[Dimitrij]

Thanks for the kind words!

Do you have a link or any photos of the work you did in modifying the spare tire carrier? Interested to see how you utilized the space.

I didn't modify the carrier itself; I simply utilized the space behind it. I used one of those zip-up poach style organizers to go into a "pocket" between the carrier and the panel behind it. Initially it had an inflator (I have three inflators on board) and a bottle of the Green Goo, but it was impossible to pull the organizer out w/o having to remove the spare wheel first. IIRC now it has the goo, some wiping rags, and I a little baggie of spare fuses - all can be taken out (some dexterity required!) with the wheel mounted.

 

[yonah]

Linear Logic ScanGauge II install:

I’ve had this Linear Logic ScanGauge II for probably ten years now. It’s a simple device that plugs into a vehicle’s OBD-II port - in the left lower knee panel under the steering wheel - and accesses data from the ECU, which is then displayed on a LCD screen.

Product info:

» ScanGauge II

www.scangauge.com

The ScanGauge can read/clear OBD-II trouble codes and display up to four separate gauges at once. It is solely powered via the OBD-II port (no batteries) and its screen backlight color can be adjusted to closely match any OEM gauge color scheme - for my Sienna, I selected a light blue background. Factory preloaded gauges are present out of the box (voltmeter, RPM, engine coolant temp., etc.) and many more vehicle-specific gauges can be easily programmed by the user (titled “X-Gauges”). For the Sienna, I added the latest generation Prius X-Gauge codes and they worked (Transaxle Operating Temperature (TOT), Inverter Temperature (INV), State of [High Voltage Battery] Charge (SoC), etc.). These codes are available via Linear Logic’s webpage.

I secured the ScanGauge to the dash trim panel below the infotainment screen (with some 1” HD 3M molding tape) and in front of the wireless charging tray. I like this spot as it’s out of the way, but still easily viewed. I’ve tried one of the custom, 3D-printed, steering column mounts and found the location too in-your-face and distracting.

Installed photos:

Nighttime appearance:

Driver’s view - set to the right of the Linx control unit to keep things uniform:

A couple details to note if you plan on installing a ScanGauge II in your 4th Gen Sienna and want it to function as it should:

1) You’ll want the latest firmware update from ScanGauge. This will run $25 + shipping if you already have a ScanGauge II, or if you purchased a unit that is used, or maybe bought a new unit that has sat on the shelf for awhile. I’ve updated my unit twice over the past decade. The latest firmware will have a “HYBRID” engine option. I’m not sure when they added the hybrid engine option over the years, but I do know their latest update has it preloaded. This is important as you’ll need to have the engine setting set to “HYBRID” or the ScanGauge will shut down every time the van transitions to EV mode. You’ll then have to manually turn the gauge on again by pressing one if it’s buttons - kind of annoying.

2) If you’re considering buying a ScanGauge, I highly recommend ordering it direct from Linear Logic and adding in the notes of the order that the gauge will be installed in a 4th Gen Sienna. If you’re planning on installing a ScanGauge that you already own in your 4th Gen, do note that when you purchase a firmware update you’ll need to let them know the same info - planned install in a 4th Gen Sienna. In the 2021+ Sienna and the new RAV4 Prime, the RPM Responding Module (RMD) will continually ping the gauge and the ScanGauge will never power down (it should turn off after about 15 seconds of vehicle shut down). The techs at Linear Logic can note this when applying the latest firmware and the ScanGauge will ignore this RMD signal after vehicle shut down. I believe I was the first person to catch this issue when installing a ScanGauge in a 4th Gen, as the tech I spoke to (Christina) seemed surprised and was immediately able to diagnose the problem over the phone - though it meant I had to send my gauge back to their AZ facility for the firmware modification (which Linear Logic covered).

