Don’t be fooled—big things...
Don’t be fooled—big things really do come in small packages. This ScanGauge II system by MossMuscle.com (PN 232-250; $179.95) fits in the palm of your hand, and can capture every piece of onboard diagnostic information that a ’Stang can generate.
The Information Age kicked off way back in the ’70s when personal computers were born. That development sent us hurtling toward today, when the Internet is used for information, business transactions, and communication. Today it is as much a part of our daily lives as running water.
Computers have played a big role in the Mustang hobby since the mid-’80s with the emergence of Electronic Fuel Injection and engine-management systems that include On-Board-Diagnostics, known as OBD-I and OBD-II. OBD technically dates back to the ’70s, which we’re willing to bet probably was a few years before some of the ’Stangbangers reading this were born. Those systems were simple and weren’t required by the government or auto manufacturers. They weren’t officially mandated until 1987, when the California Air Resources Board declared that all ’88-and-later model-year vehicles sold in California be equipped with basic OBD capability.
Finding a suitable mounting...
Finding a suitable mounting location and routing the OBD-II data cable is the toughest aspect of installing the ScanGauge II. The flat surface of an S197’s steering-column cover is a perfect location for mounting the unit using the Velcro strips that are included with the kit. (Note an ’06 Mustang GT was used for our project.)
In those early days, problems were identified through a Malfunction Indicator/Check Engine light on the dashboard, which required taking your Pony to a mechanic or Ford Service department to get to the bottom of your concern. Today’s OBD uses a standardized (in ’88) digital communications port that provides real-time data on a Mustang’s engine ops, in addition to a standardized series of Diagnostic Trouble Codes that now allow owners to rapidly identify and correct malfunctions.
While there are several methods of scanning and identifying such codes, and monitoring those various engine-operational functions, your tech editor was impressed by MossMuscle.com’s ScanGauge II device (PN 232-250; $179.95), which is the focus of this month’s Tech Inspection. The ScanGauge II is a digital, three-in-one, plug-and-play computer that features a scan tool, gauge package, and trip computer in a small 4.8x1.5x1.0-inch case.
In the accompanying photos and captions, Tech Editor KJ Jones covers the simple steps for installing and configuring a ScanGauge II. The device can be placed almost anywhere in the cockpit of a ’96-’10 Mustang, and for those with multiple ’Stangs, the unit can be swapped between all of the Ponies in your stable as long as they’re OBD-II-equipped.
Connecting the other end of...
Connecting the other end of the OBD-II cable (to a port located on the lower/left side of the dash, just above a driver’s shin) pretty much completes the unit’s physical installation procedures. After turning the ignition key to the Run position, this communicating message lets us know the system is On.
After turning the ignition...
After turning the ignition key to the Run position, this communicating message lets us know the system is On.
When using ScanGauge II for...
When using ScanGauge II for the first time, selections for units of measure, fuel type, engine and fuel-tank sizes, and more are made by pressing the Setup option. This information can be changed and saved again as often as needed, for example, when using the device in different Mustangs.
ScanGauge II can be set up...
ScanGauge II can be set up to display 4 of 25 possible gauge readings at a time (12 options are built-in). Here we are monitoring rpm, water temperature, ignition timing, and miles per gallon. Gauge configurations are stored in flash memory, so there’s no fear of losing a grid in the event of a power loss.
We took this photo to give...
We took this photo to give you an idea of how accurately ScanGauge II captures OBD-II info in real time. Take a look at the needle on the tach, then note the rpm reading on the screen. MPG is reading 0.0 as the test ’Stang was parked. However, results of our road test confirmed the unit is equally as accurate when recording trip information (max speed/coolant temp/rpm, average fuel economy, trip-fuel cost, and so on).