Scangauge II OBD2 Code Reader Install

All of us have been there at least once: driving along, and then, the dash lights up like a damn Christmas tree – and there’s no telling whether your truck is in real danger or if your gas cap is slightly loose.

Having experienced this phenomenon (and the subsequent freak outs) multiple times, I finally sprung for a Scangauge II OBD2 reader (via Amazon).  I made sure to get delivered in time for my and Becca’s cross-country trip – hoping we wouldn’t throw any codes (we didn’t), but being prepared for the worst.

I chose the $160 Scangauge versus other cheaper readers for a couple of reasons:

• Reputation: 4.5 start rating on Amazon, combined with hearing positive reviews from some experienced guys I trust.
• Size:  The Scangauge display is only 4.8” wide, 1.5” tall, and 1” deep.  I was able to mount the Scanguage on top of my steering column without blocking any of my dash gauges.
• Features:  In addition to reading codes, the Scangauge can provide near-real-time readouts of all kinds of vehicle performance information.  I’m sure I’ll eventually figure out how to use all of it!

The “install”, if you can call it that, took about 10 minutes.  On the 4Runner, I unclipped the bottom portion of the driver’s side dash, routed the Scangauge OBD2 cable up along the steering column, and stuck the Scangauge Monitor to the steering column using the provided adhesive/velcro.

The Scangauge fits in pretty naturally on the steering column for easy readability

From there, plug into the OBD2 port under the dash, and the Scangauge connects and comes to life every time you start the vehicle!  I’m still configuring everything and will have to do a follow-up, but in the meantime I’m feeling a little more at ease that next time I get a CEL – I can find out what’s going on right away!

The LCD background display color is customizable

Update:  The scangauge performed well on our cross-country trip and the velcro help it securely to the top of the steering column with no signs of loosening up!  I used the scangauge to monitor fuel economy and voltage predominantly, and my paranoid self checked for registered and pending codes pretty frequently on the trail (never had any come up!).