An Original NewMar NewAire
Update: Hooked on ScanGauge D -- 3/2/19
This is an overdue tech post about my personal addiction to the ScanGauge D Computer. D is for Diesel, and I can't imagine operating a diesel-powered coach (or big rig) without one.
While this well-thought-out computer/monitor (shown above at engine idle) will display a whole host of engine operating parameters (AKA gauges), my usage falls into two main categories:
I. Realtime Engine Performance Feedback
I typically monitor mileage (MPG), Boost (BST), road speed (MPH), and horsepower output (HPR).
II. Checking/Clearing ECM Fault Codes
My Cummins Engine Control Module is constantly monitoring all the engine systems and will log any faults it detects during operation. (Click here to see a list of standard ECM Fault Codes for all Cummins engines.)
Fortunately, engine faults do not occur very often, but when these do happen, the ScanGauge D allows me to examine those codes. Why? If not for any other reason, I can have a more informed conversation with my diesel service technician. I can also use the ScanGauge D to clear any fault codes that have been logged to check for reoccurrence. (Of course, checking/clearing fault codes should only be performed when parked.)
ScanGauge installation is simple. Just plug the monitor into your engine diagnostic port; it's usually found under the dash. In modern over the road diesels, the port will accept one of the plugs shown below:
Power is provided to the monitor by the diagnostic port itself, and it can be left permanently plugged in. As shown above, I mounted my ScanGauge D to the driver's side window using an optional suction mount kit, and it stays put.
Manufacturer support is very good. When I first got the ScanGauge D, I experienced a rolling display whenever I plugged it in. The problem was instantly diagnosed over the phone, and I was given a DIY solution that fixed it. (I had a stuck button on my monitor that was causing the display to roll.) I was told that trying the DIY fix was my choice, and either way I could return the monitor for warrantee service. I've had no problems since.
Among other functions, the ScanGauge D also can provide multi-leg trip statistics, fuel usage monitoring and cost tracking, and it can even be custom programmed to your ECM for non-standard gauge display using user-defined query parameters. I'm leaving a lot of functionality out here; in fact, there's a lot more there than I will ever use, but I'm happy.
And I'm hopelessly hooked.
TomAndPeg
This is an overdue tech post about my personal addiction to the ScanGauge D Computer. D is for Diesel, and I can't imagine operating a diesel-powered coach (or big rig) without one.
While this well-thought-out computer/monitor (shown above at engine idle) will display a whole host of engine operating parameters (AKA gauges), my usage falls into two main categories:
I. Realtime Engine Performance Feedback
I typically monitor mileage (MPG), Boost (BST), road speed (MPH), and horsepower output (HPR).
- MPG: Instant feedback on the relative economy of my driving habits as well as the fuel load the terrain is placing on the engine.
- BST: How well my exhaust turbo is feeding air to the engine (I'm still learning the ins and outs of managing boost for various driving conditions).
- HPR: How much power the Cummins ISB is putting out under current conditions.
- MPH: One may wonder why I watch road speed using the digital ScanGauge when I have a perfectly good speedo. One word: accuracy. The same could also be said for ScanGauge tach display (RPM), which I use on occassion.
II. Checking/Clearing ECM Fault Codes
My Cummins Engine Control Module is constantly monitoring all the engine systems and will log any faults it detects during operation. (Click here to see a list of standard ECM Fault Codes for all Cummins engines.)
Fortunately, engine faults do not occur very often, but when these do happen, the ScanGauge D allows me to examine those codes. Why? If not for any other reason, I can have a more informed conversation with my diesel service technician. I can also use the ScanGauge D to clear any fault codes that have been logged to check for reoccurrence. (Of course, checking/clearing fault codes should only be performed when parked.)
ScanGauge installation is simple. Just plug the monitor into your engine diagnostic port; it's usually found under the dash. In modern over the road diesels, the port will accept one of the plugs shown below:
Power is provided to the monitor by the diagnostic port itself, and it can be left permanently plugged in. As shown above, I mounted my ScanGauge D to the driver's side window using an optional suction mount kit, and it stays put.
Manufacturer support is very good. When I first got the ScanGauge D, I experienced a rolling display whenever I plugged it in. The problem was instantly diagnosed over the phone, and I was given a DIY solution that fixed it. (I had a stuck button on my monitor that was causing the display to roll.) I was told that trying the DIY fix was my choice, and either way I could return the monitor for warrantee service. I've had no problems since.
Among other functions, the ScanGauge D also can provide multi-leg trip statistics, fuel usage monitoring and cost tracking, and it can even be custom programmed to your ECM for non-standard gauge display using user-defined query parameters. I'm leaving a lot of functionality out here; in fact, there's a lot more there than I will ever use, but I'm happy.
And I'm hopelessly hooked.
TomAndPeg
Total Comments 3
Comments
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I installed a ScanGauge D about a month ago on my 2005 Kountry Star with a 330 HP ISC engine because I was getting an intermittent check engine light. None of the three codes that were stored are listed on the linked document. I have found other lists that do include one of the codes, and they do not agree, indicating entirely different issues. One of the lists was provided by ScanGauge. I have asked two Cummins repair shops, and both told me the generic codes on the ScanGauge are worthless - you need a code reader that uses (I suspect proprietary) Cummins software. Maybe someone has solved this issue with ScanGauge, but my experience so far is that, as a code reader, they are useless on Cummins engines.Posted 08-07-2019 at 05:08 PM by jdpkep 
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I recently had an "event" with my rig and threw a code. I immediately called ScanGauge Tech Support, and they gave me a precise interpretation: ABS data out of range (too high).
Turned out I had a leaky oil hub that dripped on and shorted out my speed sensor and that made the ABS system go a little whacky.
Go figure!Posted 12-25-2019 at 01:38 PM by TomAndPeg
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We had an additional code logged on our trip to Florida. Called our service center with that code, and they determined that it was a communication problem between the ECU and the VP44 injector system. In our case, it was caused by the Ag Diesel Solutions 20300 performance chip (faulty harness). We de-installed the ADS system, and the code went away. Upon returning home, we shipped the harness to Ag Diesel Solutions, they replaced the faulty harness (lifetime warranty), and we've been code-free ever since.
While we use the ScanGauge mostly for realtime performance readings, when the ECU logs a trouble code, we want immediate access to that info, and so far that's exactly what we have gotten via our ScanGauge.Posted 07-27-2020 at 03:13 PM by TomAndPeg
