Versa MPG's and the Scangauge

[longo]

I have always found that my mpg numbers were suspect, if not to wind conditions (tail and head wind) then to the fact that in all the cars I've ever owned, the Versa is the only one that is so difficult to fill to the same level each time.Add to that, a variety of different gas brands out there on the long trips we make each year, and the peculiar characteristics of the CVT drivetrain, make consistent MPG numbers hard to attain.

So, rather than give up on my Versa MPG project , there is one last weapon to try, to finally get some real-time numbers, a Scanguage.

This unit plugs into and gets it's data from the ECM (on-board computer that controls the engine). What is nice about these devices is that they give you instantaneous mileage readouts as well as trip computations, and are said to be accurate to within 5/100 of a gallon. This will identify all the variables that occur, that can't be accounted for when you just 'do the numbers' at the end of a typical MPG calcualation. It will also instantly verify any changes that I make to get better MPG's, like checking different gas brands and to find the octane rating the Versa runs best on. (I have b een told by my Nissan dealershiop to try going up to a 'mid grade' gas) The Scangauge will tell me if I'm wasting money on that project right away.

I contacted the ScanGauge dealer for mine and he said that if anyone else from the Versa Forum wanted to order, he would discount the unit by $5.00. You just need to include this information with your order..."ScanGauge II Versa forum discount". his order link and a lot of interesting general info on getting better MPG's is at this link.

http://www.pureenergysystems.com/store/ScanGauge/

I am going to cut a hole for the wire inside that plastic box above the radio, feed it down to the OBD ll connection by the steering wheel, and keep the Scangauge in there...with the door closed to cover it when it's not being used.




Modified by longo at 4:28 PM 3/8/2008

[srellim234]

Thanks for getting the discount info. I see them for the $159 US price in different places, including from amazon.com, butnot discounted the additional money you are talking about.

Some people around this forum already have scangauges and have mounted them in different places, including pictures on some of the discussions we've previously had about the product. You might search the forum before you install yours just to see if someone might have a better location or mounting procedure.

[longo]

Thanks for the heads up, did the search, saw the pics, but still think my idea will work best for me. The lower location is out because I use my Garmin C330 down there, the "put it in the sunglasses holder" idea would be very difficult, if not impossible. The mounts shown simply sitting on the instument panel, cover too much of the speed-o and look very ..temporary.

My in -dash location will keep the unit out of sight when the car is parked, keep it from getting banged around while the different settings are functioned, and best of all, a quick glance without taking my eyes off the road is all that will be needed for me or my wife to check it while driving.

I have also installed a Donnelly compass, outside temerature, and self dimming mirror, and hardwired my Valentine-1 radar detector above it for a nice clean, no straggly wires installation. The ScanGauge in the dash cubby should work best for me, without cluttering up my Versa anymore than I already have.

http://picasaweb.google.com/longo3002/VersaPics

[srellim234]

Just in case you missed it, Code Red mounted his where you are planning to put yours. Pictures are here in case it helps you

zerothread?id=270998

BTW, for more consistent filling I let the pump run until it clicks off, let the gas settle for a few seconds, then slowly continue filling until it clicks off again. Seems to work pretty well.