A few of us use a ELM327 device that connects to the DIC (OBD2) port, that then Bluetooth connects to a smart phone or tablet that runs the Torque app. I use a small Amazon Fire tablet. I don't run it daily, but I do run it on trips. The down side is that most of these ELM things are Chinese knock offs, and can occasionally mess with the day to day diagnostics. I saw a GM bulletin about it once.but I can't find it again. But it can also happen with those insurance dongles.

 

Found it.

 

remove bezel, remove cluster screws and cluster...seems simple enough is a fella wants a cluster with a gauge.

 

right ... now it's out. And ??

 

For what it's worth, I had a knockoff device plugged in for a couple of days and I didn't have any issues. On the other hand, there is value in investing in good tools. Especially if you need to fall back for support.

 

It doesn't happen every time I use it. But it does happen maybe 1 in 10 times. And when it does, the message goes away when I unplug it.

 

plug in one that has the gauge.

 

I wasn't aware there were IPs with tranny temp gauges in them. And I wouldn't even know where to start to program one.

 

the dash information is there how its displayed depends on model year and build of the vehicle. the trans temp and all other cluster sensor data is either via can bus or dedicated com line. so either a gauge or DIC message displays the info.

the info is there regardless of whether the build can display it. Same with tachometer data..the pcm must know engine rpm.

 

Yup I understand how the data bus works. I've just never seen a modern vehicle factory dash that shows tranny temp. Gauge nor DIC.
But say there was, then it's just the "simple" matter of reprogramming then PCM?