All in all, I’m happy with the install and glad to have the ScanGauge in the Sienna. A lot of the ScanGauge displayed info is redundant and already exists somewhere in the van’s gauge/infotainment area; however, the ScanGauge will provide the same information in greater detail and in real-time without the need to toggle through a settings menu or button press to view it, etc. - for ex: the Hybrid (High Voltage) Battery’s charge status is only displayed in bars on the OEM display, while the ScanGauge will actually present a more accurate % value. Additionally, certain gauges like engine coolant temperature, and I would assume transaxle temperature, are useful values to monitor while towing with the van; which is something I plan to eventually do with our Sienna.

 

[yonah]

I didn't modify the carrier itself; I simply utilized the space behind it. I used one of those zip-up poach style organizers to go into a "pocket" between the carrier and the panel behind it. Initially it had an inflator (I have three inflators on board) and a bottle of the Green Goo, but it was impossible to pull the organizer out w/o having to remove the spare wheel first. IIRC now it has the goo, some wiping rags, and I a little baggie of spare fuses - all can be taken out (some dexterity required!) with the wheel mounted.

Good stuff. It’s surprising how much space is available in that cavity behind and around the spare tire bracket.

 

[kolkh]

Linear Logic ScanGauge II install:

I’ve had this Linear Logic ScanGauge II for probably ten years now. It’s a simple device that plugs into a vehicle’s OBD-II port - in the left lower knee panel under the steering wheel - and accesses data from the ECU, which is then displayed on a LCD screen.

Product info:

» ScanGauge II

www.scangauge.com

The ScanGauge can read/clear OBD-II trouble codes and display up to four separate gauges at once. It is solely powered via the OBD-II port (no batteries) and its screen backlight color can be adjusted to closely match any OEM gauge color scheme - for my Sienna, I selected a light blue background. Factory preloaded gauges are present out of the box (voltmeter, RPM, engine coolant temp., etc.) and many more vehicle-specific gauges can be easily programmed by the user (titled “X-Gauges”). For the Sienna, I added the latest generation Prius X-Gauge codes and they worked (Transaxle Operating Temperature (TOT), Inverter Temperature (INV), State of [High Voltage Battery] Charge (SoC), etc.). These codes are available via Linear Logic’s webpage.

I secured the ScanGauge to the dash trim panel below the infotainment screen (with some 1” HD 3M molding tape) and in front of the wireless charging tray. I like this spot as it’s out of the way, but still easily viewed. I’ve tried one of the custom, 3D-printed, steering column mounts and found the location too in-your-face and distracting.

Installed photos:
View attachment 62495 View attachment 62496

Nighttime appearance: View attachment 62498

Driver’s view - set to the right of the Linx control unit to keep things uniform: View attachment 62497

A couple details to note if you plan on installing a ScanGauge II in your 4th Gen Sienna and want it to function as it should:

1) You’ll want the latest firmware update from ScanGauge. This will run $25 + shipping if you already have a ScanGauge II, or if you purchased a unit that is used, or maybe bought a new unit that has sat on the shelf for awhile. I’ve updated my unit twice over the past decade. The latest firmware will have a “HYBRID” engine option. I’m not sure when they added the hybrid engine option over the years, but I do know their latest update has it preloaded. This is important as you’ll need to have the engine setting set to “HYBRID” or the ScanGauge will shut down every time the van transitions to EV mode. You’ll then have to manually turn the gauge on again by pressing one if it’s buttons - kind of annoying.

2) If you’re considering buying a ScanGauge, I highly recommend ordering it direct from Linear Logic and adding in the notes of the order that the gauge will be installed in a 4th Gen Sienna. If you’re planning on installing a ScanGauge that you already own in your 4th Gen, do note that when you purchase a firmware update you’ll need to let them know the same info - planned install in a 4th Gen Sienna. In the 2021+ Sienna and the new RAV4 Prime, the RPM Responding Module (RMD) will continually ping the gauge and the ScanGauge will never power down (it should turn off after about 15 seconds of vehicle shut down). The techs at Linear Logic can note this when applying the latest firmware and the ScanGauge will ignore this RMD signal after vehicle shut down. I believe I was the first person to catch this issue when installing a ScanGauge in a 4th Gen, as the tech I spoke to (Christina) seemed surprised and was immediately able to diagnose the problem over the phone - though it meant I had to send my gauge back to their AZ facility for the firmware modification (which Linear Logic covered).

