ScanGaugeII Observations - Page 2

acadianbob · 03-28-2011, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnguy

Goomph, I also purchased my ScanGauge II mainly to monitor my transmission temperature, and even called beforehand to make sure it would work on my truck for that.

But on the open road, I seem to monitor my gas stats more than the engine stats, to try to maximize my fuel mileage. I will mess with my "current mileage" and the reset button to see what I can get on the next section of road. Speed, and stop and go traffic are the big killers.

Yes, I try not to stop and to coast up to red lights; try to time them so I don't have to completely stop. With these heavy vehicles, momentum is everything.

I try to monitor LOD when towing to keep from "crowding" the engine. I like to keep my LOD below 90.

MtnGuy · 03-29-2011, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acadianbob

OK, got curious, went out and found the documentation in the truck. Discovered that the code had not been entered. Probably 1 of 3 different reasons; 1) I missed it 2) I thought it was uninteresting at the time 3) I didn't understand what it was so skipped it

ANYWAY . . . it's in there now and it works. I got readings ABOVE 1.0 when backed off the the throttle and coasting toward a red light . . . well, another fun thing to look at. These things can be worse than texting on your cell phone if you aren't careful !!!

Bob, glad you got it figured out !! Neat, ain't it ??

prof_fate · 03-29-2011, 07:28 AM

I was a mechanic back in the 80s and 90s and a scan tool then was $4000 or more. I've seen code readers get cheaper and cheaper but most don't allow you to see all the details live as you drive - scangauge does which is nice of course.

There are other bluetooth tools like the one I linked to - the first I heard about was for the iphone (or ipod touch or ipad) and ran about $50 plus the $10 app. Included all the diagnostic info on the codes too, plus could record over time for comparison. And I believe it can change the programming in the car's computer but I've not seen that in writing as of yet to verify it.

It's on my list of things to get next time I need to diagnose a car, especially if I can find the $50ish version for iphone. This year my money's all being spent on the trailer, tv, hitch and more.

I got a smart phone last year and am just blown away by all the apps for it- one I use a lot is a level.

acadianbob · 03-29-2011, 06:40 PM

HA! I have an iPhone too! Been looking at the same "level" app.

flyrotor · 03-29-2011, 07:40 PM

I too purchased the SCII for the ability to monitor the transmission temperature, due to having been able to monitor such, I upgraded the stock transmission cooler on my Suburban because the transmission temperature was too hot, the temperature outside was in the 40's when I made that decision. Later, last summer when towing my trailer with the larger transmission cooler and driving in hot summer temps I had to reduce my speed when climbing again because of the transmission temps, the truck had plenty of power and never got hot even with the airconditioner running.

This is when I realized that the weak link in my tow vehicle (1/2 ton pulling a 23' trailer) was indeed my transmission. Without using the SCII I would have easily pushed the Suburban transmission into dangerous temperatures.

My longterm solution: traded the Suburban for a Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins and the 6 speed manual transmission, Acadianbob and Mtnguy, I too missed having the manual transmission, and I am truely loving it now

**Bama Rambler** · 03-30-2011, 07:32 AM

Flyrotor, Did you move the SGII to the Dodge?

If so, how does it work?

acadianbob · 03-30-2011, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnguy

Bob, glad you got it figured out !! Neat, ain't it ??

Yes, very neat Chap! But I don't like what it is telling me! When accelerating in lower gears, I see readings of 50 to 70%. Yikes. This is why our car is a manual 6 speed! Love that direct hookup and control. I hope the new automatics are more direct and more efficient . . .

acadianbob · 03-30-2011, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyrotor

This is when I realized that the weak link in my tow vehicle (1/2 ton pulling a 23' trailer) was indeed my transmission. Without using the SCII I would have easily pushed the Suburban transmission into dangerous temperatures.

My longterm solution: traded the Suburban for a Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins and the 6 speed manual transmission, Acadianbob and Mtnguy, I too missed having the manual transmission, and I am truely loving it now

Yep, gotta agree with that. The auto is the weak link.

The nice thing about your Dodge is the torque shouldn't require you to downshift much; especially with the smaller trailer.

MtnGuy · 03-30-2011, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Yes, very neat Chap! But I don't like what it is telling me! When accelerating in lower gears, I see readings of 50 to 70%. Yikes. This is why our car is a manual 6 speed! Love that direct hookup and control. I hope the new automatics are more direct and more efficient . . .

If you accelerate hard in 1st, that SLP drops down to the 20% area.

That is also why I like a manual transmission....what goes into the clutch when it is engaged is what comes out.

I could bring up the LOD function, but couldn't find the CTQ on my ScanGauge, and finally realized that was an X Gauge function. I am going to program that puppy in shortly.

acadianbob · 03-30-2011, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnguy

If you accelerate hard in 1st, that SLP drops down to the 20% area.

That is also why I like a manual transmission....what goes into the clutch when it is engaged is what comes out.

I could bring up the LOD function, but couldn't find the CTQ on my ScanGauge, and finally realized that was an X Gauge function. I am going to program that puppy in shortly.

Yep it is X Gauge; this is what happened to me with SLP. It is really useful for towing; especially in OD. If I see LOD climing to the point of a downshift; I back off a little until the load event has passed. (like small rolling hills on a 2 lane highway). On 2 laners with 55 limit, I often range between 50 mph and 60 mph in rolling hills. Let the momentum build on the downhil and bleed it off on the uphill. That way it is easier to maintain an OD tow without excessive shifting.

thebrakeman · 03-31-2011, 01:34 PM

Newbie to the site. Just signed on at the Welcome Mat. We have the Triton 4.6L and 6-speed auto in our '06 Mountaineer, and this thread is just what I've been looking for.

