2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Overhead readouts

[RRuggles]

My 2001 truck does not have the overhead (over the rear view mirror) readout for temperature, mpg, etc. What I'm wondering is if the sensors and wiring are already there. If so, it seems like I should be able to get a device from another truck (from a junkyard, probably) and install it. Anyone know about this? Thanks.

 

[AMikesell]

The only way I know to see if you have the wiring for it is to remove the overhead console and see if you have an extra plug for the read out. The install is very simple but removing the overhead console is the tricky part, there are two tabs where the garage opener goes, push them towards the front of your truck, and then work it towards the back of the truck and down at the same time.

 

[DonS]

The only way I know to see if you have the wiring for it is to remove the overhead console and see if you have an extra plug for the read out.

In my 2001, there's only 1 plug (a 6x2 connector, 10 positions of which are populated) - and I have everything in the overhead console.

 

[DonTX]

I would sure love to have that option as well on my 97. Does anybody know if the overhead information center was an option in 1997?

 

[DonS]

I would sure love to have that option as well on my 97.

About the only things it's useful for are the second trip odometer and the ambient temp gauge. With any kind of mods, the various fuel economy and distance-'til-empty displays are useless.

 

[Cummins Pilot]

About the only things it's useful for are the second trip odometer and the ambient temp gauge. With any kind of mods, the various fuel economy and distance-'til-empty displays are useless.

I'll second that for the most part. The hour meter is nice if you need it. Current MPG can help you drive more effciently even if it its off.



The DTE is a joke. If you plan off that, plan on walking.

 

[JeepRig]

On my 2003, and I think they are all the same. They make 1 wiring harness for these trucks and dependining on options ordered is what gets connected. It's a lot easier for them to just install a wiring harness that's all the same.

I bought an overhead console from ebay, cheap, and had the dealer install it. There were no problems installing and it works just fine. But, the fuel mileage and DTE is never correct. It syas I get a lot better mpg then I actually do. So don't count on using it for mpg's.

 

[DonTX]

I wonder why?

My overhead display on my 2002 Chrysler Town and Country is dead on accurate, especially the distance to empty. . It takes its clue from the fuel level sender, and the computer simply computes the way you are driving (using fuel) with the amount left in the tank. That eliminates all variables such as tire size and such. Maybe the fuel level sender that seems to be crap anyway in these trucks is just not accurate enough for that useage?

 

[DonS]

My overhead display on my 2002 Chrysler Town and Country is dead on accurate, especially the distance to empty. . It takes its clue from the fuel level sender, and the computer simply computes the way you are driving (using fuel) with the amount left in the tank. That eliminates all variables such as tire size and such.

Tire size would still affect it, since that size must be known to calculate current MPG (unless the vehicle uses some other method to determine "miles travelled").

Maybe the fuel level sender that seems to be crap anyway in these trucks is just not accurate enough for that useage?

According to my 2001 service manual, the value displayed for "DTE" is computed from amount of fuel remaining in the tank and the average MPG for the last 30 gallons of fuel used. My fueling mods destroy the MPG figure. Until I "fixed" my tire size with the Smarty, that also affected calculated MPG. The fuel level sender's inaccuracy is minor compared to the MPG error.