Scan Gauge II Install (Regal GS)

[FatherDeth]

I am a firm believer in monitoring my water temperature. I install a Scan Guage II in all my vehicles. Most of the time it's an easy install, but on my Regal GS, I couldn't find the right place.......until!! What I did was opened the little cubby door below the dash. Inside is an ash tray and cigarette lighter/powersource. You can pull the ashtray right out and there is a hole behind it. You can pull out the carpeting out a little on the driver's side where it comes up under the dash and this will allow you to run the scangauge end of the cable up through the dash and through the hole behind where the ashtray sits. Connect the cable to the Scan Gauge and itsits right down in the cubby. Now, just tie up the excess cable under the dash and plug the end into the OBD II port. Done!!

Cons: You can't use the power source and Onstar doesn't like things plugged into the OBD II port.

 

[oomonte]

does the gage read boost?

 

[12GSMN]

does the gage read boost?

Also, does the door close? This is a great place to have it. How much are these and where do you buy them?

 

[Super LaX]

does the gage read boost?

http://www.scangauge.com/products/scangaugeii/
According to the website in can read boost.

Toggle the "digital gauges" folder near the bottom of the page.

 

[laloggia]

$159.99 seems to be the going rate...amazon.com, eBay, and autozone.

 

[FatherDeth]

Unfortunately, the door does not close. It doesn't bother me, but I know it could bother others. Also, there is a way to
get it to read boost. I never bothered with it because I had a mechanical boost on my old Cooper S. I'm going to now and I'll let you all know the outcome.

Fronthe record y'all, my "idiot gauge" still was on the 185 degree mark while the Scan Guage was reading 205 degrees. I just feel more comfortable knowing the actual temp.
And I got mine from a MINI performance shop for $160. Amazon is probably the best place to get them.

 

[mmadden2]

Fronthe record y'all, my "idiot gauge" still was on the 185 degree mark while the Scan Guage was reading 205 degrees. I just feel more comfortable knowing the actual temp.
And I got mine from a MINI performance shop for $160. Amazon is probably the best place to get them.

I guess my questions would be how critical is that 20 degree difference, how do you know the accuracy of your secondary gauge, and what will you do with this info? I don't know the car's designed operating range but you don't pull over and wait for it to cool down do you? Is it really an idiot gauge or good enough for almost every car on the planet? Just sayin', if your car's temp gauge is "broken" I'd have the dealer fix it 🙂

If you just like having it, that's fair enough. I'm sure it does lots of other good stuff too.

*****

After writing this post I did a little research and I guess knowing the actual temp would be good. I'm not going to pay for that information but I can see it's value.

 

[FatherDeth]

I guess my questions would be how critical is that 20 degree difference, how do you know the accuracy of your secondary gauge, and what will you do with this info? I don't know the car's designed operating range but you don't pull over and wait for it to cool down do you? Is it really an idiot gauge or good enough for almost every car on the planet? Just sayin', if your car's temp gauge is "broken" I'd have the dealer fix it 🙂

If you just like having it, that's fair enough. I'm sure it does lots of other good stuff too.

*****

After writing this post I did a little research and I guess knowing the actual temp would be good. I'm not going to pay for that information but I can see it's value.

Here is why? My previous car was a MINI Cooper S. a big problem with the first Gen Cooper S', is the low speed resistor on the fan can go out causing the fan not to kick on and the car to overheat. Mine went out and the temp shot up to over 233 degrees. Not good!! I just feel more comfortable knowing the temp that OBD II is showing. Yes, it's true, I don't know what the Regal GS' engine temp range is supposed to be, but I just like seeing what the temp is. Plus you can switch between other various gauges as well.

**edit** Also, it should be known that the MINI had head damage from this issue.

 

[Boosted]

I didn't read anywhere saying it can read boost?

 

[12GSMN]

Here is why? My previous car was a MINI Cooper S. a big problem with the first Gen Cooper S', is the low speed resistor on the fan can go out causing the fan not to kick on and the car to overheat. Mine went out and the temp shot up to over 233 degrees. Not good!! I just feel more comfortable knowing the temp that OBD II is showing. Yes, it's true, I don't know what the Regal GS' engine temp range is supposed to be, but I just like seeing what the temp is. Plus you can switch between other various gauges as well.

**edit** Also, it should be known that the MINI had head damage from this issue.

I have an 07 s convertible. This is good to know.

 

[FatherDeth]

I have an 07 s convertible. This is good to know.

Awesome man!!! You should be safe though. This was a pre 2007 issue!! I wish I still had mine (2005 Cooper S).

 

[FatherDeth]

I didn't read anywhere saying it can read boost?

It can, but you have to do some stuff to it. I haven't gotten around to it yet. Will post something as soon as I do.

 

[12GSMN]

Awesome man!!! You should be safe though. This was a pre 2007 issue!! I wish I still had mine (2005 Cooper S).

I am not sure I am safe. The 07 convertible used the same supercharged engine as the 06 hardtop. Only the 07 hardtop went to the peugot turbo motor with the convertible following suit in 08. It is hard to believe the head blew at 235 degrees.

 

[FatherDeth]

I am not sure I am safe. The 07 convertible used the same supercharged engine as the 06 hardtop. Only the 07 hardtop went to the peugot turbo motor with the convertible following suit in 08. It is hard to believe the head blew at 235 degrees.

I'm sorry, I forgot the convertible didn't change models until '08. I actully believe the gasket didn't blow, but did damage in the valves. I sold the car to Way Motorworks, and he's supposed to tell me what was wrong with it when he finally gets around to messing with it.