Garmin EcoRoutes ESP module turns your GPS into car sentinel

That's awesome, i will buy this accessory.

i was always used to gauges on my car. Now my new one has dummy lights, this will be cool. Def gonna look into it.

This will be the make or break for this. And, if they're going to use the OBD-II diagnostics port, it would be nice to see a read-out on the screen when your "check engine" light comes on. That would be worth it.

I would strongly recommend that if you're considering purchase this device you wait at least 2-3 months after it's been released. Two reasons. First, I'm positive there will be bugs with the device. So let other people be the guinea pigs and work out the bugs. Second, Garmin likes to overprice new items. The price normally drops after a few months.

I know what you mean, I bought my first GPS, a Nuvi 750, for $599 and saw it go down a couple of months later to almost nothing compaired to what I paid.

First adopters pay more... which is why I'm not. 'nuff said.

Same here...

It's called the bleeding edge for a reason.

That is so cool. I'll get it for sure!

wow!
all i can say

How much it cost?

According to the article, we won't know until January 2010.

100% right.

Well it all looks interesting. I think it will be a good idea once the bugs have been worked out and the price drops to a more reasonable price.

I was just thinking whether plugging something into the diagnostics port will void the warranty on your car?

Any thoughts?

Very cool!

If you go to get the car serviced or are in a state that does emissions testing, they already plug into this port to find out what's wrong with your vehicle or confirm proper operation. That's short term and with the engine at idle. Not sure about a continuous connection at varying operating speeds though.

I'd suspect it shouldn't cause any problems or void the warranty, but that's another reason to wait before making the purchase...

Just go buy a scangauge from JC Whitney for 159.00 and it does all and more plus reads and clears codes. You can also switch it between diff vehicels with just an extra cable.. I use one for my mh and jeep.

If plugging a unit into the diagnostic port voided a warranty, then any service done outside a dealership would void the warranty. That's why it's a STANDARD interface connector.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/garmin-ecoroute-esp-modul...

And

http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-ecoroute-esp-cable.html

A lot of these "gauges" work for generic readings, but don't read vehicle specific codes.
Check to see if the device website has a list of supported vehicles and make sure your vehicle is listed.

On the second link just above, they say

"Compatibility

ecoRoute ESP will work on all vehicles manufactured after 1996 in the US (1998 in Canada) with the following ODBII systems: J1850 VPW, ISO 9141-2, J1850 PWM, KWP2000, ISO14230, CAN"

I'd get it if my 265 had Bluetooth. I guess I'll have to wait until I get a new GPSr.

It looks like the ecoRoutes module will only work with the Bluetooth enabled 1XXX models:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/garmin-ecoroute-esp-modul...

My 775T has the ecoroute, and BT as well. It would be silly to cut themselves out of a market by only having this for the 1xxx series. This is only a SW / FW update to get it to work anyways.

Come on, Garmin. Think about this...

I heard the cost will be $150 for the cable that connects to your NUVI.

I thought the part that plugs into the car had no cable but used bluetooth to comunicate.