Instrumentation Question on F-350

[ronaleh]

We just purchased a Forester 3051S on a Ford chassis. I find it difficult to believe in today's auto/truck tech world that a vehicle such as this has no external temperature gauge, MPG read out, miles to empty reading, etc. Am I missing the obvious or is this cab a basic delivery van with no helpful instrumentation?

[Chuck_S]

E350 (not F350) owners manual no help?

[formerFR]

You may find that these are available, but deep in the 'menu' of your dash readout, if you have one....but, yes, otherwise, many RVs are built on chassis designs that are built for the RV industry, not direct to consumers, and may be more 'basic' than you might expect.

[ronaleh]

You're correct. It's an E350. I've played around with the setting "stick" going into the center of the dash, but nothing but two trip odometers. I'll pursue the owner's manual again, but I'm beginning to believe that this part of the instrumentation is real basic. Thanks.

[Steve-W]

There is a factory option for a more in depth trip computer on the E350 although FR does not order that option on their chassis.

You will find 2 other options available with the ignition on but engine off to set the operation of the door locks.

[ronaleh]

Thanks. Seems odd that FR would offer such a base option. Wonder whether the factory options you mention are possible in the after market. Probably too expensive to justify even thinking about. But, it sure would be nice to know the outside temp as your driving along. Thanks again

[cc102bob]

I did a quick search on Amazon and came up with this for $139:
ScanGauge II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Computer with Customizable Real-Time Fuel Economy Digital Gauges

I have no idea if it would do what you want, but it appears to have pretty good reviews.

If all you are interested in is the outside temperature, there are plenty of cheap gizmos available to do that. Just stop at any auto parts store and ask around.

[Steve-W]

I believe the option is just a software toggle in the ECM/BCM. Most likely not offered as an after build upgrade. I know for a fact that the ambient air temp sensor is in place and functions as the ECM uses that data. I use a scan gauge which pulls the data from the ECM. I have one of the 4 data displays set to display the temp.

[Stormrider151]

If you are really brave you might try FORScan. I got the connectors but haven’t had the courage to go into the ECM and mess with it. You can make changes and turn some features on and off. Google it and see what you think and good luck.

[Chuck_S]

Forscan will show what "modules" are in the system. There's a way to get all the Module Build Data ("as built") settings from motorcraftservice dot com. I have mine but have forgotten how to down load it. The "as built" data is in hexadecimal with no ascii or text data.

There are Forscan forums, or sub-forums, on line.


-- Chuck

[cboss]

Most cell phones can show OAT on the home screen.

[Chuck_S]

Really? Never seen it on any of the dozen iPhones in my extended family. Sure I can get the temperature in Richmond but that's not the same as the OAT where my phone is sitting.

-- Chuck

[SlowrideHD]

Don't know about the MH but on my F-350 the temperature for outside is right at the top of the sync display. 100 degrees today. Nice.

[cboss]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

Really? Never seen it on any of the dozen iPhones in my extended family. Sure I can get the temperature in Richmond but that's not the same as the OAT where my phone is sitting.

-- Chuck

My Android Pixel 3 follows my location.

[Larry0071]

Originally Posted by cboss

My Android Pixel 3 follows my location.

IPhone doesn't support live widgets like Android. IPhone is about 12 years behind Android in this respect. Luckily, I read that Apple IPhone sales are fading and that the death of that horrible device may be in the distant future. I doubt it would be missed.... junk.

[ronaleh]

I'll look on mine to see if it is there. Thanks.

[ronaleh]

I'm going to check into your recommendations. I think it might be too complicated for what I ultimately find to be missing.