We brought home our Surveyor 261T last Saturday, and it's the first thing I've towed with the Mounty. Been thinking about a ScanGage, but wanted to be sure it could monitor trans temp first.

Q1: How do I ensure SG monitors trans temp on '06 Mounty before I buy?

But when I hear you guys talking about convertor slip monitoring and load percentage, I'm hooked! Here's why:

The 6-speed package on the '06 has an OD lockout button that locks out both 5th and 6th, which to me is stupid. So I thought I'd be stuck in 4th, not wanting to heat things up too much. But when I tried towing with OD enabled, I found that it seemed to be holding 5th gear. Could it really be smart enough to hold 5th AND lock up the convertor? Small throttle changes was not affecting RPMs, so it seems like it's locked up, but I'm not sure.

But it seems that with the ScanGage2, I CAN be sure.

Q2: Can I also confirm that the '06 Mounty will provide output for convertor slip and the other things you are mentioning?

Is this a call to the company, or do they have such details on a website?

I'm guessing none of you guys have the 6-speed? I think that didn't make the F150 until '07.

acadianbob · 03-31-2011, 01:54 PM

Don't have the 6 speed so can't help you there. I think that you are essentially correct on figuring out whether your torque converter is locked. Throttle inputs while not locked will result in immediate RPM increase. If locked, only gradual increase associated with increased road speed.

To the best of my knowledge, all Ford products put out the information that we have been discussing. You need to program it into the SGII but they give you the codes and instructions. Might take you 30 minutes (one time only).

I don't think the web site will do you much good (last I looked was awhile ago) because they sell this for all brands. Not all brands put out TFT so they don't claim that it will be reported. You could call them. Customer service is pretty good. But if my '05 Ford put out this info, your '06 should.

Good luck. (It is a great purchase)

Goomph · 03-31-2011, 01:59 PM

Would the 4.6 in the mounty and an F-150 basically not be the same ? And hopefully the same engine computer ? Wishful thinking of course.

Do you know anyone around you who can loan you their SG-II maybe ? Not that I would loan it again ! it came back with the lcd screen scratched

URRRGGHH !!! I prefered to keep my mouth shut as I like the friend I loaned it to ....But if you can find someone who can loan it that is the best way to figure out ....

acadianbob · 03-31-2011, 02:04 PM

Not sure the ECM is exactly the same; doubtful. But I think that their programming philosophy and the the things they monitor will be intact.

thebrakeman · 03-31-2011, 03:36 PM

I know the Explorer/Mountaineer had the 16-valve 4.6L V8 (roughly 250hp) mated to a 5-speed thru 2005. In 2006, the 4.6L V8 was upgraded the 24-valve "Triton" family (292hp, 300 ft-lbs) and got the 6-speed standard.

The F150 went to that same drivetrain, but not until 2007. 2006 and earlier had the 16-valve 4.6L, and (if I'm reading you guys right) a 4-speed trans. But IIRC, while the Exp/Mounty 6-speed has a 5th/6th lockout button, the 6-speed in the F150 (2007+) has a true "tow/haul" button. It doesn't completely lock out overdrive, but instead switches to a different set of programs to enhance towing, and protect the powertrain.

MtnGuy · 04-01-2011, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

Q1: How do I ensure SG monitors trans temp on '06 Mounty before I buy?

Q2: Can I also confirm that the '06 Mounty will provide output for convertor slip and the other things you are mentioning?

Is this a call to the company, or do they have such details on a website?

Thebrakeman, I think a call to ScanGauge would be your best bet. I called on my 06 F150 before I bought the ScanGauge, and they confirmed that I should get a transmission temperature reading, but I didn't ask about the other options that I now monitor......they were nice extras.

acadianbob · 04-06-2011, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbrjet

I haven't been able to get CTQ to work on my truck. Not sure why.

If you have a ScanGauge, read this:

I have never been able to get the GR (gear ratio) to work. Today I asked Chap to check his codes as his GR worked. Sure enough, his codes were different than mine. The data sheet that ScanGauge sent me had the wrong codes.

So, here are the codes for CTQ that work on my truck. Check these against your codes, perhaps there is an error.

TXD = 07E022163A
RXF = 04620516063A
RXD = 3008
MTH = 000200010000
NAM = CTQ

acadianbob · 04-06-2011, 04:44 PM

I can't resist this discussion!!

So, if you are towing, it seems to me that the key things to monitor are:

LOD (Load) You know what % of total torque availabe at that RPM you are using

TFT (Transmission Fluid Temperature)

GR (Gear Ratio) So, you know what gear you are in

SLP (Slip or torque converter % throughput) so you know if your torque converter is locked

Another possibility is CTQ or computed torque

Would some of you with this device have an alternative point of view?

kbrown1075 · 04-06-2011, 05:31 PM

ya'll are awesome. My ScanGuage is due to arrive tomorrow!! Can't wait to play!

Goomph · 04-06-2011, 05:54 PM

I want to see :

TFT and SLP for sure ....

I did not find LOD useable for saving gas ...I already try to drive conservatively and instant mpg seemed to be more useful to me.

GR is umm, I don;t know, I know which gear it is on by the sound

Or at least I think I do.

CTQ, I never heard of, I will set it up and play with it.

I couldn't find anything else which I could understand and interpret to be honest. There are a bunch of stuff but they are all greek to me

Quote:

Originally Posted by acadianbob

I can't resist this discussion!!

So, if you are towing, it seems to me that the key things to monitor are:

LOD (Load) You know what % of total torque availabe at that RPM you are using

TFT (Transmission Fluid Temperature)

GR (Gear Ratio) So, you know what gear you are in

SLP (Slip or torque converter % throughput) so you know if your torque converter is locked

Another possibility is CTQ or computed torque

Would some of you with this device have an alternative point of view?

You may also like: