Beware cheap short cuts

[buzzard616]

My signature TV is a 'Work tuck'. No fancy trim, rubber floors, etc. and no computerized driver information display. Trying to get mileage figures I used the gadget shown here to connect with an app on my tablet.



It worked fairly well but what it also did on two separate occasions was to throw the ECM in the truck into a coma. The biggest PITA was the transmission refused to come out of 1st gear. Had to stop; shut down; disconnect the battery; put it all back together and start again. After the 2nd time I suspected the wiz-bang gadget and pulled it. Hasn't happened since.

Lesson learned - I suppose there's a reason folks recommend the ScanGuage and not this thing. :S



Stu

[Gene_Ginny]

buzzard616 wrote:
...
Lesson learned - I suppose there's a reason folks recommend the ScanGuage and not this thing. :S

Stu

Thanks for the warning. YES, I am pleased with my ScanGuage II. I can see the actual water temp and tranny temp. :B

[kellertx5er]

ChopperBill wrote:
I don't check milage anymore. It is what it is.

Amen. There was a time when your mileage fell off that you knew to do a tune-up. Nowadays, if there is a problem which will impact your mileage you will generally get a warning from the engine computer. Also, when towing, the wind and grades can have a huge impact on mileage.

[FlatBroke]

I don't check milage anymore. The DIC is worthless. It is what it is.

[filthy_beast]

I bought this one from Amazon:

Elm unit

and DashCommand and have had no problems yet. As I have the iPhone the Torque app is not an option. I can see things like the temp sensors at the DPF, calculated boost pressure and many others that I find helpful. The exhaust temp is a bit away from the turbo but I can make an educated guess as to the temp closer to the turbo.

[naturist]

I see! I note that those things cost around $10 on Amazon. I've been referred to one that costs currently $100, but used to be around $30. One wonders, does one not?

[rk911]

buzzard616 wrote:
My signature TV is a 'Work tuck'. No fancy trim, rubber floors, etc. and no computerized driver information display. Trying to get mileage figures I used the gadget shown here to connect with an app on my tablet.



It worked fairly well but what it also did on two separate occasions was to throw the ECM in the truck into a coma. The biggest PITA was the transmission refused to come out of 1st gear. Had to stop; shut down; disconnect the battery; put it all back together and start again. After the 2nd time I suspected the wiz-bang gadget and pulled it. Hasn't happened since.

Lesson learned - I suppose there's a reason folks recommend the ScanGuage and not this thing. :S



Stu

thanks but I simply do the math when we fill-up.

[Bumpyroad]

poncho62 wrote:
Try something I have been doing for 40 years, and much more accurate. Use the odometer, the gallons on the gas pump and a calculator.....In the old days, I even was able to do it without the calculator

but then you can't use fancy gadgets and "apps".
bumpy

[bucky]

I would say he was warning us of an issue so that it didn't happen to us. Thanks Buzzard.

[poncho62]

Try something I have been doing for 40 years, and much more accurate. Use the odometer, the gallons on the gas pump and a calculator.....In the old days, I even was able to do it without the calculator

[azrving]

Someone was talking about code readers the other day and I think that one or that style was mentioned. I have an Actron and had years of service from it but it cost $150.00.

Oh well, do you have a lake near you?

[1492]

buzzard616 wrote:

With no 'preview' option here the only way to proof read and edit a post is to post it first and then use the 'edit' function.

You can preview before posting. See above.

[buzzard616]

TucsonJim wrote:
Not sure what the purpose of you post is???

Sorry Jim. You read it before I was finished. With no 'preview' option here the only way to proof read and edit a post is to post it first and then use the 'edit' function.

Point is trying the cheap shortcut as I did could have caused more than temporary damage to my truck.

Stu

[TucsonJim]

Not sure what the purpose of you post is???