ScanGauge II 3-in-1 Compact Multifunction Vehicle Computer with Customizable Display

I bought this device about 2 months ago and I am still trying to understand how to use simple functions like total trip mileage and the total amount of fuel used on a trip.... pretty basic stuff. My only complaint is the manual. The instructions leave out details that would be helpful to the user. I have complained to the manufacturer about this and they agreed that it needs to be improved and promised that a better manual is on the way to me at some future date.

Well worth the money to track your fuel mileage and fuel usage history.
Especially for vehicles without fuel usage meters already built in.
Also tells other useful info but not as important as the fuel mileage and the ability to check trouble codes that may be popping up on your "Check engine light"
Read the code and do a google search for that code and you can easily diagnose what problem(s) you may be having.
If your mechanically able you can purchase the part and replace them yourself. That alone can save you what you purchased the Scanguage2.
Also to get you vehicle checked at the dealership would cost around $100 depending on dealership and what their rates are.
And after you are complete with the repair you can reset the on board computer.

The device provides valuable information for the thoughtful operator. Some of it is only occasionally valuable, but when needed, facts are easy to get. On the other hand, the ScanGauge provides quite a bit of information of value from time to time - remaining range & trip data, for example.

For me, the greatest value comes from parameters that can guide the most economical operation -- I like to display current speed, MPG, fuel flow and cost-per-mile in the default setting; it trains me to be more efficient -- becomes a bit of a game to maximize efficiency or maintain a certain minimum MPG. Aviators have an additional consideration - travel time (and speed) which also has a "cost". If my time is worth $20/hour, what's the optimum mix of speed & fuel consumption? A commuter might want to use a spreadsheet to guide future operations. Land economists suspect the value of a commuter's time is about half his hourly earnings. Consider working out your optimum trip plan if a lot of your time is spent commuting. You may choose to live elsewhere or find a job closer to home.

The manual is adequate, but I'd like to see a better one -- it'd save my wasted time.

I have owned my ScanGauge II for about 18 months and it has paid for itself in fuel savings.

I drive a 1998 Ford Expedition and have seen a 20% increase in my fuel mileage since I purchased my ScanGauge II. It has taught me a more efficient way to drive. You are able to see your actual fuel mileage in realtime and lets you see what effect passing a car, accelerating up a hill and coasting has on your fuel mileage.

I have read reviews that have been critical on this unit because it does some of the same things that the onboard computer does in some of the more expensive cars. This unit is great for people that have cars made after 1996 and do not have the onboard mileage computer. This unit also will read most trouble codes and is able to clear many codes after you repair the problem.

Two thumbs up !!!!

The Scanguage II is a comprehensive automotive fuel and system monitoring device that comes with everything you need and the great thing about it is you just plug it in and program in your particular vehical ( must be 1996 or newer) and it just can tell you about anything you might want to know about your car's systems in real time or it stores the info for later. Wonderful device for people who are interested in saving fuel.
5 stars for ease of operation !
Clark Woodard
President, [...]