ScanGauge III - Anything Not to Like?

Other than the lousy mounting system, are there any gripes, problems or complaints with the SG3?

The ability to update firmware for free, instead of the $25 fee for SG2 is appealing.
Also appealing is the up to nine gauge display on the touch screen.

Even more appealing is the built-in X-Gauge scanning without having to manually enter those fiddly codes.
Plug 'n Play is appealing for my 2023 Tacoma.

My thoughts are for robustness and build quality.
Mine will live most of its life in the glove box and away from the eyes of thieves that work constantly in our area.

I'm interested in the useful gauges, such as transmission temps, etc, and the ability to display and clear check codes.

 

Cannot imagine keeping this truck without the gauge.
Tried the Scangauge II and after 55 minutes and 11 programming attempts on first attribute with factory tech sent it back to Amazon.
I put the Scangauge III on my new V6 Auto to monitor towing temps and what actual gear I'm in.
I emphaticaly hate the gear settings on this automatic transmission. Drive 100% in manual mode with ECT set to on. Would like to re-tune but not if it voids inspection or warranty.
Mounting:
I had the Steelie brand steel ball and socket mounts for some years.
Fastened a section of woodworkers' aluminum T-slot to top of radio console with gorilla tape.
Used 1/4-20 threaded knob on T-bolt and made up some aluminum clip angles, see pic.

 

I think one of the few complaints is that its cable only can come out the back, where on SG2 it is back or side.... if I 'membering correctly. As long as that works for you go for it.

I've been eyeballing the 3 too for a bit and I think I will go for it also this week. If it was set up correctly I could probably do the 2 for the things I want to monitor, but the ease of use and the actual screen visual of the 3 just seems soo much better. The dot matrix style just doesn't appeal to my eyes any more.

No evidence, but I may also think a touch screen would have less issues over time vs the 2's push switches which could become corroded or mushed up in some fashion. Never heard it happening, just thinking about things from a previous life.

I also like Max8's ^^ type of setup above, still allows some flex in where it's positioned without having to redo tape or whatever for a minor change.

 

Yes, the rear cable exit is a real pain. Mine is sited to poke out into the round air vent.
There are manufactured kits for mounting on a rail, I merely copied with parts on hand.
Steelie parts are epoxied to aluminum clip angles or to backs of equipment. Tape melts off on a hot day.

@Archimedes, amusing signature! Back when I ran commercial construction in VT/NH we joked the license plate should read The Welfare State.

 

woah i wish i had the nerve to drill my dashboard

 

I've been running the SG III for a couple years.
Absolutely love it, worth the money. I used to take it down every day living in the city and it hasn't showed any signs of wear or connection issues.

Mounted with the window mount on the far left of the windshield looks clean. Easy to hide the cable too.

Being able to monitor to have 9 monitors on one screen is great.

I've used it for diagnostic for other people's vehicles and it makes a world of difference

 

Don't like the price in comparison to the Ultra Gauge, the boxiness (lack of rounded corners) and the large size; do like that it will show the current gear the truck or I have selected. A vast improvement over the original and subsequent models with the typewriter like text display. If I had to choose today between the Scan Gauge or the Ultra Gauge I might have a hard time.

 

I see the Ultra Gauge is not only a third of the ScanGauge cost, but is also aggressively discounted on their web site.
To me, this implies poor sales, a deteriorating bottom line, and eventually non-support when the business goes under and closes the doors.

There is real cost in designing the unit, contracting with China to build it, shipping costs, staff salaries and expense, and finally a profit.
It seems hard to do this for $84 to the public.

 

I’ve always wondered about these things. Are they able read more things than OBD Fusion on your phone?

Or are you paying $260 just to have it on permanent screen in the truck?

 

I think it's mostly what the individual manufacturer has capability to grab / what codes they know about. So, probably about the same list between products. But, some of the app based stuff I glanced at looks cool visually, like graphing imagery, but still the same info.

In the end, for me, it is about having something I don't have to muck with when I get into the truck. I sometimes don't have my phone with me / on / out, etc. Guess you could cover both items with having the app based stuff on a mounted old defunct phone / tablet. But something that is and looks like a phone may be more a of a target too.

Rant Time - I find it fairly pathetic now in this day and age (... yeah yeah screaming at clouds lol) that any manufacturer does not have at least an option if not just a regular page on the built in screens for this. If every new vehicle is now coming with a media screen (because "everybody wants tech" according to somebody...) and every vehicle already has all the codes / functionality available.... why not make it readily available to the end user with the built-in equipment? There would be almost no development time or cost, even if many owners would not normally have the info up. Those who would want it would have it, and maybe more people potentially would learn additional stuff about their vehicle.

But then there goes the $170 diagnostic fee right off the bat for any light that comes on.... right Toyota?!

 

See, that right there makes any of these types of products pretty much pay for themselves with just one self diagnosis. Especially if you have more "older" vehicles than newer in your circle which may have a better chance of generating codes sooner than later. Free diag and $15 whatchamafixit vs a dealer visit and "book" labor....

 

All the big auto stores will hand you a code reader for free in exchange for your license as collateral though

 

Has been worth every cent once I went up in tire size to show actual speed. I recommend the Sosche extra strength magnet mount as the regular one could take a hot day and melted off

 

J/K... lol

Yeah, that is also a good option if the logistics of it work out. I just always envision off hours / not nearby, in conjunction with trial and error if something isn't an easy fix. That way it can be done on our time and place. No "diag civilization" when out in the sticks haha.

 

In before the dust bunny comments

 

lmao I knew someone was gonna notice it. It’s like the dash cluster, impossible to keep clean without constant wiping

 

That's ok - Friday I washed and waxed both vehicles. Wasn't even two hours and they had a green haze growing on them from all the crap pumping out here in the woods. You just can't win....

 

How did you get to the gear screen? I couldn't find it this morning.

 

That's kinda what I had figured. I see the appeal, but man, I can't dish out the $260 for it. The Ultragage, perhaps I'll check that out.

 

Shoot you make a totally valid point!