Added an Ultra-gauge

[gemdc]

Looking at acdii's scangauge got me started looking for something more accurate than the mpg readings my 2013 Fusion displays. I kept thinking on the last two tanks that I was going to break 40 mpg. Tank mileage read 41.5 on the last tank and actual computed to 39.8. Decided to try the Ultra-gauge as it is about half the price of the Scangauge II. You have to buy them directly from their web site but they did deliver quickly.

 

Anyway, when it scanned the computer it found 62 parameters that can be displayed on the UG screens (there are 7 screens programmable). Seems to have all the stuff one might want to see and looks pretty good. Right now I just have it mounted on an office paper clip (one of those black thingys with two flip out "handles". Removed one handle, drilled a hole for a tiny bolt and nut and mounted their bracket on that. Then just clip it onto the AC vent left of the driver. Not the final method but works for now.

 

Now have to do some calibration. Really need to wait to another fill up then follow their manual. However for now I have been guessing and changing the mpg calibration factor to get it in the ballpark of accurate. Nice to see instant mpg in digital at least.

[acdii]

It works pretty good. There are supposed to be xgauges on the SG, but without knowing the exact parameters cant really get them set up. The codes for the Escape dont work, so hopefully the new Fusion/Cmax codes will come out soon so we can get SOC, and other battery information on the Gauge.

[mokee]

Thanks gemdc. The UltraGuage looks really interesting and a $100 less than the ScanGuageII. I'm interested in any additional user info you can provide. :

 

I found the link for UltraGuage at:

 

http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/index.htm

 

I've used ScanGuageII Xgauges for real time tranny temps, coolant and mpg on several vehicles. Acdii is correct that codes are needed for the Xguages to work. I messaged the folks at Linear Logic for codes for the 2013 FFH, but so far no answer. The link for ScanGaugeII is:

 

http://www.scangauge.com/products/scangaugeii/

Edited March 26, 2013 by mokee

[neod192]

What's the difference between those and a cheapo ODBII bluetooth scanner paired with the Torque Android app? I have that, but the ECU in my 2001 GTI doesn't have that many sensors to report on.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KL0I9I/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

How do UltraGauge and ScanGuageII connect to the car - through the ODBII connector?

[acdii]

They plug right into the OBD port, and are completely passive, unless you wish to reset trouble codes, and that is the only thing it can interact with. They dont have pretty graphics or gauges that you can do with the phone, but just plain old digital numerical readouts. I dont know if the Ultra can do this, but the SGii stores trip data, day, previous day and tank. Miles driven, average MPH, highest water temp, highest MPH, highest RPM and MPG.

 

Its a Hybrid drivers tool, that Prius owners started using when they first came out to help improve their driving techniques.

[gemdc]

Doubt there are any plans at UltraGauge to let you show things like transmission temperature. They show a list of 78 readings they can display on their Website. The gauge is a bit of trouble to mount because they put the control buttons on the back so whatever method you use has to allow access to the buttons. I am working on a magnetic mount now. You need to be able to get it away fron the windshield so crooks wont mistake it for a GPS and break in to steal it. The magnet should allow pulling it and hiding it in the console.

[mokee]

Here's the reply from Linnear Logic concerning Xgauge codes for the ScanGauge II.

 

It is possible that some of the codes will work. If you try the codes and they do not work contact us again under subject XGauge Testing and our engineer will be able to work with you on getting some possible codes to test.

 

Here's a link for Xguage codes including those for the Escape Hybrid (at the bottom). Is this type of info is useful to anybody driving a FFH?

 

http://www.scangauge.com/support/x-gauge/ford-specific-xgauges/

Edited March 27, 2013 by mokee

[acdii]

I have the printout a tried a few and they all came up blank.

[larrylwill]

Has anyone put an ultra gauge on a 2014? I had one on my 2011 Fiesta but do not see any support for the fusion hybrid.

