2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Adding overhead computer on 24-valve

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I've been truck shopping and having a tough time finding a clean well maintained truck, but right now the two leading candidates I hoping to make a deal on don't have one of the options I really want. . . the overhead readout with temp/compass/MPG. I remember in the past this was discussed and it was thought this would be difficult to add after the fact. I'm hoping at some point I could grab the display, wiring harness and temp sensor from a truck being parted out in hopes I could just plug everything in and be good to go. But the question is would it simply plug into existing hardware? Anyone ever try this?

Vaughn

 

[Mishkaya]

I haven't tried this, but I do have an '02 24V without the overhead computer, and an '01 with it. I did check on the '02, and in my case at least, the wiring harness to the overhead console area is not there. I would be willing to bet that if you wired it in, it would work by default. However, considering the MPG reading would be way off as soon as a Smarty or a fueling box was added (which I do have), I simply opted for an automatic day/night mirror with the compass and temp display built in. Cost very little really (I paid less than $150 for it); wiring it in took less than an hour and it does everything I want it to do. Just a thought...

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Mmm good thought Mishkaya. . . thanks

 

[monkeyman]

The overhead read out is wired to the PCM, and ECM.
Rick

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

I wanted to add the overhead to one of my former Rams. IIRC a parts guy at my favorite dealership said it was doable, just cost a bunch... $1200. 00 in parts only. The hardest part he said was routing the wiring harness to the overhead. Other than that it is supposedly all plug and play - just need the parts and time. At the time there weren't too many Rams in the wrecking yards. I passed on the mod and eventually acquired a newer truck with the overhead.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I think I'll go for one truck that is a good prospect but doesn't have the readout, I'll try & pull something off a wrecked truck at some point later on. I've been trying to find a well maintained short box 2wd for awhile and they're hard to find (at least ones people aren't trying to sell for thousands over KBB).

 

[mhenon]

Why not just buy a ScanGauge II? It will give you all the readouts you ever wanted and simply plugs into the OBD connector. Also, if you're adding a box that throws the mileage off you just make an adjustment in the ScanGauge and away you go.

ScanGaugeII - Available at AutoZone



Mike

 

[budnate]

Hey Vaughn did you ever do this mod? been stewing about adding one to my '98..... I miss reading outside air temp, in the winter.

B.

 

[mwilson]

Hey Vaughn did you ever do this mod? been stewing about adding one to my '98..... I miss reading outside air temp, in the winter.

B.

I added the overhead compass and temp display to my '97. I can't remember if I posted a how to on here.

I am driving the wife around today, we are on our annual Fryeburg Fair week vacation so my resources are limited to this here i-pad... .

If you can wait until next week I can either find the details on here or refer to my notes at home. I did make it work as factory with the display dimming as it should at night,etc.

Mike.

 

[BSeyler]

Hey Vaughn did you ever do this mod? been stewing about adding one to my '98..... I miss reading outside air temp, in the winter.



B.

I installed the TelTek temp gauge Mike listed a link to a few years ago. It's really slick if all you are looking for is temperature. I'm sure you can do a search and find information on it.



Bud

 

[mwilson]

I installed the TelTek temp gauge Mike listed a link to a few years ago. It's really slick if all you are looking for is temperature. I'm sure you can do a search and find information on it.

Bud

First attempt at this on an I-pad, hope it works...

http://www.teltek.us/ProductCart/pc/mac_viewPrd.asp?idcategory=15&idproduct=747

Now available in red or blue display.

Mike.

 

[mwilson]

I installed the TelTek temp gauge Mike listed a link to a few years ago. It's really slick if all you are looking for is temperature. I'm sure you can do a search and find information on it.

Bud

Bud,
Glad that you have been happy with it. They are a really nice unit. I need to order a blue one for Gizmo before winter and get a column pod to mount it in.

Mike.

 

[budnate]

thnx for the tip guys, that's what I need, now where to hide it in the cab so it looks nice and not a wart sitting there. thinking down by the drink holder. pillar is full.

next question where are you stashing the sensor for a accurate reading?

B.

 

[BigPapa]

My '98 has the overhead but it doesn't work. I've checked wiring, connections and fuses. It does nothing. No partial display or incorrect display, nothing. I haven't found a wiring diagram, either.

 

[BSeyler]

thnx for the tip guys, that's what I need, now where to hide it in the cab so it looks nice and not a wart sitting there. thinking down by the drink holder. pillar is full.



next question where are you stashing the sensor for a accurate reading?



B.

I'm at work and don't have my pickup here. I zip-tied it to a bracket on the aftercooler to begin with. The only problem was when I put my winter front on, I'm not sure it was entirely accurate. Right now, it's peeking out next to a headlight. I was worried that it might catch some heat from the light, but it appears to be okay.