The Ecometer Thread

[Carl242]

After reading Gryphon's posts in this thread about tachometers, I decided to order an Echometer for msyelf. It's a little guage pod that measures instantaneous MPG, average MPG, revs, and MPH. Sort of like the scanguage II, but is a bit more simple and is pod-shaped instead of a long rectangle. I decided to start this thread so we can share our experiences with this new gadget.

I got mine from PartsShowRoom.com. Though they had no ratings on Froogle, they had the cheapest price I could find at $73.78 shipped to CA, so I decided to risk it. They followed through and a couple of days later it arrived via FedEx.

Installation was very easy. I put mine on the right side of the pod behind the steering wheel (opposite to where Gryphon put his--pics coming soon). I like this position because it is more to the center of the car, so I don't have to look that far away from the road and my other pods, and it does not block any other gages or warning lights. I also reset my mileage counter often, so on the right it does not block that button.

The instructions say that it comes configured to automatically calibrate itsself for 2008 and newer cars. However, I'm not sure if it does so for the Smart. In city driving, I was getting between 2 and 8 mpg while on the throttle, and 15mpg while coasting to a red light. On the freeway, while maintaining 60mph it was reading 12mpg. While going 60mph down a light slope (the 2nd half of the Bay Bridge) I was getting 38mpg. The instruction manual says that some cars need a bit of callibration by setting the engine displacement and a couple other variables. I'll try this when I get home today and post what my settings are, if any.

At any rate, regardless of the accuracy, it has a nifty set of bars that shows you when you are driving at your highest efficiency. The less bars displaying the more efficient you are. I'm really surprised at just how costly accelerating is after watching those bars go.



Anyone else have some good or bad experiences with the ecometer?

[forestacademy]

Here are Gryphon's photo's



Ill keep my Eye on this thread, Im interesded in both this and the scanguage

[Kermit]

Nice Carl. I like that. Several people have approached me wanting to put a Scangauge in their cars only for of the MPG meter. This is a good, cheap, pleasing to the eye solution that has only what they need. I'll have to hit them up for this instead.

What does the gauge face happen to measure in relation to the pod faces. You see where I'm going. A nice replacement for the pod clock haters out there if it was the right size. Gut the clock and put this in it's place.

p.s. my Scangauge does what I need it to do but for most people this is probably a much better option.

[Padawan]

Carl, can you possibly post a photo or two showing what the RPM display looks like on this unit?

[Carl242]

Sure thing. When I get home this afternoon I'll post photos of where I installed it, how I snaked the wire (without cutting or fastening anything), and different modes.

[jefferios]

Nice product. I like the look of it a bunch better than the scangauge. I also like the price better

[saronian]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

What does the gauge face happen to measure in relation to the pod faces. You see where I'm going. A nice replacement for the pod clock haters out there if it was the right size. Gut the clock and put this in it's place.

I agree, much more useable than 2 clocks. Also waiting to see if someone gives it a try.

[fpage77]

The scan gauge can clear error codes and has alot more features. I'm already locked in with having the scan gauge.

[jetfuel]

...it said to be 2 1/16 dia..
..can somebody please measure the pod glass only...
..TIA...

jetfuel

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by fpage77

The scan gauge can clear error codes and has alot more features. I'm already locked in with having the scan gauge.

Exactly. Also, did you know a Yaris 5dr has 2 extra doors and can carry 5 people ....but it seems like some Smart owners don't NEED the extra 2 doors and ability to carry those extra people.