All in all, I’m happy with the install and glad to have the ScanGauge in the Sienna. A lot of the ScanGauge displayed info is redundant and already exists somewhere in the van’s gauge/infotainment area; however, the ScanGauge will provide the same information in greater detail and in real-time without the need to toggle through a settings menu or button press to view it, etc. - for ex: the Hybrid (High Voltage) Battery’s charge status is only displayed in bars on the OEM display, while the ScanGauge will actually present a more accurate % value. Additionally, certain gauges like engine coolant temperature, and I would assume transaxle temperature, are useful values to monitor while towing with the van; which is something I plan to eventually do with our Sienna.

Thank you very much! This is very helpful info -- as a matter of fact, I already gave up on ScanGauge because, as you said, it was falling asleep each time ICE of my '23 Sienna stops. I bought and happily used it in '06 Sienna since 2008.
I came across your post by chance. May I suggest you initiate a separate thread on this topic to help other guys who may be in a similar situation?

 

[yonah]

Thank you very much! This is very helpful info -- as a matter of fact, I already gave up on ScanGauge because, as you said, it was falling asleep each time ICE of my '23 Sienna stops. I bought and happily used it in '06 Sienna since 2008.
I came across your post by chance. May I suggest you initiate a separate thread on this topic to help other guys who may be in a similar situation?

Glad I was able to provide some helpful information to you regarding the ScanGauge II! Hopefully you still have the unit. For a $25 firmware upgrade fee, it will work in your 4th Gen, just follow my lessons learned above - and if you have any questions, call Linear Logic’s tech help line for assistance.

I don’t think I’ll start a separate thread. That takes time and it would honestly be redundant to what I’ve posted here - not sure what I would add to my above ScanGauge II installation post. I’ll see if there is a way to hashtag or link the word “ScanGauge” to make it more likely to appear in thread searches. Thank you for the recommendation, though. I truly appreciate the feedback.

 

[Sienna.Guy]

ScanGauge II

Oh man, I didn’t know what to do with my All New 2008 SGII, glad to know I can possibly bring new life to this device and re-use it. Mine is from May 1, 2008, 15 years plus 1 day (today is 5/2/23). I’m gonna get it updated, hopefully it’s updatable.

How did you run the cable?

 

[yonah]

Oh man, I didn’t know what to do with my All New 2008 SGII, glad to know I can possibly bring new life to this device and re-use it. Mine is from May 1, 2008, 15 years plus 1 day (today is 5/2/23). I’m gonna get it updated, hopefully it’s updatable.

How did you run the cable?
View attachment 62530

Wake it up and put it to work! Better late than never.

Linear Logic can definitely update it. I’ve heard that if the unit is really old (which yours may be) they have to replace the board on the inside. Either way, make sure you note it’s going into a new gen Sienna and the RMD issue I ran into. They can ensure it’s compatible and you’ll have a plug-n-play experience.

I’ll snap some photos of the cable routing. 6’ of cable was plenty of length for the center console area.

 

[yonah]

@Sienna.Guy I ran the cable from the back port of the ScanGauge and curved it down behind my Linx control unit screen and then tucked it under the fake leather trim piece. Then routed it via a hard back turn between the dash trim and steering column. From there it’s tucked behind the knee trim panel along the metal brace and secured with cable management velcro tape all the way over to the diagnostic port.

The big Linx screen hides a lot of the cable. Not sure how clean it would look without that unit in place.

Photos:

 

[Sienna.Guy]

It may be a 2008 unit, but was used in 2 cars, a 95 civic, then a 2002 Camry, which was replaced with the current Sienna.

I just didn’t know what to do with it after getting the Sienna, until this thread.

