ScanGaugeII Install DIY - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Dave777 · 02-23-2008, 09:21 PM

I had an original ScanGauge in my Echo Hatchback. It is a great product, but can best be described as looking like a piece of test equipment.

I wanted a new one in our 2008 smart, and considered a few locations, including these.

Dave777 · 02-23-2008, 09:25 PM

I decided on this location, mostly because of the great fit, but also because it would be out of the sun. ScanGauge recommends staying out of a very hot location.

I made a bracket out of an old license plate, cutting it with tin snips and bending it to fit the gauge.

I drilled two holes in the top for the self tapping screws and two larger holes in the bottom for screwdriver access.

Dave777 · 02-23-2008, 09:34 PM

I painted it black and mounted it about an inch below the vent's edge. The trick is to find a screwdriver that is neither too long, nor too short.

I drilled a 1/2" hole near the rear, top of the cubbyhole just to the right of the steering wheel. Caution, there are wire bundles directly against the back side of this cubbyhole. I got on my back and slipped a piece of carpet between the plastic and the wire bundles before drilling very slowly through.

The ScanGauge's cable will just barely fit through this hole. Maybe a little filing first. Feed the cable up from the pedal area, through the hole, across through the gap above the steering wheel and the instrument panel, and directly into the right end socket of the ScanGauge. Fits perfectly!

Follow the ScanGauge instructions to complete the install. Plug the OBDII connector in, right above the gas pedal. It has a black plastic cover that flips down. It's located here.

The final install. I think it looks great in this location and I can see it easily through the steering wheel.

Dave777 · 02-23-2008, 09:37 PM

I completed the install by using a couple of wire ties to snug up the extra cable to an existing wire bundle right above the connection. I also put one wire tie around the loosely hanging OBDII cover and the plug to hold it in place and keep it from rattling.

**jwight** · 02-24-2008, 09:42 AM

Dave, nice job!

Dave777 · 02-24-2008, 05:14 PM

Thank you. Thank you very much. It's working great and I can already tell the mileage will be better than my Toyota Echo.

wahi · 02-24-2008, 06:15 PM

Dave,

this is such a help. My Scangauge II is coming in tomorrow and I'll most prob do it your way.

74AMX304V8 · 02-24-2008, 06:23 PM

thanks for the info, will be adding one also. it's 2008. a car should have this standard or at least as an available option!

Dave777 · 02-24-2008, 07:03 PM

It could probably just as well have been done with velcro in the same spot, but I liked the more permanent solution.

Also, before mounting, be sure to plug the cord into the ScanGauge and see how and where it comes out into the gap between the steering wheel and instrument pod so you understand where to mount it without kinking the cable. In the right spot the cable will run straight into the gap without any bending.

Lgaruti · 02-27-2008, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave777

It could probably just as well have been done with velcro in the same spot, but I liked the more permanent solution.

Also, before mounting, be sure to plug the cord into the ScanGauge and see how and where it comes out into the gap between the steering wheel and instrument pod so you understand where to mount it without kinking the cable. In the right spot the cable will run straight into the gap without any bending.

Dave,
Nice job. I got my ScanGauge today, installed same as you except used the velcro. Will just have to wait & see if it holds.