The EcoRoute HD is a small module about the size of a deck of cards that features a short OBD-II connection pigtail extending from one its ends. The pigtail simply plugs simply into the diagnostics port located, in most vehicles, under the dashboard in the driver's foot well. In the package, users will find a few long zip ties that can be threaded through channels on either end of the device and used to anchor the unit in place. The HD features a pair of LED status lights on its top side, one green and one blue, that illuminate to indicate the unit's connection status with the vehicle and with the Garmin GPS device. There is also a small reset button that can be used to restore the unit to its factory-fresh state in the event of a malfunction.
Setup
After connecting the EcoRoute HD to the vehicle, simply start the engine and wait for the LED status light to blink three times to indicate that it is ready to connect to a compatible Nuvi device. We used the Nuvi 1490T for our testing. From the Nuvi's menu, we selected Tools, then EcoRoute, at which point we were asked to answer a few questions about our vehicle to initiate the EcoRoute software. Once through this wizard, we were presented with a button in the bottom status bar for HD connection. (If your Nuvi doesn't present this option, update its software and double-check that it is a supported model.) After a few more onscreen prompts, our Nuvi and EcoRoute HD module were paired.
Features and performance
The EcoRoute HD utilizes Bluetooth for its wireless connection to the portable navigation device, so it only has a maximum line of sight range of about 30 feet. Tucked under our dashboard, surrounded by metal, we found that we could only get about 10 feet before losing our connection. That said, 10 feet is more than enough range for in-car user.
When both the EcoRoute HD module and the paired GPS device are powered on, the HD module will beam detailed data from the vehicle diagnostics system to the Nuvi device. The Nuvi then processes that data to display live information to the driver. Most drivers will find the system's ability to more accurately track instantaneous and average fuel economy, as well as carbon footprint, useful. The Nuvi will also use this information to create a driver challenge score that summarizes how efficiently the vehicle is being driven. However, having nearly unfettered access to the car's brain allows the EcoRoute HD to provide much more data than we think the average user ever needs.
Other available monitored parameters include intake air temperature, coolant temperature, throttle position and engine load, intake manifold pressure, battery and charging system information, mass airflow rate, timing advance, and emissions data. While most of this will likely sound like geek-speak to the automotive layman, car nerds and shade tree mechanics will find this sort of depth of information to be useful (or at least interesting).
