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ScanGauge FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the Right ScanGauge

Which ScanGauge should I get for my car?

For standard OBD-II compatible cars, SUVs, and 4WDs, you have three options:

  • ScanGauge 3 — the most advanced model. Colour touchscreen, up to 9 simultaneous gauges, auto-detect X-Gauges, audio/visual alarms, and Wi-Fi firmware updates.
  • ScanGauge II — reliable and proven. Displays 4 gauges, supports X-Gauges via manual entry, backlit LCD screen.
  • ScanGauge E — compact and simple. Displays 2 gauges plus a graph and CO2 reading. Does not support X-Gauges.

For heavy diesel trucks and buses using J1939 or J1708 protocols, see the ScanGauge-D or ScanGauge-KR.

What is the difference between ScanGauge II and ScanGauge 3?
  • Screen — ScanGauge 3 has a larger colour touchscreen; ScanGauge II has a smaller backlit LCD
  • Gauges — ScanGauge 3 displays up to 9 simultaneously; ScanGauge II displays 4
  • X-Gauges — ScanGauge 3 auto-detects available X-Gauges; ScanGauge II requires manual code entry
  • Alarms — ScanGauge 3 supports audio and visual alarms; ScanGauge II does not
  • Fault codes — ScanGauge 3 displays plain language explanations; ScanGauge II displays the code only
  • Updates — ScanGauge 3 updates via Wi-Fi; ScanGauge II requires a main board replacement (no further updates planned)
  • Window mount — included with ScanGauge 3; optional add-on for ScanGauge II
What is the difference between ScanGauge-D and ScanGauge-KR?

Both are designed for heavy diesel vehicles using J1939 (9-pin) and J1708 (6-pin) diagnostic protocols. The ScanGauge-KR includes everything in the ScanGauge-D plus dedicated gauges that display real-time profit or loss based on fuel usage and driving style — making it ideal for professional drivers paid by the kilometre or hour.

Compatibility

Will ScanGauge work on my Australian car?

ScanGauge 2 and ScanGauge 3 work with any OBD-II compatible vehicle. In Australia, OBD-II compliance is different from other parts of the world — most Australian vehicles became OBD-II compliant between 2006 and 2010.

Important: having a 16-pin trapezoidal port under your dash does not automatically mean your vehicle is OBD-II compatible. It is your vehicle's ECU that determines compatibility — not the shape of the port.

Check the Australian OBD-II compatibility list here. If your vehicle isn't listed, contact us and we'll confirm for you.

Which heavy diesel vehicles are compatible with ScanGauge-D and ScanGauge-KR?

The ScanGauge-D and ScanGauge-KR are compatible with most heavy diesel vehicles from 1990 onwards that use J1939 (9-pin) or J1708 (6-pin) diagnostic protocols. This includes trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, and mining equipment from brands including:

  • Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack, Volvo, International
  • Mercedes-Benz, Cummins, Caterpillar, Navistar, Paccar

See the full heavy diesel compatibility list here.

Setup & Features

Does ScanGauge come with everything I need?

Yes. Every ScanGauge includes the unit, a connection cable, mounting hardware, and a user manual — everything required for a tool-free installation. The ScanGauge 3 includes a suction cup window mount as standard. For the ScanGauge II, a window mount is available as an optional accessory.

Where do I plug in the ScanGauge?

For cars and light vehicles, plug the ScanGauge into the OBD-II port located under the dashboard, usually near the steering column. It is a 16-pin trapezoidal connector.

For heavy diesel trucks, the ScanGauge-D and ScanGauge-KR include a dual connector cable that fits both the J1939 9-pin and J1708 6-pin round diagnostic ports.

What gauges are available on ScanGauge?

ScanGauge 2 and ScanGauge 3 include over 15 built-in OBD-II gauges as standard — covering engine coolant temperature, RPM, fuel economy, battery voltage, vehicle speed, and more. Additional vehicle-specific gauges such as transmission temperature, EGT, DPF soot levels, and oil temperature can be added using the X-Gauge feature.

See available X-Gauges for your vehicle here.

Can I monitor transmission temperature or EGT with ScanGauge?

Yes. Transmission temperature, EGT, and other vehicle-specific parameters are available via the X-Gauge feature. These are specific to your vehicle's make, model, and year.

