2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission trip comp install...

[jtisdale]

My 01. 5 didn't come with a trip computer. Doesn't have the lighting package either (my fault). I do have an overhead console though. Has any one put a trip comp in or had a dealer put one in? I REALLY miss my overhead comp. Help? Thanks.

 

[Kingram]

Trip console

I too may be interested in this. I don't have one in the Ram but we do in the Durango and I kinda miss it. I know I had some folks over in the Durango Owners Club tell me that it isn't really possible to add the console to the Durango due to the lack of the wiring harness and sensors. We ordered it in the Durango for that reason. I'd assume the Ram may have the same limitations. I'd be curious to see if anyone has attempted this.



Chris

 

[Un-Hemi]

As of about 6 months ago, there wasn't a kit for dealer install of the trip computer, although it shouldn't be difficult.



The wiring harnesses appear to be the stumbling block for this addition. The parts manuals aren't very clear. I got under the dash of a 2001 truck on the local dealer's lot and read the number of the lower harness. This harness plugs into the lowest socket on the fuse panel. Researching the parts books resulted in these numbers for the '99 trucks. the harness numbers are:



Lower: 56045921AD

Upper: 05013608AA



The upper harness is just a little guy that branches off the lower harness to connect to the computer itself. Both are necessary. Note that this harness will also drive the automatic dimming rear view mirror, if ya just gotta have it.



I haven't installed the cables yet because of the computer's expense. I'm also waffling a bit because I've read reports here on the TDR that the computer's MPG and DTE become inaccurate if the engine is bombed. Anybody have more information about this?

 

[CFAR]

I have a trip computer, but am doing the same research you are on the wiring harness.



What about the sensors, temp , compass, etc.





upper runs about 57. 00

lower runs about 33. 00



I was able to get a trip computer and console for 150. 00

and I saw one earlier that had the wiring harness included for 350. 00 w/trip computer.



OH I saw the adds in the tdr classified





Woody

 

[Chipstien]

Originally posted by TommyTurbosaurus

I'm also waffling a bit because I've read reports here on the TDR that the computer's MPG and DTE become inaccurate if the engine is bombed. Anybody have more information about this?

You can throw the MPG and the DTE right out the window if you are bombed. Even when the only thing I had was a EZ, the MPG's were reading in the mid 20's when in actuallity I was in the 17 MPG ballpark. Even the Temperature is not very accurate. So basically the only thing that is dead-on is the trip odometer but we already have that in the guage cluster. That being said, I would still order a truck with the computer however if I didn't allready have it, I wouldn't spend the money on it. BTW, this is going on the assumption that you have any bombs installed. If I were bone stock then I would definately spend the money on the computer as all the featured would actually be useable.

 

[Un-Hemi]

bwooden, the only sensor required is the temperature sensor that sits out by the grill on the hood. The socket is already on the wiring harness for the engine compartment light. The flux gate for the compass is in the overhead computer module. Other info comes from the ecm or pcm.



Thanks for the info, Chipstien. It's interesting to see a thread dragged up from the distant past! It shows that the archives are useful.

 

[CFAR]

TT,



Why do we need the lower harness?

Can't we just put the pins for the upper in the connector?

If we can't live without the lower, Where does it go?



sorry about the royal "we" its still to early to think properly

 

[CFAR]

(from Tommy Tubosaurus)

Hmmmm... . Good question! I don't see why you couldn't run wiring directly from the computer to the connector behind the fuse panel. A service manual would give you the connections. If you did it that way, you wouldn't even need the upper harness; you could solder directly to the pins on the computer connector.



The lower harness runs up the A-pillar from the fuse panel beside the instrument cluster and supplies power and data to the computer and the auto-dimming mirror, if you have one. The upper harness is just a short little guy that appears to adapt the computer's connector to something more 'automotive' in appearance.



I guess the only reason to use the factory harnesses is to keep the truck..... well..... factory.



I hope I've answered your questions to your satisfaction. If not, let me know how I can help.



By the way, I haven't installed a computer yet as they're still bloody expensive here in Kanada. I never thought one would show up in the TDR classifieds! I'm giving some consideration to upgrading to a 2003, and the computer won't really affect the trade-in value.

TommyTurbosaurus)





Alrighty I climbed into the dash during lunch, the three wires for the lights on the overhead console, go into their own plug on the bottom of the fuse box, I saw the lower harness you describe but it looks like I won't need it. Anyway I ordered the upper

05013608AA, about 33. 00 and the Ambient Temperature Sensor.

20. 00

I assume from your earlier email that no wiring harness is needed for the ATS (Ambient Temperature Sensor).



I'll keep you informed.



Woody

 

[CFAR]

Well...



The upper that I ordered I already had. It came with the used console I bought.



Ordered the "Lower" it runs from the console to the fuse box, I misunderstood TT.



I also ordered the "Temperature Sensor Jumper Wire" since the dealer had no diagrams of this, or discription, I hope its the right one.



I'll keep whoever is reading this posted.





Woody

 

[CFAR]

I now have all the parts, will be installing this weekend will let someone know how it goes.



Temp Sensor Jumper wire #5602199AB $21. 60

fuse box to console harness #56045921AC $57. 45

internal console wiring #50130608AA $32. 85

Temp Sensor #4688204 $16. 10



hopefully this helps



Woody

 

[ronco]

Woody,



What year models does that temp. sensor part number cover? My '95 ambient temp. sensor is a source of humor some days. :-laf



Thanks in advance for your time and help. This is an interesting post.



Ronco

 

[CFAR]

My best WAG is that they are the same for 1500/2500 from 1994 to present. Best idea I have is to call the dealer and ask for the Ambient Temp Sensor for your year, then check price and part # and compare.



I couldn't find any direct references to years online.



sorry I couldn't help more.



Woody

 

[CFAR]

Temp Sensor Jumper wire #5602199AB $21. 60

fuse box to console harness #56045921AC $57. 45

internal console wiring #50130608AA $32. 85

Temp Sensor #4688204 $16. 10



Well I finally got around to hooking up the trip computer, seems to work fine, I got the internal console wiring with the used trip computer I bought, so I didn't need that, but had to buy the rest, couldn't talk the junk yard into removing theirs.



woody

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by ronco

My '95 ambient temp. sensor is a source of humor some days.

There may not be anything wrong with it. When you first start up it will read the temp it was at the last time it was running for 3-5 minutes. Can seem broken when you park in the late afternoon and its in the 70s but still says 70 the next morning when the ground is covered with frost. If you're stuck in traffic and not moving the heat from the radiator can also creep over and give a wrong reading.