Alternative fuel consumption instruments
Introduction
"MPGuino" is a DIY, open source digital fuel economy display for cars with electronic fuel injection that can be made for about $40-50 from readily available components.
It's ideal for people with older cars, where a commercial OBD-II computer can't be used (or isn't affordable).
The SuperMID is a similar open source device (knowledge of the Japanese language for documentation may be useful).
Other alternatives exist, see the options table below
Contents
Options
| Name of instrument | Car Type it will work on | Cost instrument | User feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scangauge 2 | Cars that have an OBD2 interface | $150 | |
| MPGuino | Most cars with electronic fuel injection | $50 | |
| SuperMID | |||
| PLX kiwi | $90 | ||
| Maxitrip | $70 | ||
| AutoMeter 9110 ecometer | Any car with electronic fuel injection | From a user report
The AutoMeter 9100 ecometer is neither as versatile nor as functional as the SGII, although it *is* cheaper in cost. Its MPG display is as accurate as the SGII, but its MPH and RPM displays were always "dithering" around a value and seemingly never "settled" down. Most damningly, the 9100 literally "...ran down the battery..." in my brand-new Vibe after only 6 days of inactivity! This has NEVER happened with the SGII that I now use. | |
| Golink | $100 | This is an OBD to iphone or ipad cable comes with free iphone application software | |
| Ultragauge | Cars that have an OBD2 interface | $60 | See ecomodder user phantoms feedback |
| Fuel efficiency characterization project |
Instructions for mod
Refer to installation manual for particular device
For OBD2 devices typical installation will be
-Plug the OBD connector into the instrument
-Mount the instrument
-Maybe connect power
For instruments that use the injector signal typically the installer will need to connect the device to the following
- An injector signal
- Speed / odometer signal
- Battery for power
User experiences
Please enter your user name and any relevant data in the table
| User Name | Car Make, Model, Year | Cost of Mod | Time to Perform Mod | MPG Before Mod | MPG After Mod | MPG improvement guess | Instruction Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enter your data here | Enter your data here | Enter your data here | Enter your data here | Enter your data here | Enter your data here | Enter your data here |
The efficiency effects of this mod are likely to be the same as for a scangauge. Refer to ScanGauge OBD-II computer (and similar) for more efficiency numbers.
Problems / Consequences of mod
- Some unit installations requires connection to injector signal. A faulty unit or poor installation may stop injector firing properly (Although unlikely)
References
Forum thread links
EcoModder Instrumentation forum
SuperMID - Fuel Economy Display
