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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Scangauge vs. Ultragauge
Scangauge and Ultragauge are two leading brands in the OBD2 diagnostic scanner industry, providing advanced technology for vehicle diagnostics.
Key Takeaways:
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- Scangauge and Ultragauge are two prominent OBD2 diagnostic scanners offering advanced vehicle diagnostics, differing in features like display type, gauge options, and user interface.
- Scangauge: Known for its compact design and real-time monitoring with 17 gauges, it provides essential data like cost per mile and miles per gallon. It offers simple installation and supports error code identification.
- Ultragauge: This model offers a larger LCD display with more gauge options (78 in total), including sophisticated monitoring like fuel vapor percentage. It has a flexible interface that supports more simultaneous gauge displays and is also easy to install.
- Both scanners help users monitor fuel performance, detect issues early, and ensure optimal vehicle health and efficiency, contributing to better fuel economy and reduced emissions.
- OBD2 Scanners: Work on most vehicles manufactured from 1996 onwards, providing diagnostic insights across various systems, including the engine and transmission.
- Scangauge OBD2 scanners are known for their robust features and compact design.
- Ultragauge scanners are celebrated for their user-friendly interface and comprehensive data monitoring.
- Both are OBD 2 mini-computers that can help you understand your vehicle’s performance.
The debate of Scangauge vs. Ultragauge pivots on multiple factors, including functionality, ease of use, and value for money. Both brands are committed to helping vehicle owners maintain optimal performance and efficiency, choosing between Scangauge vs. Ultragauge OBD2 diagnostic scanners a matter of personal preference and specific needs.
Most of us want to monitor vehicle fuel performance. Why is this important? to maintain fuel economy, have an idea of mileage, and be responsible citizens. You know, less fuel consumption equals less pollution.
The automotive industry developed on-board diagnostics (OBD) tools for fuel or engine enthusiasts. These tools help you understand everything about your engine.
There are two generations of these tools: the first one, OBD, which could be installed in vehicles manufactured before 1996, and the other, OBD2, which is supported by all vehicles after 1996.
Scangauge and Ultragauge are OBD2 mini-computers that can help you better understand your vehicle’s performance.
Here’s a detailed comparison of both products based on various product features.
What does a car scanner tell you?
A car scanner, also known as an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner, is a device that interfaces with a vehicle’s computer system to diagnose and report issues. Essentially, it provides a comprehensive overview of your vehicle’s health. It can alert you to problems with the engine, exhaust system, transmission, and other components.
It can also provide information on the vehicle’s fuel economy and performance. Therefore, “What does a car scanner tell you?” It produces critical data that helps in the early detection of potential issues, ensuring timely intervention and maintenance. A car scanner is an invaluable tool in modern vehicle diagnosis and maintenance.
What information does OBD2 provide?
On-board Diagnostics II (OBD2) is a standardized system in trucks and cars that monitors the vehicle’s performance and health. So, what information does OBD2 provide? It provides crucial information about the vehicle’s engine performance, including ignition timing, fuel injection calibrations, and engine speed.
It identifies issues in these areas, providing error codes that a mechanic can decipher. Additionally, OBD2 monitors emissions to ensure a vehicle is not releasing harmful pollutants. OBD2 provides valuable data about a vehicle’s overall health, assisting in its maintenance and contributing to environmental conservation.
Do car scanners work on all cars?
Car scanners, or OBD2 (on-board diagnostics) scanners, are designed to work on most vehicles manufactured from 1996 onwards. These devices can diagnose various issues, providing a comprehensive view of the car’s health. However, their effectiveness may vary across car models and makes due to variations in protocols and systems.
While car scanners work on all cars equipped with an OBD2 system, they may not function with older models that use OBD1. Therefore, while it is true that they work on most modern cars, it’s important to note that exceptions do exist.
Product Features for Scangauge
Since this text will be comparative, we will outline the same product features for both products to understand their differences better.
Display Screen
Scangauge has an LED display with five navigation buttons. The home button displays the home screen; the other four are function buttons.
The four function buttons include:
- Scan- Located at the top left corner, the scan tool displays the trouble codes and turns off the check engine light.
- Trip- Below the scan button, there’s a trip button that displays useful information about your selected trip.
- Gauge—In the top right corner, a gauge button displays four gauges at a time.
- More- You can use the more button to access settings and configurations.
Number of Gauges
Scangauge has 17 gauges to show engine and fuel performance. You can view four gauges at a time, giving you real-time data about your vehicle.
While the primary gauges stay the same across all vehicles, some gauges may have more than one abbreviation across different vehicles, depending on the vehicle type.
The most common gauges for the performance management of your vehicle include:
- Cost per Mile (CPM)- Cost per mile of a vehicle at any given time.
- Miles per Gallon (MPH)- MPG shows the miles the vehicle runs in a gallon of fuel.
You can change the unit of distance to Kilometers and the unit of capacity to liters. The gauge indicators change to Kilometers per liter (KPG), Miles per liter (MPL), etc., as per your preference.
- Meter per Hour (MPH)—MPH is the gauge for displaying speed. If you want to see the speed in another unit, you can adjust the indicator to Kilometer per Hour (KPH).
- Trouble Codes
As mentioned earlier, the Scan button shows trouble codes. The ‘check engine’ indicator turns on if there is a problem with the engine. There can be hundreds of trouble codes, and it is a challenge to determine what the error code means.
The trouble code has two parts. One is the error code ID, which shows the part with a problem. The other is the failure mode (FM) ID, which indicates the nature of the problem.
If you see a trouble code, enter the information with your vehicle’s specifications into a search engine to better understand the problem.
