Scan Gauge II Install - '97 FZJ80 (1 Viewer)

[DirtaddictLC80]

Just thought I would share my ScanGauge II installation, using a modified version of Gone Bush Expeditions

Gone Bush Expeditions- Follow Us- Official Blog- Overlanding, Off-Roading, Caravanning, Backpacking, Bushcrafting

The original intent was to install exactly as was done in the above link. This install had the ScanGauge attached to the cupholder insert above the radio. However, a few things happened that caused me to rethink the location.

After having a friend Fab the metal bracket, I noticed that he drilled the hole on the opposite side of the metal faceplate. Not a big deal, but it allowed me to consider mounting the plate from the underside of the cupholder insert vs. the top of it. Either way would work. Unfortunately, the problem with this cupholder insert is that it is pretty flimsy, and they seem to get even more brittle with age. I tried to be careful in removing this plastic insert but I broke the tabs off that clipped it into place.

I started looking online for another cupholder insert, but I got to thinking that since I don't smoke, another location could be to mount it to the ashtray. This actually worked out better because the ashtray is a much more solid platform for the mounting bracket and it is designed to be easily removed and reinstalled as needed.

Upon lining up the metal bracket with the ashtray, it fit perfect when attached from the bottom! In fact, that is the only way it can attach.

So that little mistake my friend made in drilling the hole for the ScanGauge cable on the wrong side of the faceplate, actually worked out better!

The only changes I made to Gone Bush Expedition's install were:
1. Drill hole in metal bracket faceplate on OPPOSITE side (mirror image)
2. Attach bracket upside down, to underside of Ashtray.
3. Modify Ashtray to route cable through to the attached ScanGauge

Here's some pics of my install. Hope it gives another option for people thinking of a removable ScanGauge installation.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6697320083_e724ffb6f9_z.jpg
OBD II connection: Remember to re-orient the plug facing down. Remove bottom panels and route wire under dash and through to the ashtray location.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6697331817_22769dbd2c_z.jpg
Top of Ashtray: I drilled a hole in the back and front of the ashtray to accommodate the ScanGauge cable. Be careful drilling. Start with a small drill bit and work your way up. Then carefully file to fit the rectangular end of the cable. Otherwise, you risk cracking the tray.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6697328001_18f9f4b1a4_z.jpg
Top of Ashtray


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6697324359_50a0be7778_z.jpg
Bottom of Ashtray: Again, be careful drilling. Start with a small pilot hole then work your way up to the appropriate size of the screw/nut combo.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6697315095_97cfc1c272_z.jpg
Drivers Seat View

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6697309937_fdc9842326_z.jpg
Passenger Seat View

 

[96beast]

Nice work!

 

[94SRUNNER]

Cool placement!

 

[DirtaddictLC80]

Thanks!

 

[Otamiway]

Thanks!

Nice install,

Are you able to put the fuse cover back on? Did you have to unsrew the OBD plug from the factory location? (Looks like you had to)

Thanks
Stu

 

[Schwein]

great idea, and you can keep your ashtray for change and car wash coupons!!

 

[weaseltraps]

Nice install,

Are you able to put the fuse cover back on? Did you have to unsrew the OBD plug from the factory location? (Looks like you had to)

Thanks
Stu

I have a similar install for my ultraguage. IIRC you can flip the bracket for the OBD port 90 degrees so the connection points down.

 

[DirtaddictLC80]

I have a similar install for my ultraguage. IIRC you can flip the bracket for the OBD port 90 degrees so the connection points down.

You are correct. Unscrew the screws holding the OBD II plug to the fuse panel and re-orient downward, then screw back on in the alternate configuration.

Note that you also need to unscrew the screws holding the fuse panel a bit (not all the way) so the cover can fit back on. Otherwise the fuse panel with the OBDII cable attached sticks out too far. Gone Bush Expeditions said to use nylon spacers for the fuse panel screws, but I just loosened them a bit and pushed the fuse panel in a bit and covered it. Maybe I'll go in a do a proper spacer on the screws at another time.

 

[Otamiway]

Thanks for the info...

 

[Dark Knight]

From the dead!

Once the obd plug is flipped in the dash and the scan gauge is plugged in, will the fuse panel door/cover go back on as normal?

 

[White Sheep]

From the dead!

Once the obd plug is flipped in the dash and the scan gauge is plugged in, will the fuse panel door/cover go back on as normal?

Yes

 

[Dark Knight]

I was not able to flip the obd plug and have the screws hold it in place while the scan gauge is plugged in. The fuse panel door does fit back on nicely but the obd is just floating in there. Is that the norm??

 

[White Sheep]

I was not able to flip the obd plug and have the screws hold it in place while the scan gauge is plugged in. The fuse panel door does fit back on nicely but the obd is just floating in there. Is that the norm??

I just took these pics now.

 

[CutumFZJ80]

I grabbed an OBD splitter from Amazon so I could retain the option of the regular functionality and placement of the port for diagnostics, smog etc.

 

[Dark Knight]

Thanks y’all I tried again and got it. The tabs don’t sit perfectly flat but that’s ok, it’s secure now.

 

[Dark Knight]

 

[White Sheep]

View attachment 3519915
View attachment 3519916

Did the picture help?

 

[Dark Knight]

Yeah for sure. A little reassurance is always a good thing. Sometimes my want for the perfect fit (tabs fully seated in this case) can get in the way of still having a very good end product, until I ask a few questions.