 

[kolkh]

Oh man, I didn’t know what to do with my All New 2008 SGII, glad to know I can possibly bring new life to this device and re-use it. Mine is from May 1, 2008, 15 years plus 1 day (today is 5/2/23). I’m gonna get it updated, hopefully it’s updatable.

By the way, you do not have to upgrade SCII in order to re-use it on your hybrid Sienna. Open page 15 of the Manual (blue book on your photo) and find how to change type of fuel from gas to hybrid:
MORE>SETUP>FUEL>TYPE
Your SGII will stop falling asleep when ICE shuts off while electric motor starts. This has been verified on SGII that was all new in 2008 !
Upgrade will bring new features and probably improve performance.

 

[yonah]

It may be a 2008 unit, but was used in 2 cars, a 95 civic, then a 2002 Camry, which was replaced with the current Sienna.

I just didn’t know what to do with it after getting the Sienna, until this thread.

Good deal. I saw the box and assumed it sat in NIB status since then - which would have been impressive.

By the way, you do not have to upgrade SCII in order to re-use it on your hybrid Sienna. Open page 15 of the Manual (blue book on your photo) and find how to change type of fuel from gas to hybrid:
MORE>SETUP>FUEL>TYPE
Your SGII will stop falling asleep when ICE shuts off while electric motor starts. This has been verified on SGII that was all new in 2008 !
Upgrade will bring new features and probably improve performance.

My ScanGauge must have been really, really old as the only fuel choices were “GAS” and “DIESEL” - no “HYBRID” option - this was before I last updated it.

 

[Sienna.Guy]

By the way, you do not have to upgrade SCII in order to re-use it on your hybrid Sienna.

While this is a true statement, the issue is that SG2 never shuts down even after powered off. RPM RMD something, is the cause mentioned above by @yonah.

Still need an update and $25 is not a deal breaker.

 

[Sienna.Guy]

It would be nice if an RV company would take the risk of using the Sienna chassis for a motorhome conversion. But Toyota don’t make bare bone anything for these projects. @yonah made more than 50% of the modifications. BTW, where abouts are you?

 

[yonah]

It would be nice if an RV company would take the risk of using the Sienna chassis for a motorhome conversion. But Toyota don’t make bare bone anything for these projects. @yonah made more than 50% of the modifications. BTW, where abouts are you?

I think the closest you’ll ever get is a pop-top conversion as seen in the link below, owned by @sbwater

Is there a pop top installer for the 4th generation...

Some good photos are in the above link - here’s another I found on the net:

The big restriction you’re going to find with turning a van like this into a RV is weight, or maybe better said, the ability of the Sienna to bear the weight found in many RV conversions. This chassis simply doesn’t have anywhere near the payload capacity you’ll find in a Transit, Sprinter, or the Ford E-Series (which is my favorite). Not saying it’s not possible with the right materials, but there are better platforms out there for that type of use case.

I will say that yeah, our Sienna is definitely livable as it sits right now. Some type of solar input (to keep the AGM topped off), water storage, modest sleeping arrangement, and I could easily live in this van during an extended tour of the US, Alaska, and Canada - no problem. I’d remove the rear seats and make a few other adjustments - 2” lift with some more durable tires, but it’s close to that finish line if that was ever a desire. The electrical work is complete, and that’s always a pain to do, IMO.

I’m located on the East coast, soon moving across the country for work - hence the blitzkrieg of modifications over the past few months. My goal was to quickly make these tweaks to the van prior to this move. Not sure how much time I’ll have, or really want, to spend in the garage on the back end. After our move, I really want to maximize my free time traveling with the family and making memories with the kids.

 

[yonah]

ARB 12v Fridge/Freezer lid holder opener:

I was looking at the fridge a few days ago and trying to figure out how to keep the lid open when loading and unloading it. The lid isn’t spring-loaded or anything, so this is generally a slightly annoying two-handed activity. One hand holds the fridge open, while the other loads it.

