Best Engine scanner

wrapperman · 05-13-2016, 10:36 AM

I am looking to buy an engine scanner to place on the dash so I can monitor temp and any other needed info.
What are the better models out there?
Even if there are ones that are wireless to connect to iPads or tablets I would consider.

dwcjb · 05-13-2016, 11:06 AM

Just bought and installed a Banks IQ2 with auto mind programmer. Scan gauge ll is a good alternative from Bulletproof Diesel, order online. Just my .02 cents worth.

BendOrLarry · 05-13-2016, 11:29 AM

I have the Ultragauge and really like it. Larger display than the Scan gauge and a lot less expensive as well.

lbrjet · 05-13-2016, 01:26 PM

Does the Ultra Gauge have transmission tempurature?

2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

**Flybob** · 05-13-2016, 01:51 PM

I use the Edge Insight. Provides everything you could ever ask for in an easy to see color format. Shows he soot level in my Duramax and when it is regen mode ( also can force regen) .

BendOrLarry · 05-13-2016, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbrjet

Does the Ultra Gauge have transmission tempurature?

2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

Just like all the scanners, it reads what the manufacturer provides to the OBDII port.

donniedu · 05-13-2016, 04:19 PM

For less than 50 dollars a OBD dongle and the smartphone app Torque. The dongle sends a WiFi signal to your smart phone that via Torque displays everything the chassis might allows you to see. As a benefit you can also read and clear codes

BendOrLarry · 05-13-2016, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donniedu

For less than 50 dollars a OBD dongle and the smartphone app Torque. The dongle sends a WiFi signal to your smart phone that via Torque displays everything the chassis might allows you to see. As a benefit you can also read and clear codes

I have one of these and it does work, but in practice a pain in the butt. You have to set it up each time you want to use it. A dedicated gauge, comes on when the engine starts, does not require any set up (after initial set up) and no battery to charge.

lbrjet · 05-13-2016, 05:06 PM

It that a yes or no? I didn't see it listed in the gauges on their website. Maybe I missed it.

2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

BendOrLarry · 05-13-2016, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbrjet

It that a yes or no? I didn't see it listed in the gauges on their website. Maybe I missed it.

2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

It's a yes, if your rig produces it, it's a no if it doesn't. All the scanners are like that.

Sc00ter · 05-13-2016, 05:29 PM

X2 for the Edge. Went with the CTS for the larger screen. Just did the revisions last week. Works on all my cars though some don't have all the same gauges (jeep Cherokee and Ford Explorer don't have trans temp like the truck does).

BendOrLarry · 05-13-2016, 05:49 PM

Thanks for chiming in. I was attempting to explain that the scanners only scan and read what the rig sends to the OBDII port. If the rig does not have a tranny temp sensor in the tranny, then no scanner can provide that info.

lbrjet · 05-13-2016, 05:56 PM

I found it. It says you need the Ultra Gauge MX version of the product to read the tranny temp. I assume that is what you have since it sounds like you have tranny temp on yours.

2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

BendOrLarry · 05-13-2016, 06:07 PM

No my rig doesn't have a tranny temp sensor in the tranny. You need to research if your rig does or no scanner will provide that gauge. I believe that there are links to sites that provide that rig specific info on the Ultra Gauge site. From the beginning I have said yes it will show tranny temp IF your rig provides that info to the OBDII port.

**Flybob** · 05-13-2016, 06:08 PM

As mentioned above, even though the scanner can support the parameter you are looking for, the vehicle computer may not support it. The scanner/reader simply sends a request to the computer to return the value of the parameter desired. If the computer does not support ( understand) the request, it fails. A fail could be because the vehicle does not have a sensor for that parameter, or that the parameter is only used by the vehicle computer and not available for export.

John McClain · 05-13-2016, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybob

I use the Edge Insight. Provides everything you could ever ask for in an easy to see color format. Shows he soot level in my Duramax and when it is regen mode ( also can force regen) .

x2

shughey00 · 05-13-2016, 06:40 PM

Ditto..love the EDGE CTS

lbrjet · 05-13-2016, 09:00 PM

I already know my truck has a sensor because I have a worthless Ford dumb gauge which starts moving at 234 degrees. I bought my Scangauge 6 1/2 years ago specifically for the tranny temp and the rest is all a bonus. I am just curious at what else is out there now.

I don't know what vehicle you are referring to that doesn't have a sensor. That would be uncommon for a truck.

2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

jgourlie · 05-14-2016, 12:32 AM

I use the torque app and an obd2 Bluetooth dongle. I think I am into it for $20. I have used it on my last 4 vehicles and it works like a charm

carmex · 05-16-2016, 01:49 PM

I also use Torque for Android. $4.95 for the Pro version, completely customizable. You can set up gauges for any data available on your OBD bus and you can set up alarms to alert you (say your coolant or transmission temp goes above a certain value) so you don't even really have to keep your eye on it all the time. Here's the Play Store listing for the free version:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...owl.torquefree

and the Pro version:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...g.prowl.torque

And this is the OBD2 bluetooth adapter I have (very similar anyway). Only $10!
Super Mini OBD2 OBDII ELM327 V1 5 Android Bluetooth Adapter Auto Scanner Torque | eBay

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