Sunday, December 25, 2022

Sprinter Vital System Monitoring using ScanGauge III

My UltraGauge monitor lost many of its gauges after the MB Approved Emission Modification. I did like the UltraGauge when it was working, but UltraGauge support is almost nonexistent and there is no current firmware update to fix the issue, so...I jumped over to Linear Logic and got their new ScanGauge III.

NOTE: My 2011 Roadtrek Agile was built on a 2010 Freightliner Sprinter chassis with an OM642 3.0 L 6-cylinder engine. AEM (Approved Emission Modification) was performed at the MB dealership, and a new updated ECU was installed.

So far, I'm loving it. It has a larger capacitive touchscreen and more available important gauges than my old UltraGauge, such as: DPF regeneration, DPF load percentage, DPF pressure differential, *DEF tank level, Transmission and Engine Oil Temperature, and so on. It also includes a built-in DTC reader with code interpretation, an Emission readiness scanner, and a free Wi-Fi firmware update.

NOTE: Per Linear Logic, DEF tank level gauge is not supported on 2010 and earlier Sprinter models.

The ScanGauge III can display up to 9 digital gauges at a time. The gauges are updated in real time when your vehicle is running and can be used to monitor the operating condition of your vehicle. You can navigate through the three available screen pages by swiping left or right or by touching the screen page button you want to see.

I was able to snap an image of an active DPF regeneration process. The regeneration began when the DPF load percentage slightly exceeded 100%. The regeneration cycle continued until the DPF load reached 6%. The DPF load can be used to predict when the next regeneration will occur. The DPF temperature also rose above 1000ºF during the regen process. I added an alarm when DPF temp exceeds 1000ºF, a short beep at regular intervals reminds me that regeneration is underway. I usually let the regeneration finish before turning off the engine, which I believe is better for the DPF service longevity.  Active regeneration is usually ideal at highway speeds.


I installed the monitor on the dashboard, just in front of the driver's cup holder. The suction mount included with the kit has a magnetic head that attaches to a metal plate that must be installed on the back of the monitor. In my opinion, the mount could have been built better. For more secure vibration-free mounting, I modified an old phone mount and fabricated a metal base plate/arm.

My DIY mount with powder coated metal arm and base and a slide-lock head.

3M VHB tape was used to secure the slide-lock receiver plate to the monitor. I didn't bother removing the factory metal plate and simply taped the receiver plate over it.

The mount is secured to the dashboard with VHB tape. The mount that came with the kit works in the same location; I just wanted a more solid mount that couldn't be knocked over by accident.

You'll need a low profile OBD extension cable to close the OBDII door. The ScanGauge OBD plug is taller and will interfere with the OBDII door. To route the wire, simply remove the driver's side A-pillar and fish the cable down to the OBDII port area.

I reused my old UltraGauge OBD extension cable, which I purchased many years ago on eBay. Even with the low-profile plug, I still have to shave the top of the plastic housing to clear the OBDII door.

To set up the monitor, refer to the included manual. Online manual can be found here: ScanGauge III Manual.




Below are available gauges for my 2010 Sprinter:
Standard Gauges:






XGauges (Available via Auto Scan).
You can manually enter XGauges that are compatible with your Sprinter year: 





Trip Gauges






Any Updates will be posted here:
01/05/23:
  • The gauges works as it should except for the DEF tank level, it appears to be stuck at 100% or reading more than what is actually in the tank.
  • I have to manually lower the screen brightness when driving at night because the display lacks an auto dimming feature.




15 comments:

  1. As far as the DEF level, there are sensors in the tank at 3 levels and the "full" sensor will continue to be submerged for some time as the level drops. As long as the "full" sensor is submerged I believe your gauge will show 100%. As soon as the "full" sensor becomes dry your gauge should show a reduced number.
    bigb

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    1. Thank you for the information! I've driven thousands of miles since my last fill up and the level has not changed. I will continue to observe and report back in the future.

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  2. Hello Roadtreklifer... always enjoy your posts and upgrades. AM tempted to get the ScanGaugeIII after having used the ScanGaugeII for many years. Have done our AEM mods for our 2010 Roadtrek SS Agile. Was told by Linear Logic that my Van is NOT a candidate for DEF monitoring as the 2010 do not have any sensors there!!?? Can you please elaborate before I purchase the ScanGaugeIII
    Thank you....

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    1. Hello and thank you for stopping by. My DEF level sensor hasn't changed from 100% since, so it's more likely that mine isn't working; I'll have to drive more to confirm. AEM was also performed on my 2010 Sprinter. Someone reported that after AEM, his 2010 is reading the DEF level. I believe the 2010 models were revised in the middle of the year, and his was most likely a later build. Can you run the DEF X-gauge for the 2014 model on your ScanGauge II? It's most likely the same gauge as what the ScanGauge III has.

