Banks idash Super Gauge compatibility w/ GX460?

[Rogue556]

In an attempt to monitor transmission temperature on my 2023 GX460, I decided to order a Banks idash Super Gauge straight from Banks, along with their Pedal Monster, after seeing a lot of positive reviews online.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find any specific GX related reviews and only AFTER placing my order (currently in transit), did I have a member of another GX group inform me that he tried an idash Super Gauge on a 2017 GX460, only to have the majority of the functions not work. Specifically, transmission temperature, engine temperature, etc..

I know I've seen the idash mentioned on here briefly before, and would like to know if anyone is running one on a GX460 with good results. I'm hoping the issue mentioned earlier is either user related or a simple firmware fix, as I'd prefer not to take a a hit on a restocking fee.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Rednexus]

I can't comment on the Banks specifically, but the Toyota trans temps measurements is a non-standard PID. I monitor it via Torque Pro but had to type in a 30-character or so equation to allow the temp to be read and displayed. So, unless Banks specifically set up the monitor for Toyotas, it is unlikely that it will work.

It is quite easy to monitor just about any PID (including the custom ones) using a Bluetooth or WiFi OBDII adapter (around $30 on Amazon) and Torque Pro or other apps on any Android device. Torque Pro is around $5 on Google Play. It is another option that you could consider that would be much cheaper than the iDash and still allow you to read and clear any codes.

 

[r2m]

I can't comment on the Banks specifically, but the Toyota trans temps measurements is a non-standard PID. I monitor it via Torque Pro but had to type in a 30-character or so equation to allow the temp to be read and displayed. So, unless Banks specifically set up the monitor for Toyotas, it is unlikely that it will work.

It is quite easy to monitor just about any PID (including the custom ones) using a Bluetooth or WiFi OBDII adapter (around $30 on Amazon) and Torque Pro or other apps on any Android device. Torque Pro is around $5 on Google Play. It is another option that you could consider that would be much cheaper than the iDash and still allow you to read and clear any codes.

I concur with Rednexus but I use the OBDLink app on an old Galaxy Note 10 that's attached to my dash and it reads both trans temps, engine, etc. I use the OBDLink MX+ bluetooth dongle.
So if the Torque Pro (which I've used before on my old Hundy) and OBDLink apps work, there should no reason for the Banks not to display both trans temps.
I would consider that being lazy on Banks end if they don't support almost everything that a phone app and OBD dongle does.

 

[Rogue556]

I appreciate the responses guys.

I was able to get the idash and pedal monster installed last night. As expected, those parameters were not available. Definitely disappointing.

I was doing some digging last night and found one of the Banks reps was active on one of the Toyota Tundra forums. From speaking with him, Banks has apparently been working to add the missing parameters on many of the popular Toyota vehicles (Tundra, 4Runner, Tacoma, etc).

This is what he had to say when I inquired about them possibly getting a hold of a GX460 to get the data they need.

"Toyota has made us jump through hoops for trans temp, gear selection, and a few other PIDs that they've hidden. For example, on the Tundra, the 21, 22 and 24 all have different PID strategies for Commanded Gear. I've had to bring one of each model year into the shop for our firmware team to sniff and reverse engineer. The short answer is yes, we intend to add trans temp and a few other PIDs to the 2022-24 Toyota PID set. I work with two top local Toyota upfitters. So, it's not hard to get our hands on a truck. I have a '24 Tacoma and '24 4Runner in the shop right now. I'm happy to push this forward. I know anyone who tows or does heavy overlanding who wants to see trans temp."

I'm not sure why so many other devices and programs seem to have no issues while the Banks does, but hopefully they will get it sorted out. Time will tell, I suppose.

 

[r2m]

I appreciate the responses guys.

I was able to get the idash and pedal monster installed last night. As expected, those parameters were not available. Definitely disappointing.

I was doing some digging last night and found one of the Banks reps was active on one of the Toyota Tundra forums. From speaking with him, Banks has apparently been working to add the missing parameters on many of the popular Toyota vehicles (Tundra, 4Runner, Tacoma, etc).

This is what he had to say when I inquired about them possibly getting a hold of a GX460 to get the data they need.

