Garmin Mechanic with ecoRoute HD

[LDM]

The subject was brought up about using the Garmin Mechanic with the GPS trim kit for our cars, and rather than thread-jacking that installation guide, I figured I'd make a separate thread to discuss this. When I bought it over a year ago, it was just called the ecoRoute HD. Now it's been renamed the Garmin Mechanic with ecoRoute HD, but it's the same thing.

Here is Garmin's product page:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=38354

Basically it's an OBDII scan tool that connects with and displays the info on Bluetooth-capable Garmin GPS devices. Here's what the device looks like:

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz352/lenmartin23/G8/ecoRoute%20HD/DSC_4910_zps0c3de782.jpg

The first time you plug it in, it will go through a setup process with the GPS. This takes a about minute, but all subsequent times you don't have to bother. It automatically connects unless you've unplugged the device at some point, in which case you'd have to repeat the setup process.

Once that's done, if you go to the tools menu on your GPS, you'll notice that the ecoRoute symbol now shows HD next to the leaf.

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz352/lenmartin23/G8/ecoRoute%20HD/DSC_4902_zps937030a3.jpg

Selecting this you'll now have two new pages in your menu, Gauges, and Diagnostics

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz352/lenmartin23/G8/ecoRoute%20HD/DSC_4903_zpsb339db81.jpg

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz352/lenmartin23/G8/ecoRoute%20HD/DSC_4918_zps6a0b3c1a.jpg

The Gauges screen displays five analog/digital gauges, four small and one large.

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz352/lenmartin23/G8/ecoRoute%20HD/DSC_4905_zps5c07e933.jpg

By tapping the gauge you can change what parameter it reads. The ones available for our cars are:
Engine Load
Coolant Temperature
Intake Manifold Pressure
Timing Advance
Intake Air Temperature
Mass Air Flow
Throttle Position
Battery Voltage
Speed
RPM

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz352/lenmartin23/G8/ecoRoute%20HD/DSC_4906_zps3bfba8b1.jpg

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz352/lenmartin23/G8/ecoRoute%20HD/DSC_4907_zpsde6adac9.jpg

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz352/lenmartin23/G8/ecoRoute%20HD/DSC_4908_zps5682f171.jpg

The Diagnostics page should allow you to read and clear any codes you may have. I don't have any so I couldn't really test this.

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz352/lenmartin23/G8/ecoRoute%20HD/DSC_4919_zps6a9c233e.jpg

There is also a Fuel Economy page which will give you your instantaneous MPG as well as average. Most Garmins have this page now under the ecoRoute but it lacks the instantaneous and just guesstimates the average based on the city/highway averages you tell it. With the ecoRoute HD it's a little more accurate.

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz352/lenmartin23/G8/ecoRoute%20HD/DSC_4904_zps19cb99b7.jpg

Overall it's not a bad device. With the GPS trim kit it provides a clean way to get some gauges on your dash. It can be left plugged in and if you ever get a Check Engine Light while driving you'll always have it with you. The one aspect where I think it's lacking though is the limited number of parameters that it's capable of displaying. I'm now using DashBoss with my iPod Touch and I can read things like oil pressure, oil temp, transmission temp, and much more. If you have a Bluetooth-capable GPS though and just want some basic gauges along with the ability to read and clear codes, for about $100 this should do the job. For the record, the GPS I have is a nüvi 3490T.

[BriGuy]

Thanks LDM. Good call on not thread-jacking too :thumbsup:

Thanks for sharing. That's a really nice setup, I'm definitely going to have to pursue this after the checking account recovers from the holidays!

[fengstang]

Thanks LDM. Very good write up.

[GXPaycheck]

Nice!

[leardim]

How did you actually install the unit? do we need to buy anything else or can this plug straight into the car? Thanks :)

[LDM]

It just plugs straight into the OBDII port. Then you can secure it under the dash with either zip ties or double-sided tape. Installing the GPS in the dash is a little more involved though there are other threads that cover that.

[STL_G8GT]

Cool!