Edited July 10, 2014 by larrylwill

[gemdc]

The Ultra-Gauge works fine on my 2014 MKZh. I am sure the Android Torque app and a bluetooth sensor would show more data and could record it as well. Just not as convenient.

[tseed]

Hello, this is my first post. I hope this is in the right thread....I am interesed in getting and external scan tool, I like the lay out of the ulta gauge, but I like that the scan gauge II has the ability to monitor the trans temp.

The SG display seems small/compact compared to the UG and leads me to believe you would have to do a lot of scrolling to see the different information. It looks like the newest ultra gauge this option available. The UG says it can access manufacture info and that is one of the parameters that may be available.

I'm currently at about 1,600 miles....lifetime mpg is at 45.8 and current tank of gas 51.2mpg...I think I'm doing reasonably well for first hybrid experience mpg wise..

[hybridbear]

Hello, this is my first post. I hope this is in the right thread....I am interesed in getting and external scan tool

With an Android tablet, a Bluetooth OBDII scanner & FORScan you can monitor all the proprietary Ford PIDs.

[tseed]

Thank you for the input HB. So would you say ultra gauge and scan gauge I I are above and beyond. Not really needed? Reading about the potential transmission issues I would like to know what is going on....

[Griswald]

I use my ultra gauge to add the info that Ford forgot, or figured we didn't need. I still think that not knowing your current trip MPG, it becomes much harder to learn to maximize your daily drives.

[hybridbear]

Thank you for the input HB. So would you say ultra gauge and scan gauge I I are above and beyond. Not really needed? Reading about the potential transmission issues I would like to know what is going on....

An UltraGauge or ScanGauge cannot give you enough information. They are extremely limited in usefulness.

[Griswald]

An UltraGauge or ScanGauge cannot give you enough information. They are extremely limited in usefulness.

Depends on what you consider "useful". I wouldn't ever have a car without one.

[hybridbear]

Depends on what you consider "useful". I wouldn't ever have a car without one.

The UltraGauge cannot show you data related to possible transmission failure. This was the stated goal of tseed. Only FORScan can show you the proprietary Ford DTCs and record the interactions of the traction motor & generator motor to be able to identify possible transmission issues.

[murphy]

I have my Scanguage II showing the four tire pressures at the same time. Granted I had to set up X-Gauge commands to do it. The first thing I noticed was the higher pressures on the side of the car where the sun was hitting the tires.

[tseed]

Looking on ultra gauges Web site they have the model MX 1.3 which as I understand it can? Read transmission temperature if that is available from factory. Am I misunderstanding? With the torque app, Forscan, or other bluetooth device, does that conflict with linking to my phone to play music through the car? (I'm pretty new to a lot of this tech stuff) I don't think the tablet I have would be fast enough to use an app or FORscan with Bluetooth....

I thought using X gauge with the scan gauge, a person can get transmission temperature..?

Here is the link to that ultra-gauge model I was asking about ...

http://ultra-gauge.com/ZC/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=57

Edited September 3, 2015 by tseed

[murphy]

The ScanGauge II and the UltraGauge connect to the car via a cable connected to the OBD II port.

Forscan requires an adapter that plugs into the OBD II port and usually connects to a smartphone or tablet or Windows computer via bluetooth. The car bluetooth is not involved.

 

It is unlikely that music can be played from a phone to the car bluetooth at the same time Forscan is in operation on the phone. Forscan uses a lot of processing power.

I have the computer version of Forscan so I have no experience with the phone/tablet version.

[jdbob]

There is also a version of Forscan for apple iOS devices, but you need a wi-fi OBD adapter.

[hybridbear]

Forscan uses a lot of processing power.

I have the computer version of Forscan so I have no experience with the phone/tablet version.

I have a 2013 Nexus 7 which works great with FORScan. It runs very fast. I don't try to run other apps while using FORScan so I don't know how much it slows down processing. I bought my Nexus 7 from a local store as an open box brand new model so I got it for about 60% of the normal price.