scangauge wannabe

http://www.amazon.com/PLX-Kiwi-Calculator-OBDII-Scanner/dp/B001QJ7WSM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1244571184&sr=8-1

looks pretty cool, and really small so i can stick in next to the gauge cluster

i think i might sell my scangauge and buy this one (if anyone wants to buy my scangauge its the original one :D)

Not as versatile.

Not as versatile.

i just wanna no mpg and check engine light so it works for people like me, plus its half the price of the scangauge and can do almost all the stuff the scangauge can do

For roughly $85 dollars why not. I think I am going to get home and look into purchasing one of these. I will let you know if I pull the trigger.

Nice find! I like how small/sleek it looks. Might be my next purchase. Thanks!

Will have to look more into this. Thanks for the link.

i looked it a little more amazon is saying pre-order it comes out the 19th but kiwi website says its available now???
i am trying to win one on ebay right now

getting it tomorrow!!! cant wait for my new toy i already sold my scangauge

getting it tomorrow!!! cant wait for my new toy i already sold my scangauge

I'm interested to hear your feedback on this thing...i've been on the verge of getting a scangauge, but am interested in all the options...

I'm interested to hear your feedback on this thing...i've been on the verge of getting a scangauge, but am interested in all the options...

i'll let you know, there are some reviews on the elementownersclub.com, someone said the 1st edition that came out before this had alot of bugs but this new one has them worked out

alright just back from the test drive with it, and i like it.

its REALLY small though maybe a LITTLE bigger then a thumb, but the instant mpg seems to react faster then the scangauge, but again unlike the scangauge this only can display 1 thing at a time, and you MUST start the truck before plugging it in or you will get an error message

i took some pictures on my phone but i cant find the thing to up load it right now

alright just back from the test drive with it, and i like it.

its REALLY small though maybe a LITTLE bigger then a thumb, but the instant mpg seems to react faster then the scangauge, but again unlike the scangauge this only can display 1 thing at a time, and you MUST start the truck before plugging it in or you will get an error message

i took some pictures on my phone but i cant find the thing to up load it right now

Does this mean you have to unplug it every time before you start your truck?

Does this mean you have to unplug it every time before you start your truck?

no you can leave it plugged in the whole time, but when you first "install" it the car needs to be on

no you can leave it plugged in the whole time, but when you first "install" it the car needs to be on

Gotcha, thanks. Now if I could only find these in Canada. :rolleyes:

It's so cute!:rolleyes:;)

but seriously I like the size compared to the scan gauge.

How is the programing. The scan guage can be a Little tricky.:confused:

It's so cute!:rolleyes:;)

but seriously I like the size compared to the scan gauge.

How is the programing. The scan guage can be a Little tricky.:confused:

the instructions suck!!! all i know right now is how to set the price of gas, the instant mpg and the avg mpg

if the weather isnt that bad tomorrow im going to sit in the truck and play around with it a little

rakapur:

The pressure is on. You already got rid of your ORIGINAL SCANGUAGE. Hopefully this thing ought to work and work easily. I too wanted a SCANGUAGE II, but the KIWI MPG had got my attention. I am waiting for your full report before I buy. Please keep all of us posted.

Thanks,

Lex Luthor:D

here is the pic i took it with my phone so its probably not that good but it shows the small size


http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m462/rakapur/Ridgeline/0619091735.jpg

i have got the hang of the instructions its confusing as hell, but again all i wanna no is the mpg, so if you are like me only want to no the mpg and check engine light i think this is a better option then a scan gauge, but if you wanna no the fuel remaining, distance to empty, ect. then i would say the scan gauge since you can have 4 different things on one screen. all i can say is i am very happy with the Kiwi MPG and thats all that counts right?

rakapur:

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO YOU AND THE REST OF THE ROC FAMILY!

It sounds like your on the right track. Do you think you could simplify the hard to understand instructions? Maybe your instructions might help some of us when we buy the KIWI MPG ourselves. I am planning on buying the KIWI MPG instead of the SCANGUAGE II. Who knows, maybe you'll get recognized and maybe you might shame the KIWI MPG TECHS into rewriting the directions to make it easier to understand!

P.S. How difficult was it running the wire? I see the wire from the KIWI MPG on the gas guage side. How does the wire go behind the guage behind the dash to connect to the computer?

Thanks,

Lex Luthor:D

rakapur:

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO YOU AND THE REST OF THE ROC FAMILY!

It sounds like your on the right track. Do you think you could simplify the hard to understand instructions? Maybe your instructions might help some of us when we buy the KIWI MPG ourselves. I am planning on buying the KIWI MPG instead of the SCANGUAGE II. Who knows, maybe you'll get recognized and maybe you might shame the KIWI MPG TECHS into rewriting the directions to make it easier to understand!

