Frequently Asked Questions
For a list of the answers to the most common questions visit the Frequently Asked Questions.
My ScanGauge will shutdown while driving in my Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep
Some Dodge/Chrysler/Jeeps are sensitive about how fast/slow information is requested from the ECU. If it’s too fast/slow the ECU will sometimes stop responding to the ScanGauge’s requests for information, so the ScanGauge thinks the vehicle is no longer running and turns off to save power.
Setting the update rate on the ScanGauge to Fast or Slow can sometimes solve this issue and allow the ScanGauge to operate normally.
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. Click here for a comprehensive compatibility information.
Trip Fuel use is very inaccurate after using fill-up adjustment
Possible error in adjustment procedure – recalibrate your ScanGauge. See Calibrating Your ScanGauge in the user manual.
When I scan the vehicle, it displays NOT READY
The vehicle has not completed its readiness TESTS since the last time it was cleared or the battery was disconnected.
It will continue to say “NOT READY” until all on board diagnostic tests have been completed. This does not mean that it is not ready to be scanned. To get to this screen the vehicle computer reported that no Trouble Codes exist.
Some states require that some or all on-board tests be completed and no Trouble Codes be present to pass emissions testing. When the ScanGauge reports No Codes Found and READY, the vehicle is ready to pass emissions. Some states allow some tests to not be completed and can pass the vehicle even when the ScanGauge reports NOT READY.
Unable to clear trouble codes
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/RUN position.
Some vehicles don’t respond properly to the Clear Codes command and the codes cannot be cleared by the ScanGauge.
Poor MPG and Trip Fuel use accuracy
Be sure to follow the proper FILLUP procedure to maintain accuracy and to adjust sensor errors.
ScanGauge connects and then goes to sleep after 10 to 15 seconds
First – verify that the key is in the “Run” position and/or the engine is running.
If the problem persists, your vehicle’s ECU may require the PIDs method be set to SUPPORTED in the Advanced setup parameters. This is common on 1995-1999 Subaru vehicles.
ScanGauge never stops saying “Connecting…”
First – be sure the key is in the RUN position, and/or start engine.
If that does not solve the problem, then the ECU may not responding properly. You may need to manually set, or “Force”, the operating MODE of your ScanGauge. Please refer to the user manual for your ScanGauge for information on how to access the MODE setting screen. Once you are ready to set the mode, you can try the following settings:
FORD Products: PWM or CANSF
GM Products: VPW , ISO or CANSF
Chrysler Products: ISO, VPW or CANSF
Volvo Products: ISO, CANSF or CANLF
Others: ISO, KWPS, KWPF, CANSF, CANLF, CANSS or CANLS
Next – confirm your vehicle meets the minimum OBDII, OBD2 or EOBD compatibility requirements. Click the following link if your vehicle is 1995 or older, or click this link if your vehicle 1996 or newer.
Nothing displayed and no backlight
Your vehicle may have a blown fuse. Check and replace any blown vehicle fuses. The OBDII connector is usually powered off the cigarette lighter/accessory fuse. Check this one first.
Shuts off when engine automatically turns off in a hybrid vehicle
Set the fuel type parameter to HYBRID in the Basic Setup Parameters, ScanGauge will automatically set the Sleep Event parameter to COM.
Can my 1995 Ford Mustang use it?
Maybe. Some 1995 and even some 1994 vehicles are OBD2 (sometimes shown as OBD II) compliant. Look at the emissions stickers under the hood. If you find one that says OBD2 or OBD II, you should be able to use the ScanGauge II.
Will the ScanGauge II work on vehicles purchased outside of the US and Canada?
The ScanGauge requires the vehicle to be either OBDII or EOBD compatible. In the US and Canada, cars and light trucks were required to be OBDII compatible starting in 1996 and diesels in 1998. In Europe, EOBD was phased in between 2002 and 2004. Australia required the OBDII standard in 2006 for gas vehicles and 2007 for diesel vehicles. Japan implemented the OBDII standard starting in 2002. Other parts of the world have required one of them starting in various years.
