, they're on the front and allows for more real-time interaction.
 
#17 ·
But the idea is to set it up once and then not to touch any buttons. Being able to see 7 gauges up front, there is really no need to press any buttons while operating your vehicle. It also has the ability to "auto page advance" with programmable interval.

As you can see, I am already impressed with this vaporware!

- Vikas
 
#18 ·
No coincidence, I was doing my due diligence checking ultra-gauge out. So I was searching on SG to see if there were any comparisons and I came across this post. I then felt compelled to let folks know.

I guess I'm too frugal....I spend too much time on spending a measly $39. Its worse when I do all the research and then do nothing.... buying paralysis.
But imagine if I had bought a SG only to later find UG at 1/4th the cost :eek:
 
#19 ·
whoa said:
I think you're referring to the ultra gauge. Looks decent and priced right except that (correct me if I'm wrong) all the controls are on the back of the unit. That's just silly. With the scangauge, they're on the front and allows for more real-time interaction.
Click to expand...
If you watch the video on their site, there is a scene where they are reading trouble codes or something, they reach up and control the unit without looking at the back. It looked effortless. If you think about it, putting the controls on the front would likely mean that it would need to be bigger to have front surface area for the controls.....well unless they went with a touch screen..but then the cost would be higher.
There are only three buttons, up,down, enter. and they are spatially arranged.
Hey, I just discovered that they have an interactive demonstrator. If you look at the center of the website there is a unit on the dash running. Click the unit. A window pops up and you can see how the controls work. Its hard to see how to make it more simple.
 
#20 ·
Here is the thing; Apart from own entries, every single reference to ultra-gauge has been posted by somebody who has single entry to his name and has been registered solely to put a recommendation for ultra-gauge.

You have to excuse me if my BS meter got pegged solid.

- Vikas
 
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