I've noticed that lots of you use a ScanGauge2, but I found the BullyDog WatchDog that seems to do the same thing and is bigger than a piece of gum. Is there a reason so many use the ScanGauge? Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

The watchdog is like $300.

If you want a larger display look at the ultragauge, it is even cheaper and has been awesome for me.

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

 

x2 on the UltraGauge

 

 

That looks good! And you can read it! I think I just made my decision, thanks guys!

 

x4 for ultraguage. I have to send mine back for the metric upgrade.

 

i have since rerouted my cable behind the radio bezel.

hard to believe this is only $60.

 

I don't like bulky displays which is why i like the Aeroforce





They're all good options though just depends on what you like

 

When talk on subjects like this came up, I always digressed to Scangauge based on friends experiences and the performance/reputation of the equipment. They also cost 300 bones, unless a guy came across a promo deal. And until now, I wasn't even aware of the existence of the Ultragauge. I read their whole friggin webpage, looking at all the features. I also saw the price. On the note, that's really great price for equipment of that type. So good in fact, that I'm gonna do a little more reading and homework, and probably buy one this week; thanks for the post!

Now for t3h questions:

*What functions does it not do on a Ranger, thanks to an ultragauge required sensor not being part of the vehicles electronics?

*On the fuel tank level, did you have to run it out and then fill it all the way to calibrate the gauge? And if the answer is no, and when the ultragauge reads, say, 2 gallons (or something real low, so low a guy is sweating how many miles are left to empty), do you think it's believeable or that it's only close? How about full, does it display what appears to be an accurate number based on your experiences, or does it do something illogical like report maybe 23 gallons (we know that isn't possible with the stock tank)?

*Must it plug into the OBD-II port under the dash, or might there be another wiring method?

*The backlighting feature, although it says it has auto dimming can the user do a calibration to control the range? Can it be tied into the dash lights for dimming control?

*And that ghey heart above the digits in the MPG display, can that be turned off or, if it's a icon for something, changed to something different?

*I'm pretty sure the answer is no, but if a gauge feature isn't available because the Ranger doesn't have the required sensor, can it be somehow added? Do the instructions or the manufacturer support these endeavors?

Once again, good find, thanks for posting!

 

The Ultragauge plugs into the OBD 2 port and reads everything from that. You cannot use it any other way.

The backlighting has an auto dimming feature but cannot be tied to the dimmer swtich

The heart relates to the status of the PCM updating it's reading, it cannot be turned off.

Sensors cannot be added for additional readings, the PCM has it's sensors and that's it

The MPG can be calibrated as per the manual

Distance and speedometer can be calibrated as well.

More questions refer to my My review

 

Take a look at this thread, tons of info. thank scott for posting it back when, he really put up a lot of info.

https://www.ranger-forums.com/audio-video-tech-41/ultra-gauge-support-ordering-thread-118416/

fuel level you just put based on the size of your tank. i think mine is supposed to be 19.5 gal tank, i put in 19 gal to keep on the safe side.

i never calibrated the distance and i feel like it is fairly close, maybe shows higher mpg than i am actually getting. but if you calibrate i expect it is fairly accurate. shows overall mpg of 18.9 for me (with a lot of highway miles)

you can have 3 pages of gauges set up like shown, moving each number to whichever slot you want.

the heart I know of no way to get rid of it, i think it means something because somtimes it is filled and sometimes empty. I really dont notice it too much.

Here are the gauges for the ranger from scott's post:

* Open/Closed Loop Emissions Status
* Percent Engine Load
* Engine coolant temperature
* Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 1
* Long Term Fuel Trim Bank 1
* Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 2
* Long Term Fuel Trim Bank 2
* RPM
* MPH
* Ignition Timing Advance
* Intake Air Temperature
* Mass Air Flow Sensor output in grams/sec
* Absolute Throttle Position Percentage
* Bank 1 Oxygen Sensor 1 Voltage
* Bank 1 Oxygen Sensor 2 Voltage
* Bank 2 Oxygen Sensor 1 Voltage
* Bank 2 Oxygen Sensor 2 Voltage
* Distance traveled with Check Engine Light on
* Mass Air Flow 2, Calibrated/Calculated
* Instantaneous Miles Per Gallon (MPG)
* Average Miles Per Gallon (MPG)
* Average Miles Per Hour (MPH)
* Average Gallon Per Hour (GPH) - general
* Run Time - general
* Distance - general
* Fuel Used - general
* Intantaneous Gallons Per Hour (GPH)
* Fuel Tank Gallons Remaining
* Distance to Empty(DTE)
* Time to Empty (TTE)
* Average MPH - trip
* Average MPG - trip
* Fuel Used Gallons- trip
* Average Gallon Per Hour (GPH) - trip
* Run Time -trip
* Distance - trip
* Oil Distance
* Service Distance
* UltraGauge Temperature

 

its worth noting also i modified my mount to mount on the dash. the included suction cup mount just wasn't for me.

 

In your thread, post #2 mentions "If you look at the bottom you can see that lil "center tab" has been cut out". Is he talking about the usual retention feature on plugs of this type, no biggie?

Thanks for the feedback guys, it's appreciated.

 

Yea, it's the little clip that holds the plug.

As tight as the plug is, there is no need for the retainer. And it makes it easier to remove when needed

 

I just bought one and am awaiting its arrival in the mail.
The $69.00 for the UltraGauge EM did it for me as opposed to the $300 for the scangague II

My GPS Suction cup always falls off my windsheild overnight, so I'm worried about the same happening to the UltraGauge. Have any of you experienced this, or do you take it down each time you get out of your truck?

 

Mine only fell off during super cold winter mornings.

 

Gentlemen, I'd like to bring your attention to these:

ScanGauge2 for $150:
and the WatchDog for $202:
Still think I should go with the Ultra?

 

Yes

 

yeah if you paid 300 for a scangauge you paid to much. the ultragauge is just such a great value.

 

I like my scan gauge.

 

shameless self bump

 

My suction cup has been on there for almost a year now w/ no issues.
I didn't calibrate my mileage and haven't calibrated my gas in a while. It seems pretty accurate though. The only thing I do when I fill up is zero the mpg. It automatically knows I filled the tank.

 

The UG does not do trans temp, but the scangauge will, correct? What about the watchdog?