P.S. How difficult was it running the wire? I see the wire from the KIWI MPG on the gas guage side. How does the wire go behind the guage behind the dash to connect to the computer?

Thanks,

Lex Luthor:D

it has 4 modes
basic mode (instant mpg, trip mpg, trip dollars)
engine check mode (reads and resets check engine light)
setup mode (dollars per gallon, mpg calibration, tank size, units)
advanced mode (fuel used, fuel remaining, distance traveled, distance to empty, rpm, speed, throttle position, coolant temp)

lets say your in basic mode you can change between instant mpg, trip mpg and trip dollars by a quick press of the mode button, a long press would send you to another mode. so set ex. the tanks size just press the set button

the wire was easily ran, you just have to pop off the dash, theres a BIG hole behind i think the headlight switch i just throw the plug through there and plug it in the OBD2 port, i just ran the wires quickly when i took the pics, i didnt get anytime to run the wires cleanly

rakapur:

My good buddy "TONY" RIDGELINE06 gave me the nick name of DA MAN! How flattering. I must bow and claim you for today and today only "DA MAN" ! I like the way it looks and I know when my good buddy finishes mine, it will look good also. Thanks for your input.

Lex Luthor

AKA - USED TO BE DA MAN!::rolleyes:

Well, being someone who doesn't like buying off the internet, I had a problem trying to find some kind of gauge like these.
I guess I was rewarded for being paranoid. Looking through a sale flyer for a local store I saw this: http://www.auteltech.com/4in1.htm
It was $149.99 reg. on sale for $78.99 at Princess Auto. Looks like it does everything the scan gauge does! Just put it in the truck last night and did the basic setup without the engine running, in a few minutes I'll go fillup the tank and see how it does on the road.
Now I have to find a place to mount it. :confused:
Here are a few pics to give you a size perspective.
44299

44300

44301

44302

44303

Is that a cd or DVD ? Something to watch or load on to yout pc? Looks a lot like a scan guage to me. Hope it works like one. You will have saved some money.

Is that a cd or DVD ? Something to watch or load on to yout pc? Looks a lot like a scan guage to me. Hope it works like one. You will have saved some money.

Yea, it's a mini software cd for your computer. I haven't loaded it yet so not sure what all it is. Manual describes it as:
CD Software--Contains update tool, DTC lookup software and etc.

So far as I can tell (not having seen a "ScanGauge" in person) it's pretty much the same.
I looked on the ScanGauge website and they call it a 3 in 1.
The Autel is a 4 in 1. It has a trip computer, Gauges, Scan Tool and a Vehicle Black Box. Duh! I just realized it says all that on the box in the first picture. :o

Dan, just ordered one from Princess Auto. Thanks again!:)

I hope it works well for you Andy! :cool:
I forgot to mention in earlier posts, although I haven't tried it yet, you can connect it to your computer with included USB cable for updates (maybe data download). You must install the software that comes with the Maxitrip. I checked on the Autel website but there are no updates for this particular model.

Dan, just ordered one from Princess Auto. Thanks again!:)

Any update Andy?

For any who find this interesting, I've posted some updates on my Maxitrip findings here (http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31655&highlight=low+cost).

Ha, I finally learnt how to insert a word link! :cool:
Yea, I know, lame but I'm slow with the technology stuff. :o

Ha, I finally learnt how to insert a word link! :cool:
Yea, I know, lame but I'm slow with the technology stuff. :o

send a pm on how to? I have thought it was cool, but also didn't know how?:confused:;)

Any update Andy?

Dan, these things are selling like hotcakes. Backorder status as of yesterday afternoon when I rec'd the balance of my order.

For obvious reasons, I ordered other junk & tools for my garage.;)

Dan, these things are selling like hotcakes. Backorder status as of yesterday afternoon when I rec'd the balance of my order.

For obvious reasons, I ordered other junk & tools for my garage.;)

Ha ha, I hear you Andy. If you noticed the date I posted the Maxitrip, it was the Friday before the sale started (on Tuesday). ;)
As soon as I saw it in the flyer I went straight after work. Lucky I finish work at 2:20 pm and was at the store 15 minutes later. I believe I got the second last one and when I returned to the store on the day before the sale started they were out of stock.

Dan, I received the Maxi-Trip computer on Friday and I just got done installing it into the RL. The location I chose was the topside of the rearview mirror. This way, I wouldn't keep looking down near the floor everytime I wanted to check the gauge's trip or engine functions.

The installation went quite well although disassembly of several vehicle trim components were necessary such as: A-pillar garnish, rear-view mirror removal from windshield, escutcheon plate covering left-side of dashboard and the bottom dash cover plate which houses the fog light & cruise control switches.

