I think the single most important feature of my HCH-II that helps me maximize my mpg is the FE meter on the dashboard. It's like a biofeedback device that responds to my foot pressure on the gas pedal. I'd like to experiment with another biofeedback device that tells me when the engine is getting gas, an ICE-ON indicator, if you will. Are there any HCH-II hackers out there who could suggest a location in the car's electrical system where I could measure a voltage that would indicate that fuel is flowing or the plugs are firing? Is there an electric fuel pump that turns on, or some other piece of the system I could tap into? Thanks in advance for any suggestions provided. --tom

 

Hey, Tom --

I remember (back when cars had carbuerators) that you could by an aftermarket tachometer which derived revs by reading inductance from a spark plug wire. You clipped a sensor to the the spark plug wire (doesn't cut into the wire at all) and it would read each time the spark plug fired (then multiply by two and you have engine rpm).

This kind of arrangement might give you what you're after, right? You just need to sense whether there's spark or not: if there's spark, engine's on; if not, engine's off.

JCWhitney is famous for selling gear like this, if you can't find it elsewhere.

cheers --
doug

 

I would suggest you consider a ScanGauge II (or similar device).

I have the ScanGauge II in all my cars and the wealth of information it provides just extends beyond what the built-in OEM gauges offer.
For myself, I prefer to observe the Engine Load readings, Voltage readouts, Air Intake temps and Engine temps. Of course, there are many other useful readings that Scangauge can display. It is up to you to choose which are best.

Well worth it... if you want to take it to the next level.


Cheers;

MSantos

 

Of the hybrid battery or the car in general? Can they easily do multiple cars, or do you really need 1 per vehicle?

 

ScanGauge does not (yet) display the traction battery voltage levels. It does however display the 12V subsystem and also shows when the IMA is providing charge to the 12v battery.

You can easily move the Scangauge II from vehicle to vehicle without a problem. However, its more advanced features (trip computer and iFCD) require some calibration/setup to match the vehicle's unique characteristics (engine displacement,gas tank size,Hybrid/gas/diesel, etc).

I have one per vehicle. I bought my latest one from a PriusChat group buy.

MSantos