Installation
The Scangauge has three parts. A display screen, a connector cord, and velcro straps are needed to mount the monitor.
The installation is just a two-step process: plug in the connector and mount the screen with the Velcro straps, which start working when the engine starts.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to NJS Instructional
Product Features for Ultragauge
While Scangauge and Ultragauge serve the same purpose, they have different product features. Let’s see what Ultragauge offers regarding on-screen display parameters, number of gauges, trouble codes, and installation.
Screen Display
Ultragauge uses an LCD display, unlike Scangauge, which uses an LED display. Given the large screen size, the screen can be programmed to display 4, 6, or 8 gauges simultaneously.
The screen uses light from its LED backlighting, which makes the text readable at darker times of the day.
The gauges are organized into pages, each showing a specific category of gauges, such as gauges related to speed.
Number of Gauges
The ultra gauge has 78 gauge options, ranging from speed and fuel economy to sophisticated gauges related to temperature and pressure. While most gauges operate across every type of vehicle, some may not be compatible with all types of vehicles.
Some of the gauges that are exceptional other than the usual gauges include:
- Instantaneous MPG- Instantaneous MPG measures the vehicle’s fuel economy at any time.
- Miles Traveled Since Check Engine Light Cleared—The gauge shows how many miles the vehicle has covered after clearing a trouble code. It can also tell a driver how well the engine runs after a repair fault.
- Run Time Since Last Start—This gauge shows the time a vehicle has been turned on since the last ignition.
- Evaporative Purge %- The gauge gives the percentage of fuel vapors burnt inside the engine.
Trouble Codes
The Ultragauge displays the current trouble codes and identifies potential troubles. It also allows you to see pending trouble codes that were ignored once you turned off the ‘check engine’ light.
These trouble codes are thoroughly defined in the user manual of the Ultragauge scan tool.
Installation
The installation of the Ultragauge is almost the same as that of the Scangauge. You need to plug in the cable and mount the display screen on the windscreen in a place that doesn’t interfere with your vision.
However, the newer Ultragauge models require you to connect them to your phone for a better display.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Aiden Owen
How do I use an auto scanner?
- First, locate the diagnostic link connector (DLC) in your vehicle. It’s typically found under the driver’s side dashboard.
- Once found, plug the auto scanner into the DLC. The scanner should power on once connected.
- Turn your vehicle’s ignition to the “on” position, but do not start the engine. This powers up the vehicle’s electronic control module (ECM), allowing communication with the scanner.
- Select the option to read or scan trouble codes on your auto scanner. The scanner will then retrieve and display any fault codes stored in the ECM.
- Finally, refer to your vehicle’s service manual or an online resource to understand these codes. This provides insights into potential issues with your vehicle. So, this is how you use an auto scanner effectively to diagnose your vehicle’s problems.
Is it worth buying a car scanner?
Whether it is worth buying a car scanner depends on an individual’s circumstances and needs. However, investing in one can be highly beneficial for those who regularly maintain their vehicles. This tool can help identify problems early, saving time and potentially high repair costs.
It’s also valuable for those who wish to monitor their car’s overall health and performance in real-time. Therefore, considering its efficiency and convenience, one could argue it is worth buying a car scanner.
Will OBD2 read transmission codes?
The OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics Version 2) system can read transmission codes. OBD2 is a standardized system that electronic systems in vehicles use to self-diagnose and report. This system provides access to the status of the various vehicle subsystems, including the transmission.
If your vehicle’s transmission has a problem, the OBD2 system can generate a specific fault code related to the issue. Therefore, if you’re wondering, “Will OBD2 read transmission codes?” The answer is a definitive yes. This capability greatly aids in identifying and resolving issues, making it a valuable tool for vehicle maintenance and repair.
What type of car scanner should I buy?
When contemplating “What type of car scanner should I buy?”, several factors should be considered. Your specific needs, the make and model of your vehicle, and your budget are crucial determinants. If you require basic diagnostic information, an OBD2 scanner would suffice.
However, for advanced diagnostics, a professional automotive diagnostic scanner becomes imperative. These scanners provide comprehensive data, including live engine details, system status, and trouble codes. Moreover, investing in a car scanner that supports software updates for compatibility with newer models is advisable.
Therefore, understanding your requirements and researching various models can help you decide what type of car scanner to buy.
Conclusion
The comparison between Scangauge and Ultragauge OBD2 diagnostic scanners offers valuable insights into their efficiency and performance. Both scanners have proven their worth in the automotive industry, providing detailed and accurate diagnostic data for vehicle owners and mechanics. However, they also showcase unique features that set them apart.
Scangauge provides a compact design that is easy to install and operate. Its comprehensive features display real-time data, including fuel economy, battery voltage, engine load, and more. It also boasts an X-gauge programmable system, allowing users to customize the scanner according to specific vehicle parameters.
On the other hand, Ultragauge prides itself on its large display and user-friendly interface. This device comes with a vast range of pre-programmed parameters, eliminating the need for manual programming. It also displays more data parameters simultaneously than Scangauge, making it a favorite among users who prefer a broader view of their vehicle’s performance.
The choice between Scangauge vs. Ultragauge obd2 diagnostic scanners depends on user preferences and specific requirements. Both offer reliable performance and detailed diagnostics, but their difference lies in the user interface, display, and programmability. While Scangauge offers customization options with its X-gauge feature, Ultragauge provides a large display and pre-set parameters for ease of use.
Looking at the product features of Scangauge and Ultragauge, it is evident that the Ultragauge is a better scanning tool with many options that the Scangauge doesn’t offer. However, both are popular in the car industry.
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