"Toyota has made us jump through hoops for trans temp, gear selection, and a few other PIDs that they've hidden. For example, on the Tundra, the 21, 22 and 24 all have different PID strategies for Commanded Gear. I've had to bring one of each model year into the shop for our firmware team to sniff and reverse engineer. The short answer is yes, we intend to add trans temp and a few other PIDs to the 2022-24 Toyota PID set. I work with two top local Toyota upfitters. So, it's not hard to get our hands on a truck. I have a '24 Tacoma and '24 4Runner in the shop right now. I'm happy to push this forward. I know anyone who tows or does heavy overlanding who wants to see trans temp."

I'm not sure why so many other devices and programs seem to have no issues while the Banks does, but hopefully they will get it sorted out. Time will tell, I suppose.

You should probably point out to him that our drive trains are different, considering we have V8's, so I'd suggest he try to hook up with a Lexus dealer or some buddies that have GX's. I'm not expecting a 4R PID will pick up GX trans temps, nor will the same (4.6L) engine Tundras.
Hopefully there will be a flash for your unit soon.

 

[Rogue556]

Alright, so I wanted to update this thread with some new information.

The Banks idash version mentioned in this thread, unfortunately, is not capable of storing all of the data required to display the PIDs most of us are looking to monitor, like transmission temp, oil temp, etc. This is an issue with the design of the idash itself, and there really isn't any way around it as the memory simply won't support it.

That was the bad news... Now to the good news!

I was able to speak with a few people at Banks over the course of the last year or so, and many of the Tundra owners were having similar issues with the idash as the GX460 owners were experiencing. Banks received quite a bit of feedback and went back to the drawing board to redesign the original idash supergauge. They have now released a new version called Idash Pro. The pro model comes with significantly more memory, as well as new features such as bluetooth. These new features have allowed them to expand their PIDs and there is heavy focus on the Toyota lineup. I was able to trade in my original Idash for the new Idash pro for a small upgrade fee, and I am happy to report that with the most recent firmware updated released today, I can now see transmission temp and engine oil temp on my 23' GX460 with the Idash Pro.

(Special thanks to Jay "ToyFan" over on Tundras.com for all of the help getting this going. He is the Director of Marketing at Banks and has an interest in getting their products lined out for us Toyota and Lexus owners. He's been super helpful and has gone above and beyond to get this working.)

I need to get out and test this weekend, but so far it appears that we have access to Transmission Temp 1, Engine Oil Temp, Engine Coolant Temp, Gear Display 1-6, R, P/N), as well as Torque Converter Lock/Unlock status, among other options. I have asked about Transmission Temp 2 and will update once I know if that will be added at a later date.

So far, I can report that the Idash Pro and Pedal Monster (Throttle Controller) combination has been awesome. I've used other throttle controllers in other vehicles, and this one is much better than any of the others I've tried. Having the capability to change setting from either the application, or directly off of the Idash Pro makes it simple as well.

 

[Rogue556]

Banks doesn't make a mount specific for the GX460, so I had to come up with something myself. This is an option that I think would work in just about any vehicle that utilizes a dash mount and 1"/20mm ball mounts made by companies like 67 Designs, Ram, Bullet Point, Tackform, etc. It's a solid option for those who don't want to or can't mount their gauge to the A-pillar location as well.

I started with a universal 52mm single gauge pod made by Glow Shift (Part #GS-U01B). It's under $20 on Amazon, and the metal construction allows you to bolt a ball mount directly to the back of the pod without issue. The lowest profile ball mount I could find was the 20mm Tackform TF-AR-33. It has a center hole for a 1/4 or 6mm socket head cap screw. The Tackform 20mm ball was $10 on Amazon. Other than that, I added a large fender washer on the inside of the pod and sandwiched a rubber washer of the same size in between the fender washer and pod to keep noise/vibration under control. (The pod also comes with a concave washer for the outside of the pod, as well as an L bracket. You don't need the L bracket but do need the provided concave washer). I added another large rubber washer between the provided concave washer and body of the pod on the outside as well and then added another two rubber washers between the 20mm Tackform ball and the concave washer.

Other than that, the Banks idash Pro has an outside diameter that is just slightly too small to fit snuggly inside of the gauge pod, so I had to make up that extra space. I had an assortment of Ranger Band branded heavy duty rubber bands (UPC 616450871543) I purchased off of Amazon and used two of the 2" bands around the outside diameter of the idash gauge body. It now fits VERY snug in the gauge pod and isn't going anywhere.

Here's what the gauge pod looks like assembled but not installed.

