Scangauge Compatibility 96 Ranger/B2300

[Zanderanger]

Hi Im new here, Im looking to get a more fuel efficient vehicle but I need a pickup. There's a 1996 Mazda B2300 for sale that Im considering. I have a few questions. 1. I want to buy a Scangauge (or Ultragauge) but I saw that the 97 and 98 rangers are not compatible, however I didn't see anything specifically about the 96. I assume the Mazda B2300 would be the same. That doesn't make sense to me, why would it be compatible the first year and then not the next 2 years? Is that true, has anyone experienced this that has a ranger or b2300. 2. Are there any major advantages for the scangauge as opposed to the ultragauge? I know the ultragauge is way cheaper and Ive read through the threads but didnt come to any solid conclusion. 3. Kind of off topic, but this B2300 Im looking at has 193K miles. Im sure the mpgs wouldnt be quite as good as say a 100K mile example but I was wondering how much difference would there be? Thanks for reading my long winded post, I have a lot of questions and Im happy I found this site, you guys have probably forgotten more than Ill ever know. Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Alex

[user removed]

I did a short search to see if the 96 was obd1 or 2. That year was a transition year. Search the web for the obd2 connection and check to see if it is in the truck you are looking at. I'm thinking it is not obd2, but confirming the existence of the connector is the best way to be sure.
I think my97 Ranger is and almost every car was in 96 but the trucks came a little later than the cars.

regards
Mech

[redneck]

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If it is not obd2 you can use a MPGuino.

OpenGauge / MPGuino FE computer - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com

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[Zanderanger]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

I did a short search to see if the 96 was obd1 or 2. That year was a transition year. Search the web for the obd2 connection and check to see if it is in the truck you are looking at. I'm thinking it is not obd2, but confirming the existence of the connector is the best way to be sure.
I think my97 Ranger is and almost every car was in 96 but the trucks came a little later than the cars.

regards
Mech

Well as far as I know all American cars had obd2 in 96, some earlier. However the scan gauge website says that 97 rangers aren't compatible do I wondering why that would be the case and the 96 isn't listed as an exception. Does your 97 work with a scan gauge or have you tried it? Thanks for the replies I appreciate it.

Regards,
Alex

[nathan01xl]

Go to your local auto parts store and ask them to plug in their obd2 scanner. If it works obviously you are obd2 and the scan gauge or my personal choice ultra-gauge should work.

[Zanderanger]

Thanks for the replies, is there a reason you prefer the ultra gauge? Also does anyone have any opinion on how mileage of a vehicle affects mpgs? Lets say a 200,000 mi truck vs a 100,000 truck, would there be a difference in mileage and if so, how much? Thanks again for helping me out I appreciate it.

Regards,
Alex

[nathan01xl]

Depends on the vehicle, shouldnt be a big difference if the 200k one was maintained properly. My truck has 175k on it and get 40+ mpg. I prefer the ultra-gauge because it is cheaper and has a bigger display.

[jcp123]

Strange, I was under the impression that OBD-II was federally mandated starting in '96. It might be a quirk of its communication protocols though. A lot of Fords are slow communicators through the diagnostic port (my Toyota too), so it wouldn't be too much to imagine that there is a problem there.

As to UG vs SG, there's plenty of discussions here. Both have their advantages, and having owned both, I do not think you will go wrong either way.