Then I had an ah-ha moment - something like a rubber strip or shock cord could be looped and then lucked in between the plastic trim seam below the rear door to act as a strap that would then loop around one of the protruding sections of the lid, thus holding it open.

Then I remembered seeing a product that could accomplish the same purpose while checking out at Home Depot the other day.

The Nite-Ize Cinch-A-Lot Stretch Strap Key Accessory:

Amazon.com

$12 via Amazon, but I got it for $7 at REI - and really it was free as I used some dividends I had in my account.

30-second install and now the fridge is a lot easier to load and unload. A bonus is matches the grey/cream interior accents in the van fairly well.

 

[Sienna.Guy]

By the way, you do not have to upgrade SCII in order to re-use it on your hybrid Sienna. Open page 15 of the Manual (blue book on your photo) and find how to change type of fuel from gas to hybrid:
MORE>SETUP>FUEL>TYPE
Your SGII will stop falling asleep when ICE shuts off while electric motor starts. This has been verified on SGII that was all new in 2008 !
Upgrade will bring new features and probably improve performance.

I changed my reaction from Like to Angry bro.

I selected Hybrid and left it in overnight. The next day, power appeared depleted, mirrors unfolding slowly, dash screen dim. Could not fully start, lights flashing, warning messages. Jumpstarted, check engine light on, code P0000 came up. Turned off car. 30 minutes later couldn’t restart normally.

Jumped again, run some errands, set 1 hr timer to allow vehicle to initialize and complete a drive cycle.

5 hrs later, check engine light turned off.

Today, sent SG2 out for an update.

But I’ll green frame this experience, I got to use my handheld portable charger for the first time, it worked beautifully. And gonna make a video from this.

 

[yonah]

I changed my reaction from Like to Angry bro.

I selected Hybrid and left it in overnight. The next day, power appeared depleted, mirrors unfolding slowly, dash screen dim. Could not fully start, lights flashing, warning messages. Jumpstarted, check engine light on, code P0000 came up. Turned off car. 30 minutes later couldn’t restart normally.

Jumped again, run some errands, set 1 hr timer to allow vehicle to initialize and complete a drive cycle.

5 hrs later, check engine light turned off.

Today, sent SG2 out for an update.

But I’ll green frame this experience, I got to use my handheld portable charger for the first time, it worked beautifully. And gonna make a video from this.

Glad you got it sorted out. I had a similar experience last fall. Cold morning, loading our other Toyota hybrid (this was pre-Sienna). Lift gate was actuated a few times, interior lights were on for awhile - normal stuff that happens when you’re rushing around trying to load the car before a big trip.

Dead battery. Car was unresponsive.

Hooked the lithium jump pack up to the 12v battery and boom, good to go. Considering we had eight hours of driving ahead of us that day, it saved the schedule for that trip.

 

[Sienna25AE]

what the hicky are these things? The roof open up? wonder how much they cost.

 

[yonah]

what the hicky are these things? The roof open up? wonder how much they cost.

I’d ask in this thread (that was linked above):

Is there a pop top installer for the 4th generation...

The pop top installers I've found: gtrv.com does the 3rd generation and has not decided yet whether it will do the 4th generation in the future (emailed). sportsmobile.com doesn't work on minivans (emailed). north-westy.com in Washington State only does VW Vanagon (called)...

www.siennachat.com

I’d be shocked if it was under $10k.

 

[kolkh]

I changed my reaction from Like to Angry bro.

I selected Hybrid and left it in overnight. The next day, power appeared depleted,...

Today, sent SG2 out for an update.

...

Sorry for your troubles. As a matter of fact, my SGII - before and after the upgrade - does not want to go to sleep when the ignition is off. Obviously, this is an important aspect to watch.There is a warning in the manual
"there is a small risk that the vehicle’s ECU and ScanGauge will stay on and drain the battery. You must be sure the ScanGauge goes to sleep properly when the engine is turned off. "
Thus, I always disconnected it and never left it running overnight. The manufacturer is slowly trying to trouble shoot it with no success so far. So, for both of us, the actual risk is not that small.