Mailbag: is there a fuel economy gauge for a 2003 Freightliner semi?
 

Got this question via e-mail:

Anyone know of anything?

A Google search shows they seem to have OBD2, so I'd expect an OBD2 tool to work.


One of those links :
Freightliner OBDII Readers OBD2 Code Tool Scanner

...one of the Kiwi MPG ads mentions "...works with diesels..."

Detroit Diesel makes a driver readout. Expensive, though. Look up ProDriver on DDEC II engines.

If the truck has OBD-II, then I think a Scangauge II would work. I used to have an '06 Jetta Diesel, and the Scangauge worked fine. I don't see why the Scangauge would be incompatible with other diesels.

For professional use with big rigs that burn tons of diesel, it may make sense to invest in more expensive systems. One such system is Blueflow. Blueflow Technologies AB
It uses advanced flow meters from AIC combined with GPS and provides output from a PC or a phone. There are also possibilities for web based statistics but this is targeted to fleet management and cost a bit extra I think.

http://www.blueflow.se/images/blueflow/bf-solutions.jpg

As Freightliner tech, I've never seen an OBDII port on a 2003( or 04, or 05,...). Freightliner is GOING to be incorporating OBDII into their on board systems in the near future. Some rigs did come with mileage computers in the dash, most do now( can't say all as I haven't worked on everything). Depending on your dash, you might be able to upgrade.