 

[traxxi2003]

Hello "Rogue556, I wanted do you think the iDash Pro transmission temp reading is accurate? I'm asking because after installing the iDash Pro on my 2020 GX460 Luxury, the highest trans-temp reading I see is 150F while driving at 75mph. Most GX owners report temperatures hovering around 185-195F on a stock tires. To check on how accurate is the iDash Pro I drove my GX until it reach operating temperatures. My XTool D7 showed A/T Temps to be 187.3F. I quickly disconnected the scan tool and plugged in the iDash and to my surprise, iDash indicated 150F. A 30 degree difference is simply too much. What have you experienced?
Thanks!

 

[Rogue556]

Hello "Rogue556, I wanted do you think the iDash Pro transmission temp reading is accurate? I'm asking because after installing the iDash Pro on my 2020 GX460 Luxury, the highest trans-temp reading I see is 150F while driving at 75mph. Most GX owners report temperatures hovering around 185-195F on a stock tires. To check on how accurate is the iDash Pro I drove my GX until it reach operating temperatures. My XTool D7 showed A/T Temps to be 187.3F. I quickly disconnected the scan tool and plugged in the iDash and to my surprise, iDash indicated 150F. A 30 degree difference is simply too much. What have you experienced?
Thanks!

It's funny you mention this, as I was planning to update the thread this morning.

I am seeing the exact same issue that you are with the transmission temperature. Torque Converter status and gear are showing correctly, but the transmission temp never went above 154° F for me. I pinned the thermostatic switch and drove with it unpinned as well with no difference in the readings. What I did notice was the transmission temperature and engine oil temperature seem to be reading basically identical numbers at all times. The largest spread I've seen between the two readings is 2°F for two or three seconds.. then they go right back to the same temperature. I'm not exactly sure what it's pulling, but I agree that it's unlikely the transmission temperature.

I emailed Jay at Banks about the issue and I am waiting to hear back. Once I hear back I will update here.

**UPDATE**

I was told he forwarded the info to the firmware team, and they will be digging into it to figure out what the issue is. I made sure to mention your issue as well traxxi2003, so hopefully we'll have a quick fix.

 

[traxxi2003]

It's funny you mention this, as I was planning to update the thread this morning.

I am seeing the exact same issue that you are with the transmission temperature. Torque Converter status and gear are showing correctly, but the transmission temp never went above 154° F for me. I pinned the thermostatic switch and drove with it unpinned as well with no difference in the readings. What I did notice was the transmission temperature and engine oil temperature seem to be reading basically identical numbers at all times. The largest spread I've seen between the two readings is 2°F for two or three seconds.. then they go right back to the same temperature. I'm not exactly sure what it's pulling, but I agree that it's unlikely the transmission temperature.

I emailed Jay at Banks about the issue and I am waiting to hear back. Once I hear back I will update here.

**UPDATE**

I was told he forwarded the info to the firmware team, and they will be digging into it to figure out what the issue is. I made sure to mention your issue as well traxxi2003, so hopefully we'll have a quick fix.

Thanks brother for updating the thread and for responding to my question

 

[Cold Iron]

What I did notice was the transmission temperature and engine oil temperature seem to be reading basically identical numbers at all times. The largest spread I've seen between the two readings is 2°F for two or three seconds.. then they go right back to the same temperature. I'm not exactly sure what it's pulling, but I agree that it's unlikely the transmission temperature.

There is no oil temperature sensor on the GX (no idea why) it is a calculated value based on Coolant temp and Transmission temp, it is an estimated value. I removed it from my Fusion dashboard for that reason even though I consider it the most critical operating parameter of an engine. That likely comes from years of watching gauge boards of Navy ships with hundreds of gauges in the engine room. And the main lube oil temp gauge is the only one painted red and sits front and center.

If ATF temp is off so will the engine oil temp, sounds like the algorithmic value is wrong. Hopefully the programmers will get it correct for you guys soon.

 

[traxxi2003]

I was doing some testing on my GX yesterday, I was comparing live data between iDash and my XTool D7 scanner and what I found was the following:
1. Eng coolant temp reading correct on both iDash and D7, with only a few degrees of difference between them.
2. Trans temp on iDash was at least 30° cooler vs the D7, D7 displaying trans temps that are within normal operating temps for the GX platform.
3. On the iDash, both the Eng oil temp and Trans temp read identical.

I too reported this to Banks and they asked me to send them a video of my iDash and scan tool as well as a log file from my GX. I also offered my GX to them to conduct testing since they are located a short drive from me. We will see what they find!! Will update when I hear back from them.