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  3. Hello again Roadtrekker... just received my ScanGaugeIII but have yet to install it due to it being too cold here in Santa Fe, NM. 1)... since we have a similar 2010 Roadtrek SS Agile, I wonder what set up on the III is important to you? Also noticed that I can only update the unit using WiFi while plugged in the Van. Often times WiFi's too far from the Van; so must I find find a place like Starbucks, Walmart, MacDonalds, etc. to update the latest? Suggested to Logic Inc. to have a computer hook up link instead. Your thoughts!! Thank you.... ELMER

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    1. Hi, you can open a hotspot on your phone and use that to connect the SG III, that is what I do. For the setup question, do you mean specific gauges that I use? The SG III can display 9 gauges per page (3 pages), that is more than enough to monitor all the gauges you want. My first page gauges include, Engine Load, Boost, Engine Temp, Coolant Temp, Transmission Temp, Battery Voltage, DPF Regen, DPF Load%, DEF level (which I think is not working for my Sprinter year- still stuck at 100%).

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  4. Thank you Roadtrekker... Just installed my SCIII. Got everything; even the Wifi update and it shows that I am on Version 1.19 while there's a 1.20 version. Haven't been successful with the Regen to activate itself and monitor the clean up? Noticed that one cannot re-set the DEF level(mine's stuck at 34%). Anything you can suggest something here. Heading to Pensacola, Fl from Santa Fe, NM next week so would like to see getting my DPF regenerated to a bit cleaner DPF. Thank you... ELMER

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    1. Check the "Regen Trigger" gauge; when it reaches 100%, the DPF Regen should begin. As you drive more, the DPF Trigger and DPF Load increase. Did you fill up your DEF? The "DEF Level" gauge should reset to 100% once you fill up, you cannot manually reset it.

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    2. Will observe the "Regen Trigger" when underway!... Yes, I filled the DEF up to the neck of the filler. This morning its still at 34%, won't budge.

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  5. It will most likely need to be driven for sometime before it will update.

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    1. Excuse my ignorance! It's me again(Elmer). So what you're also saying is that there is NO ability to FORCE regeneration using SG3 except only being able to monitor some Regeneration activity. Currently I see a 83% at the Regen Trigger while driving and on occassion see an "on" activity while driving but goes into "off" when slowing down. Thank you for your input as always.

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    2. Hi, The SG3 has no ability to force regeneration. You have no reason to do force regen anyways unless you have a CEL that calls for it. The SG3 is just a monitor with basic OBD code reader. The main benefit of the SG3 is real time vital system monitoring, it's more on preventive and also helps with diagnosis. Example, if you're aware that DPF is regenerating, you have an option to continue driving and let the system complete a regeneration cycle before shutting off the engine. Multiple continuous interruption in DPF regeneration will flag a CEL which you might need a trip to a dealer to clear it out.
      A low Boost could indicate a leak.
      Trans temp monitoring is also vital when you're towing or driving up on a long steep grade, etc, etc.

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    3. DPF regeneration is either a passive or an active one. Passive occurs when DPF gets to a certain temp during normal driving. The active regeneration is called by the ECU, either it's mileage based or if there is significant DPF pressure differential, this will last over 15 minutes and for many miles of driving.

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  6. Hello again.. this is Elmer. Excuse me for posting in the wrong section but trying to find some of your input regarding the fresh water tank(s) but couldn't find any information regarding that there are actually 2 tanks: one underneath the chassis and one below the passenger site..these are separate. I had to lower and remove the chassis tanks for stuck algae patterns. Reinstalled the chassis tank, caulked/clamped the fittings, reinstalled the tanks and now they are leaking from??. There is an upper fitting/hose that seems to lead to the passenger tank that is inaccessible without having to remove the passenger seat. A hose seems to run through the enclosed flooring to a T- that also connects to the chassis tank. Do you have any idea of how to access this connection....>> chassis tank to passenger tank? I can be reached via e-mail at: elmerhayes02@gmail.com

    Thank you so much, ELMER

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    1. Hello there, Elmer. I apologize for the late reply. I'm on a 12-hour shift today and have been really busy at work. When you drop the lower fresh water tank, you can gain access to the connection. The lower tank is connected to the higher tank via a large diameter hose, and both the upper and lower hose clamps can only be accessible with the lower tank removed. I emailed you a picture of the hose connections and clamps. If you did not touch the upper tank hose clamp, the leak is most likely from somewhere else, perhaps one of the hose clamp connections for the lower tank that you removed.

      I recommend joining Roadtrek and Hymer group on Facebook, you get answers pretty quick from helpful members> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1676694222568818

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