Many vehicles made and/or sold outside the US and Canada followed the OBDII standard before it was required in that country. This was to allow sales to other countries and because they knew they would eventually be required to meet the requirements and designed it in when they redesigned a particular model. For example, some vehicles sold in Australia are OBDII compatible before 2006 before the requirement was put in place.
As there is no comprehensive list of when particular vehicles began using OBDII or EOBD outside the US and Canada, you will want to look for a sticker stating the OBDII compliance. This sticker will be found either under the hood or inside the door.
What does the Cutoff Function do?
Some vehicles will turn the fuel injectors off when coasting down. We sense this with the open/closed loop indicator and the throttle position. We have to know if the throttle is opened or closed but the minimum value for it is rarely 0. The Cutoff is the value the throttle has to be below in order to indicate a fuel cutoff and show 0 fuel flow.
The default is right for most vehicles, but it can be adjusted for different situations. If set to “0” it disables this method of fuel cutoff sensing.
Can I use the ScanGauge II to save fuel?
If your car reports information on fuel consumption (99% of cars and light trucks do), and you use it to adjust your driving habits, you can save a lot of fuel.
Will the ScanGauge II be able to clear my trouble codes and turn off my “Check Engine” light?
The ScanGauge II will clear the codes and turn off the check engine light on 99% of 1996 and newer vehicles. It has been reported that it cannot do this on some trouble codes in the Dodge vehicles.
If I purchase a new ScanGauge will it include the Add-A-Gauge and XGauge software?
Yes, any newly purchased ScanGaugeII or ScanGaugeD will include the latest version of software including Add-A-Gauge and XGauge. The ScanGaugeE does not have this feature.
Does the ScanGauge II support metric units?
Yes, the units of measure can be independently selected between Miles/Km, Gallons/Liters, Celcius/Fahrenheit, and PSI/KPA.
If you choose Km and Liters, fuel economy is reported as liters/100Km (LHK). This feature can also be turned off.
If you use Imperial Gallons when you do the calibration, fuel will then be adjusted to use Imperial Gallons.
When I press SCAN it says NOT READY in the lower line. How can I tell which OBD test has not been completed?
There is a way to do this using the CMNDS feature in the ScanGauge II. See Finding Incomplete OBDII Tests Using the ScanGauge II.
What is FRZD in the ScanGauge?
When a trouble code is set, the data at that time (RPM, Coolant Temperature, Speed, Throttle Position, etc.) are captured like in a freeze frame. FRZD can be used to recall this data to help diagnose the problem.
The MPG gauge reading changes very quickly with slight changes in throttle or load. Can I smooth this out to better determine the affect of speed on fuel economy?
Yes, use the TRIP MPG function in the CURRENT mode. After reaching the desired speed, reset the TRIP. The average MPG since it was reset will be reported.
Do I have to reset the trip computers for each trip?
No. The CURRENT trip can be reset manually if you desire. It is automatically reset after the ignition has been off for more than a few minutes. The DAY trip will accumulate the entire days trip information and reset itself after the ignition has been off for more than 8 to 9 hours. The DAY information is moved to PREVIOUS before it is automatically reset.
Can I tell how high the coolant temperature has been getting on my wife’s car?
Yes. The maximum coolant temperature is stored by the trip computer and can be read back by you later.
My speedometer only goes to 90MPH. Can the ScanGauge II show speeds above this?
Yes, the ScanGauge II can show speeds up to 158MPH.
What does the Cutoff Function do?
Some vehicles will turn the fuel injectors off when coasting down. We sense this with the open/closed loop indicator and the throttle position. We have to know if the throttle is opened or closed but the minimum value for it is rarely 0. The Cutoff is the value the throttle has to be below in order to indicate a fuel cutoff and show 0 fuel flow.
The default is right for most vehicles, but it can be adjusted for different situations. If set to “0” it disables this method of fuel cutoff sensing.