 

[traxxi2003]

Alright, so I wanted to update this thread with some new information.

The Banks idash version mentioned in this thread, unfortunately, is not capable of storing all of the data required to display the PIDs most of us are looking to monitor, like transmission temp, oil temp, etc. This is an issue with the design of the idash itself, and there really isn't any way around it as the memory simply won't support it.

That was the bad news... Now to the good news!

I was able to speak with a few people at Banks over the course of the last year or so, and many of the Tundra owners were having similar issues with the idash as the GX460 owners were experiencing. Banks received quite a bit of feedback and went back to the drawing board to redesign the original idash supergauge. They have now released a new version called Idash Pro. The pro model comes with significantly more memory, as well as new features such as bluetooth. These new features have allowed them to expand their PIDs and there is heavy focus on the Toyota lineup. I was able to trade in my original Idash for the new Idash pro for a small upgrade fee, and I am happy to report that with the most recent firmware updated released today, I can now see transmission temp and engine oil temp on my 23' GX460 with the Idash Pro.

(Special thanks to Jay "ToyFan" over on Tundras.com for all of the help getting this going. He is the Director of Marketing at Banks and has an interest in getting their products lined out for us Toyota and Lexus owners. He's been super helpful and has gone above and beyond to get this working.)

I need to get out and test this weekend, but so far it appears that we have access to Transmission Temp 1, Engine Oil Temp, Engine Coolant Temp, Gear Display 1-6, R, P/N), as well as Torque Converter Lock/Unlock status, among other options. I have asked about Transmission Temp 2 and will update once I know if that will be added at a later date.

So far, I can report that the Idash Pro and Pedal Monster (Throttle Controller) combination has been awesome. I've used other throttle controllers in other vehicles, and this one is much better than any of the others I've tried. Having the capability to change setting from either the application, or directly off

Alright, so I wanted to update this thread with some new information.

The Banks idash version mentioned in this thread, unfortunately, is not capable of storing all of the data required to display the PIDs most of us are looking to monitor, like transmission temp, oil temp, etc. This is an issue with the design of the idash itself, and there really isn't any way around it as the memory simply won't support it.

That was the bad news... Now to the good news!

I was able to speak with a few people at Banks over the course of the last year or so, and many of the Tundra owners were having similar issues with the idash as the GX460 owners were experiencing. Banks received quite a bit of feedback and went back to the drawing board to redesign the original idash supergauge. They have now released a new version called Idash Pro. The pro model comes with significantly more memory, as well as new features such as bluetooth. These new features have allowed them to expand their PIDs and there is heavy focus on the Toyota lineup. I was able to trade in my original Idash for the new Idash pro for a small upgrade fee, and I am happy to report that with the most recent firmware updated released today, I can now see transmission temp and engine oil temp on my 23' GX460 with the Idash Pro.

(Special thanks to Jay "ToyFan" over on Tundras.com for all of the help getting this going. He is the Director of Marketing at Banks and has an interest in getting their products lined out for us Toyota and Lexus owners. He's been super helpful and has gone above and beyond to get this working.)

I need to get out and test this weekend, but so far it appears that we have access to Transmission Temp 1, Engine Oil Temp, Engine Coolant Temp, Gear Display 1-6, R, P/N), as well as Torque Converter Lock/Unlock status, among other options. I have asked about Transmission Temp 2 and will update once I know if that will be added at a later date.

So far, I can report that the Idash Pro and Pedal Monster (Throttle Controller) combination has been awesome. I've used other throttle controllers in other vehicles, and this one is much better than any of the others I've tried. Having the capability to change setting from either the application, or directly off of the Idash Pro makes it simple as well.

Wait!! You have their pedal monster on your 23 GX? When I ordered my iDash Pro, I was told by the sales rep that the pedal monster was not available for the GX platform but that they were working on to release it this year. I ordered my iDash Pro two weeks ago.

 

[Rogue556]

Yes sir. The Pedal Monster works great, too. I'm not sure why they'd tell you it wasn't available, unless there is something different with the 22'-23' that allow it to work vs the earlier years. Maybe they were thinking GX550 for some reason and told you the wrong info?

The Banks part number for my Pedal Monster is #64326. I've had it nearly a year now and no issues.

 

[traxxi2003]

Update: as of May 5th, Banks still haven’t been able to correct the inaccurate Transmission-temp reading (30° cooler than it should read) associated with their iDash Pro gauge and the GX460. So, I’m just sending the gauge back because at this time is not doing anything more than looking pretty on the A-Pilar. For what this thing cost, you would think that Banks would ensure that the thing is displaying accurate data before advertising as an option for a particular application.