A 5' CAT5e extension network cable was req'd along with a CAT5e in-line coupler. This allowed extending the cable up thru the A-pillar, headliner and down to the rearview mirror. In fact, three (3) feet of cable is all you really need but unfortunately the in-line coupler is quite large and would not fit within either the A-pillar garnish or the headliner itself; hence the requirement for a 5' extension cable. BTW, trim tools are required so that all components can be easily removed without being distorted or destroyed. Also, the wide trim removal tool is great for gently prying down the headliner while feeding the CAT5e cable inside.

Note that a standard CAT5e network cable is required. DO NOT purchase and use an inverse CAT5e network cable or patch cord as this will inverse the connection points (1-8 and 8-1) and may consequently fry the Maxi-Trip's electronics!!

Mounting the computer to the mirror housing was a challenge, requiring full disassembly of the unit via the two rear-mounted Phillips screws. The electronics & LCD screen then get removed so that access to the bottom of the computer body shell face plate is enabled. Using a Dremel with a right-angle attachment, I milled two small 1/8" holes into the shell base as well as into the topside of the rearview mirror housing. Two small chassis screws were then used to mount the body shell to the mirror housing. Due to the mirror housing's curvature, the computer was mounted to the mirror with both screws towards the center of the assembly. This was done in order to prevent distortion of the fragile plastic computer housing. Once all was snug, the electronics & screen went back in and the rear housing plate was secured using the two screws.

Pictures will follow tommorrow since I haven't had time to develop them in my computer (download the images from my camera....);):D

Dan, I received the Maxi-Trip computer on Friday and I just got done installing it into the RL. The location I chose was the topside of the rearview mirror. This way, I wouldn't keep looking down near the floor everytime I wanted to check the gauge's trip or engine functions.

The installation went quite well although disassembly of several vehicle trim components were necessary such as: A-pillar garnish, rear-view mirror removal from windshield, escutcheon plate covering left-side of dashboard and the bottom dash cover plate which houses the fog light & cruise control switches.

A 5' CAT5e extension network cable was req'd along with a CAT5e in-line coupler. This allowed extending the cable up thru the A-pillar, headliner and down to the rearview mirror. In fact, three (3) feet of cable is all you really need but unfortunately the in-line coupler is quite large and would not fit within either the A-pillar garnish or the headliner itself; hence the requirement for a 5' extension cable. BTW, trim tools are required so that all components can be easily removed without being distorted or destroyed. Also, the wide trim removal tool is great for gently prying down the headliner while feeding the CAT5e cable inside.

Note that a standard CAT5e network cable is required. DO NOT purchase and use an inverse CAT5e network cable or patch cord as this will inverse the connection points (1-8 and 8-1) and may consequently fry the Maxi-Trip's electronics!!

Mounting the computer to the mirror housing was a challenge, requiring full disassembly of the unit via the two rear-mounted Phillips screws. The electronics & LCD screen then get removed so that access to the bottom of the computer body shell face plate is enabled. Using a Dremel with a right-angle attachment, I milled two small 1/8" holes into the shell base as well as into the topside of the rearview mirror housing. Two small chassis screws were then used to mount the body shell to the mirror housing. Due to the mirror housing's curvature, the computer was mounted to the mirror with both screws towards the center of the assembly. This was done in order to prevent distortion of the fragile plastic computer housing. Once all was snug, the electronics & screen went back in and the rear housing plate was secured using the two screws.

Pictures will follow tommorrow since I haven't had time to develop them in my computer (download the images from my camera....);):D

Wow sounds like you went all out on the install, Andy! I sure hope you took lots of pics as it sounds like you picked the same location I've been contemplating. The only difference would be I want something I can remove easily (velcro) as there are too many prying eyes here.

Wow sounds like you went all out on the install, Andy! I sure hope you took lots of pics as it sounds like you picked the same location I've been contemplating. The only difference would be I want something I can remove easily (velcro) as there are too many prying eyes here.

Dan, I also thought about using Velcro but I was concerned about the vibration and the potential shaking that would ensue, making the Maxi-Trip's small digits illegible when driving.

At $78, I doubt it that anybody would risk getting caught so as to steal an item like this but then again, you never do know.

Great set-up! :act035: Andy do you have pics of the install steps? Specifically trim removal. Is it in the service manual? I haven't looked there yet.
Can you maybe post a pic from the front outside (through the windshield) to see how visible it is from outside? When the weather clears of course.

Great set-up! :act035: Andy do you have pics of the install steps? Specifically trim removal. Is it in the service manual? I haven't looked there yet.
Can you maybe post a pic from the front outside (through the windshield) to see how visible it is from outside? When the weather clears of course.