  • ScanGauge 3 — auto-detects available X-Gauges for your vehicle
  • ScanGauge II — requires manual entry of X-Gauge codes

Find the X-Gauge codes for your vehicle here.

How do I add an X-Gauge to my ScanGauge?

For ScanGauge II, refer to page 39 of the ScanGauge II user manual for step-by-step instructions. You can also follow the step-by-step video guide on YouTube.

For ScanGauge 3, use the auto-detect X-Gauge feature in the menu — it will automatically scan and list the available X-Gauges for your specific vehicle.

Does my ScanGauge come with the latest firmware?

Yes — all units purchased from ScanGauge Australia and our authorised resellers come with the latest Australian firmware pre-installed. The ScanGauge 3 can be updated via Wi-Fi whenever new firmware is available. No further firmware updates are planned for the ScanGauge II.

Where is ScanGauge made and what warranty does it carry?

All ScanGauge products are made in the USA and backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

Where can I buy a ScanGauge in Australia?

Online — order directly from this website with free standard shipping Australia-wide. Browse our full range here.

In store — ScanGauge is stocked at selected retail partners around Australia. See the full list of stockists here. We recommend calling ahead to confirm your preferred model is in stock.

Troubleshooting

My ScanGauge keeps saying "Connecting" — what do I do?

Try these steps in order:

  • Make sure the ignition key is in the RUN position or the engine is running
  • If it still shows Connecting, your ECU may not be responding correctly. You may need to manually set, or "Force", the operating Mode — refer to pages 56–57 of the ScanGauge II user manual for instructions on accessing the Mode setting screen
  • Confirm your vehicle is genuinely OBD-II compatible — in Australia, a 16-pin trapezoidal port does not guarantee this. It is your ECU that determines whether your vehicle is OBD-I or OBD-II. Check compatibility here.
Some of my gauges are blank — is something wrong?

No — this is completely normal. Some sensors are not fitted to certain vehicles, or the data simply isn't reported by the ECU. For example, only around 10% of vehicles report fuel pressure (FPR) and around 50% report MAP sensor data. A blank gauge means that parameter is not available on your specific vehicle.

ScanGauge is not showing boost pressure — how do I fix this?

ScanGauge reads boost (BST) as a built-in gauge via OBD-II, available on most turbocharged and supercharged engines. It uses the MAP sensor to calculate boost pressure.

A negative value is normal — it means the engine is reporting vacuum rather than positive boost. If MAP is showing but BST is blank, you need to toggle between MAP and BST in your unit's settings. Refer to page 17 of the ScanGauge II user manual.

Note: Due to changes made by Isuzu on 2017+ models, boost is not reported via OBD-II standard on these vehicles, so ScanGauge II is unable to display it. Read more about 2017+ Isuzu compatibility here.
My ScanGauge 3 is not turning on with the engine, or keeps going to sleep — what should I do?

Work through these steps:

  • Update your ScanGauge 3 to the latest firmware via Wi-Fi — this specifically addresses the sleep/startup issue
  • Set the sleep event to COM and the data update rate to Fast — refer to page 14 of the ScanGauge 3 user manual
  • Check the OBD-II cable is fully seated in the port — some vehicles have a tight-fitting port and the unit may not be plugged all the way in
  • Disconnect the unit from both ends, wiggle the cable, and reconnect firmly
  • Try the unit on another OBD-II compatible vehicle to see if the issue reproduces
  • If the problem persists, contact your seller to arrange a warranty claim — all ScanGauges carry a 3-year warranty
My trip fuel reading is very inaccurate — how do I fix it?

This is usually caused by an error in the fill-up adjustment setup. Check the values you entered during initial configuration and recalibrate your ScanGauge following the instructions in your user manual.

ScanGauge is not turning on after the battery went flat — what do I do?

Disconnect the ScanGauge cable from both the unit and the OBD-II port, then firmly reconnect both ends. This resolves the issue in the vast majority of cases.

I need more help — how do I contact ScanGauge Australia?

You can reach our support team via the contact form here, or call us on +61 3 8007 3363.

You can also join the ScanGauge Australia Community on Facebook — a great place to get advice from other owners, share X-Gauge codes, and find setup tips for your specific vehicle.