I think at this point the only option is the 1990’s style Scan gauge which I really hate its design.

 

[llm]

Update: as of May 5th, Banks still haven’t been able to correct the inaccurate Transmission-temp reading (30° cooler than it should read) associated with their iDash Pro gauge and the GX460. So, I’m just sending the gauge back because at this time is not doing anything more than looking pretty on the A-Pilar. For what this thing cost, you would think that Banks would ensure that the thing is displaying accurate data before advertising as an option for a particular application.

I think at this point the only option is the 1990’s style Scan gauge which I really hate its design.

get a scangauge 3

 

[Cold Iron]

Update: as of May 5th, Banks still haven’t been able to correct the inaccurate Transmission-temp reading (30° cooler than it should read) associated with their iDash Pro gauge and the GX460. So, I’m just sending the gauge back because at this time is not doing anything more than looking pretty on the A-Pilar. For what this thing cost, you would think that Banks would ensure that the thing is displaying accurate data before advertising as an option for a particular application.

I think at this point the only option is the 1990’s style Scan gauge which I really hate its design.

Banks, Scan Gauge and Ultra Gauge (which I used to have) are so yesterday. I'm not a fan of convergence in everything especially phones. But am totally on board now with OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth with Fusion. You can use your regular phone or I went and got a dedicated unlocked phone for $100. If you have carplay or android auto you can use that too.

March of last year tranny temps

Yesterday same trip after installing a Hayden 698 transmission cooler

The gas tank straps on my friends first gen Tundra rusted out and the tank fell. After riding in my GX so much he replaced it with a Lexus IS 350. Point being I can monitor the transmission pan and torque converter temps along with anything else that has a PID. Accurately.

 

[traxxi2003]

And that’s what I don’t understand, if all of these scanning/monitoring tools are able to display accurate data from our Toyotas/Lexus, even using a smartphone, how is it possible that a company like Banks Power cannot figure this out???? Obviously the PID’s are there and the vehicles is providing the right data. I just can understand why BanksPower is incapable of resolving this!!. I guess I’ll be ordering Scangauge3.

 

[Rogue556]

Update: as of May 5th, Banks still haven’t been able to correct the inaccurate Transmission-temp reading (30° cooler than it should read) associated with their iDash Pro gauge and the GX460. So, I’m just sending the gauge back because at this time is not doing anything more than looking pretty on the A-Pilar. For what this thing cost, you would think that Banks would ensure that the thing is displaying accurate data before advertising as an option for a particular application.

I think at this point the only option is the 1990’s style Scan gauge which I really hate its design.

The idash pro is having the same issue with the Tundra readings as well. A few guys on Tundra forums are reporting identical readings. It's annoying, for sure, but I have no reason to believe they won't fix the issue. I plan to keep mine because, as you said, there really isn't anything else with the same form factor. On top of that, I really do like the Pedal Monster and I'm not willing to give that up just yet.

We'll see, I suppose.

 

[r2m]

Banks, Scan Gauge and Ultra Gauge (which I used to have) are so yesterday. I'm not a fan of convergence in everything especially phones. But am totally on board now with OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth with Fusion. You can use your regular phone or I went and got a dedicated unlocked phone for $100. If you have carplay or android auto you can use that too.

March of last year tranny temps

Yesterday same trip after installing a Hayden 698 transmission cooler

The gas tank straps on my friends first gen Tundra rusted out and the tank fell. After riding in my GX so much he replaced it with a Lexus IS 350. Point being I can monitor the transmission pan and torque converter temps along with anything else that has a PID. Accurately.

Exactly what I did. I had an old Galaxy Note 10 and repurposed as a dedicated OBDII Link display. I keep it plugged in all the time and so far it's been great.
The only issue is that the screen has serious burn-in from the same display all the time and it seems to be getting dimmer. Not sure how much longer that phone will be good for.
But as you stated, I also like being able to switch between the drive train system temps and tire pressure/temps. When airing down/up, I connect to the tires and I can sit in the comfort of my drivers seat and watch in real time as tire pressure goes up or down with the four tire inflation system I made.
I do wish that to change between the two, one didn't have to exit the Bluetooth from one system and then connect to the other, going between tires and drive train.

Question, does your side-by-side have OBDII also? If so, you could probably use it on that too!