Provided you have a trim removal tool set, it's a snap. The manual shows how to remove the A-pillar garnish as well as the other plastic trim pieces.

As soon as the snow melts:hol12:, I'll snap one off for you.

very cool install. I wanted to install mine scan gauge there, but already have my back up sensor gauge there.
I currently have the scan gauge in the not an ash tray slot. I thought of moving it to the sunglass case area?

http://i315.photobucket.com/albums/ll470/SRQRIDGE/Backup%20Camera%20and%20Sensors/DSC00020.jpg
This picture shows the back up sensor on top of the mirror and a back up camera is the sunglass case. I no longer have this camera screen in the sunglass case.

:car004:
I like the new smile face.:calvin:

very cool install. I wanted to install mine scan gauge there, but already have my back up sensor gauge there.
I currently have the scan gauge in the not an ash tray slot. I thought of moving it to the sunglass case area?

Dan, the backsup sensor atop the mirror looks like it was factory-installed and belongs there!

I've never seen a ScanGauge up close but the Maxi-Trip is a tad too large to fit inside the sunglass case area. I presume that someone can always fabricate a small angular bracket that would attach the computer to the door's outer lid surface. Because of it's close proximity to the driver's eyes, the only problem that I would see would be trying to focus on the gauge and then back on the road again instantaneously.

Dan, the backsup sensor atop the mirror looks like it was factory-installed and belongs there!.I've never seen a ScanGauge up close but the Maxi-Trip is a tad too large to fit inside the sunglass case area.

thanks so does yours!!!!


you know that's maybe why I didn't go there in the first place and I have never seen anyone else mount there either?

I like the clean look and the hiding factor in the not a ash tray compartment, but looking down is not good. I don't look at it too often since I am taking my eyes off the road. When I look it really fast. Can be dangerous.

Nice install job :act035:. Only thing, I could see getting pulled over and checked for a radar detector :D.

If you were looking from this view from outside.;act028:

Provided you have a trim removal tool set, it's a snap. The manual shows how to remove the A-pillar garnish as well as the other plastic trim pieces.

As soon as the snow melts:hol12:, I'll snap one off for you.

Good to know the info is in the manual, I'll have a look.
Would these "trim tools" do? Seems PA has them on sale this week. :act024:
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Good to know the info is in the manual, I'll have a look.
Would these "trim tools" do? Seems PA has them on sale this week. :act024:
44903

Got the same set from Harbor Frieght for under $10. They work fine for removing most trim pieces, but they are breakable, so don't try to force anything. If it appears stuck, double check to make sure you've undone all the screws.

Nice install job :act035:. Only thing, I could see getting pulled over and checked for a radar detector :D.

If you were looking from this view from outside.;act028:

LOL! Funny thing is that in the evening, you can see the bright display light up from the outside (back window as well as driver's side) making it look like a real radar detector (too small for a GPS).

Which brings me to another subject; the display being way too bright at night. The absence of a green or amber gelatin on the screen simulates a driver high-beaming you thru the rear-view mirror. I'm looking at using different shades of gelatins that I still have around from my old photography days. I'll keep you guys posted.

Did you guys see the higher model Kiwi unit. I was thinking of getting for x-mas. Well my wife would she said:act010:/.Have any of you taken a look at it? Thoughts???...... http://www.plxkiwi.com/product/

Have any of you taken a look at it? Thoughts???...... http://www.plxkiwi.com/product/

Nice unit. Nice color screen. Nice scoring system as an alternative or option to using standard technical jargon and specifications. A bit pricey though at $300.

Yeah I thought it was a bit exspensive too!! I like the idea though.

Nice install job :act035:. Only thing, I could see getting pulled over and checked for a radar detector :D.

If you were looking from this view from outside.;act028:

Please tell me you were joking when you made this statement!;)

Last night, I was pulled over by a member of our elite Montreal police force who was driving by and noticed the bright light emanating from the MaxTrip's illuminated LCD screen just above my rear-view mirror.

Thinking it was a radar detector, the officer had pulled me over to verify if in fact I was breaking the law. A few chuckles later in our conversation, he drove off and I was left wondering how I would tackle this situation in order to prevent such a nuisance from re-occurring.

The LCD display on the Maxi-Trip is a brightish white/blue in hue. The RL's radio face-plate and climate-control display have a brownish tint to the LCD screen which somehow subdues the brightness. I've tried making some custom filter gels by lightly spray-painting them and have yet to match the same color range as the RL's electronics. Any ideas?

nice thing about scan gauge you can change the color of the read out to many different colors/shades.;act028: