Scan Gauge II

[siai47]

I bought a Scan Gauge II for my GX after looking at several posts in the GX discussion area. It works really nice for anybody with a dedicated CNG vehicle trying to get a handle on the best driving technique to optimize range. Although not as important in a Bi-fuel vehicle, it would be nice to see real time readouts on MPG, range, etc. I have used a aftermarket scan tool on the bi-fuel Cavalier and noticed that it would not find many of the data points when running on CNG. Therefore I wasn't sure that the Scan Gauge II would work on the Cavalier. To my suprise, it worked correctly for the information I was looking for---basically, fuel use. Some things, such as fuel pressure (which gives unkown data on the GX) did nothing on the Cavalier. However, most of the other preset gauges worked as they should. With the X-gauge function on the Scan Gauge II, someone should be able to figure out the transmit and receive codes to display things like tank pressure and temperature as these things can be read by a GM Tech2 through the same data link port that the Scan Gauge II connects to. In any event, its a neat tool that can be used on most any recent vehicle to both scan for DTC's and gives you a great little gauge package. I ordered on line directly from Scan Gauge and received the unit in two days.

[jblue]

Re: Scan Gauge II

... someone should be able to figure out the transmit and receive codes to display things like tank pressure and temperature as these things can be read by a GM Tech2 through the same data link port that the Scan Gauge II connects to.

I suppose you can start with an email to scangauge to see if they might know it. Otherwise if google, or a GM shop is not of any help, you might need to obtain more robust software to monitor those specific parameters.

http://www.scantool.net/?mode=displaySoftware&category=Third%20Party

HTH's

--edit: It looks like the PidReader scans for all known PID's:

http://www.glmsoftware.com/TipsAndTricks.aspx

http://www.glmsoftware.com/Downloads1.aspx

Pretty cool.

[jblue]

Re: Scan Gauge II

Found this whilst digging some more:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/1168314-post6.html

[siai47]

Re: Scan Gauge II

Thanks for the input---I'll try to figure this stuff out---can't believe that there are people whose lives revolve around scan tools However it looks like thats where I'm headed!

[soarhead25]

Re: Scan Gauge II

Siai, or anybody else,

Has anyone been able to pull CNG related codes from a 1998 Cavalier with anything other than a GM Tech 2?

I ask this because this is the model year car I own, and after seeing that my actron 9145 code scanner would not pull CNG codes out of it, I purchased a OTC Genisys with 2007 software last year. I found out that it would not pull CNG codes either, and assumed it was just the Tech 2 that could.
A quick call to OTC tech support confirmed a different menu structure in the PCM/VCM for that year, (Alt Fuel), and he said that 1999 should be able to be read by the Genisys and prob any other scanner for that matter.

I am awaiting the 2008 software update release to be mailed to me for the Genisys to see if that has become an added communication capability.
I do occasionally have a hesitation on CNG accompanied by a SES light and would like to know what code it's throwing so I can diagnose it.

I do have avenues of scanning with the Tech 2 by visiting my old buddies at the dealers, its just not very convenient. I may just have to do that in order to see what code it is and to see if GM ever released an updated calibration file for the PCM and do a quick reflash.
Thanks-

[larrycng]

Re: Scan Gauge II

If you're in the market for another scantool (computer based) email autoengineuity. Make sure you get Bill (Beevo), he know CNG and the Autoengineuity scantool; he could tell you.


Larrycng

[siai47]

Re: Scan Gauge II

The problem is that unlike all of the other Cavalier's, the 1998 is not OBD II compliant on the CNG side . Starting with the 1999 model through the end of production, you can retrieve the codes with most scan tools.

[siai47]

Re: Scan Gauge II

I could have been a little more helpful by letting you know that codes can be read on a 1998, it just doesn't involve a scan tool. Your local dealer can give you a printout on how to read them and what they mean. Basically, you turn the ignition switch off for 10 seconds and then on for 10 seconds. Look for the fuel lamp on the fuel switch to come on and then off (this is a check to make sure the lamp is working). Then if you hold the switch down, the lamp will blink three times---afterwhich the stored codes will be read in order by watching the number of times the lamp blinks. If there is more then one code stored, the lamp will then blink three times before going on the the next code. Stored codes can also be erased with this switch. Hey, at least you guys get a manual fuel shutoff valve .

[soarhead25]

Re: Scan Gauge II

Thanks for the info siai, I just opened my 98 cav bi-fuel service manual supplement and found that I had the procedure right under my nose the whole time. And its just like you mentioned, pressing the fuel guage selector switch 3x and reading the blinking led, just like in the good ol' days.
Cant wait to get this diagnosed and repaired-