Overhead console computer

[Mingoglia]

I was wondering if anyone has ever installed one of the factory overhead computers that displays mpg, compass, etc on a truck that didn't come with it. I have a 2001, and was wondering if the wiring is behind the console; and if so, are the sensors on the truck?



Thanks



Mike

 

[CoastyAV8R]

Before you jump into the overhead computer project, I thought I would give you my unsolicited opinion on the overhead computer. The temperature is never correct, if it is within 5-10 degrees, I would be shocked. The MPG portion is usually off about 1-2 miles per gallon (My truck is stock), the distance to empty is off because it uses the MPG function to figure it out so if you want it for the heading function, I would get a compass. Mine was on the truck when I bought it or else I wouldn't have gotten it. This is just my opinion but I thought I would share it with ya so you can weigh in the factors. I'm sure others will weigh in with their own opinions, so you can sort through everything and figure out if it's worth it.



Good luck,

Pat

2001 QC ETH 4X4 All the guages and a lift pump to boot...

 

[Pit Bull]

Guess I am lucky. Mine works great. All functions have been checked and are spot on. Just thought I would give you the other side of the story.

 

[E7mack96]

mine is rather close

my trip puter is within 1-2 degrees most of the time, and the mileage is only off because of the injectors and tst box. if I turn off the box, it drops right to where it should be within 100 or so miles. I do like gadgets and I like this one.

 

[HC]

My vote has to go in the "Happy Camper" column on this one. Even though the mpg is sometimes off, being able to see those intantaneous mpg results as you drive has helped teach me how to better "milk" it for max mpg. I'm convinced my overall average is 1 to 2 mpg better than it would have been without the trip computer. Is part of that just slower driving? Yes, but part of it is the constant reinforcement for avoiding jack-rabbit starts, coasting up to lights, knowing the optimum gear for any chosen speed/load condition, and everything else that adds up to a high-mpg tank of fuel.



The "Distance to Empty" has some inaccuracy as stated by others, but I find it useful for general planning purposes. I always subtract a couple of hundred from the number anyway, because I don't think it is good to run the tank near empty with our "weak" lift pumps.

 

[RKohn]

Mine's been fairly accurate till I put the big rubber on...

Or at least a good indicator of what's going on. Finally got that NESW thing figured out. It's for traveling with the family...





N = No time to stop, we gotta go

E = Everybody go now, cause we're not stoppin again

S = Shoulda went before we left home

W = Wife says we ARE stopping now

 

[chuck3]

Mine works well, the mpg was real close till I installed the EZ. It still is fairly close going down the road on long trips if you can keep your foot out of it. The temp. is off a few degs. and it has to go down the road aways for that. Its a nice feature, but don't think I would go to the trouble of putting one in myself, but thats just me. Good Luck.

chuck.

 

[Mingoglia]

I had one in a previous truck so I know it's advantages and shortcomings... back to the original question, does anyone know how difficult it would be to put one in a truck that didn't come standard with one?

 

[illflem]

Mike, have you priced one out? If so you will find that adding somewiring is the least of your concerns.

 

[BatMan01]

Mingoglia

You might find that the Road Relay 4 (featured in the curent TDR mag. ) will give you everything that the overhead console does except for outside temp. Plus the RR4 gives additional features like, maintnenace scheduler and trip planner. Now that being said, if you have a 01 or 02 then you might want to wait until they update the RR4 software. Should be about six weeks. Email me if you have any questions.

 

[Chris N5CWM]

I'm happy with mine

It works as advertised. Temp is right on

and I'm a gadget nut so I'm always using

it.



My previous Cummins Ram 3500 did not

have the overhead computer. The over

head console was there. I am a Ham

Radio operator. Needed a place to mount

the control head of my Kenwood TMD700

and the plastic filler panel made a perfect

mount to drill in!



When I had the dually I used a gadget

that I bought at a truck stop for outside

air temperature readings. It has an LCD

display and switches for inside or outside

temperature and clock and beeps when

it gets to 32 degrees or lower if you set

it to do so. There is a long wire with a

sensor. I routed the wire to the front of

the radiator support and used silicone

to secure the temp sensor away from

the radiator. It worked great while

moving down the road.



-Chris

 

[Un-Hemi]

Two cable assemblies must be added to the truck. The temperature sensor wiring is under the hood, but the sensor must be purchased. You will find that the computer module is *extremely* expensive. There is information and part numbers for the cables in the archives; use the site search engine to find it. Is it worth the expense? It's your decision.

 

[Chipstien]

I had a 2000 Dakota and wanted the puter. Went to the dealer and they wanted over $2000 just for parts. I said no thank you and bought a new truck with it. It sure was a lot easier.

 

[Excessive Force]

OVERHEAD CONSOLE

Are the ones for the gassers the same?A local salvage yard has a '95 (i think) gasser,and it has the overhead computer in it. I asked the guy how much,and he said $20-$30 bucks.