Can I purchase an extra cable to use in another vehicle?
You can purchase an extra cable with your ScanGauge II or a single cable at our Purchase Page
What are the dimensions of the ScanGauge?
The ScanGaugeII is 4.8″Wide, 1.5″High and 1.0″Deep.
The ScanGaugeE is 3.6″Wide, 1.4″High and 1.0″Deep.
Can the ScanGauge show if there is a difference in MPG between using my truck with the tailgate up or down?
Yes, the ScanGauge can show if there is a difference. Read about it here: See Tailgate Up/Down and Gas Mileage.
What if my child disconnects the ScanGauge II while they are using the car.
If the ScanGauge II was disconnected during the trip, a disconnect indicator will be displayed in the trip data.
Can I use the ScanGauge II to tell how fast and how far my teenager drove the car last night?
Yes. This information is stored in the trip computer and it can be recalled by you for up to a day after he used it.
Can I use the ScanGauge II on more than one car?
Yes. There are no restrictions on moving it from car to car.
How can the ScanGauge II do all of these things with only a single connection to the vehicle?
Since 1996, all cars and light trucks sold in the US have been required by law to have an On-Board-Diagnostic version 2 (OBD2 or OBD II) connector inside the passenger compartment. It is required to provide diagnostic information and allow resetting of the CHECK ENGINE light. It also provides a lot of other operating information. The ScanGauge II performs the diagnostics functions like a conventional scan tool. It also goes beyond this and uses the other data to add many more useful functions.
When I scan the vehicle, it displays NOT READY
The vehicle has not completed its readiness TESTS since the last time it was cleared or the battery was disconnected.
It will continue to say “NOT READY” until all on board diagnostic tests have been completed. This does not mean that it is not ready to be scanned. To get to this screen the vehicle computer reported that no Trouble Codes exist.
Some states require that some or all on-board tests be completed and no Trouble Codes be present to pass emissions testing. When the ScanGauge reports No Codes Found and READY, the vehicle is ready to pass emissions. Some states allow some tests to not be completed and can pass the vehicle even when the ScanGauge reports NOT READY.
Unable to clear trouble codes
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/RUN position.
Some vehicles don’t respond properly to the Clear Codes command and the codes cannot be cleared by the ScanGauge.
When I press SCAN it says NOT READY in the lower line. How can I tell which OBD test has not been completed?
There is a way to do this using the CMNDS feature in the ScanGauge II. See Finding Incomplete OBDII Tests Using the ScanGauge II.
What is FRZD in the ScanGauge?
When a trouble code is set, the data at that time (RPM, Coolant Temperature, Speed, Throttle Position, etc.) are captured like in a freeze frame. FRZD can be used to recall this data to help diagnose the problem.
The ScanGauge shows a trouble code of E0468. How do I figure out what this means?
There are many sources to decode this. A search of the internet for Trouble Codes for your particular vehicle is a great way to get them. Print them out and keep them in the car for future reference. You can also find them in the vehicle shop manual and after-market service and emissions manuals.
How do I find the plug to connect the Scan Gauge?
The OBD2 connector is supposed to be located within 1 meter of the steering column. It is usually under the dash and just to the right or left of the steering column. Sometimes it will have a cover over its face. Other locations are under the dash on the passenger side, under the dash behind the ash tray and in a rare case, under the ash tray in the back seat armrest. The pictures below show the OBD2 plug in a typical location.
Can I purchase an extra cable to use in another vehicle?
You can purchase an extra cable with your ScanGauge II or a single cable at our Purchase Page
What are the dimensions of the ScanGauge?
The ScanGaugeII is 4.8″Wide, 1.5″High and 1.0″Deep.
The ScanGaugeE is 3.6″Wide, 1.4″High and 1.0″Deep.
Do I need to know what Protocol my car uses?
No. The ScanGauge II automatically determines which protocol your vehicle uses and switches to it.
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