Over Head Console

[Kitt1993]

Hello Everyone. I have a few questions for someone who is knowledgeable on the topic matter. I was at the junk yard and got a Over Head Console out of a 01 Explorer. I would like to put it into my Town Car and and have use of the Lights (easy) Outside Temp, and Compass. The plug has 8 pins in it and I am not sure how to wire this correctly. My first question is, does this console have the brains inside of it to know which direction its in or does it work with a module behind the dash somewhere to function the Compass. Also, does it have a built in temp sensor or does it feed off one place outside/inside the vehicle (Sun load sensor)?? Appreciate all the help in advance.

Bryan

No, my car does not have an existing Compass
Yes it does have the External Temp on the EATC and works fine
Yes the interior lights work fine.
The reason: B/C I think it would look great inside the car and give me another place to put stuff in the hidden compartment.

[shorod]

The outside air temperature thermister is separate from the console and is located in front of the radiator, probably the same place the OEM one for your Lincoln is located. The compass brains are located in the console.

Is the connector really an 8-terminal connector or a 10-terminal connector with 8 locations used? I don't have the manual for 2001, but looking at my manual for 2000 it shows a 10-terminal with 8 wires.

Terminal 1 = Hot in Run power from 7.5 amp fuse (fuse 10 in Central Junction Box)
Terminal 2 = Ground
Terminal 3 = Vehicle speed sensor signal
Terminal 4 = Instrument illumination
Terminal 5 = Dark blue/Yellow of temperature sensor
Terminal 6 = Dark blue/white of temperature sensor
Terminal ? = Light green/orange of courtesy lamps (terminal 3 of battery saver relay)
Terminal ? = Black/light blue of courtesy lamps (terminal 3 of instrument illumination dimmer module)

-Rod

[Kitt1993]

Hi Rod, thanks for the help. The only thing I did forget to mention, is that I only have the pigtail on the female side, and they all are black in color. I will try an get to the junk yard and get the male end of it. Could have sworn I did grab it, guess not. Do you thinks it possible to get this to work by tapping into the cars existing sensors for the Temp? And also tapping into the fuses/relays. I just dont want to start an electrical fire. Appreciate all your help.

bryan

[shorod]

Yeah, the temp sensor inputs to the console appear to go straight in to a microprocessor. The input impedance for the microprocessor should be high enough that it won't conflict with the signal going to the HVAC system if you were to parallel in to that line. Or when you go back to the salvage yard you could pull the temp sensor from the Explorer as well and have it in case there is a problem piggy-backing with the existing temp signal.

Be sure that all your power lines are appropriately fused as close to the source as possible using the proper wire gauge and you should be fine. I'm trusting that you understand how to make a good, lasting electrical connection such as solder and adhesive-lined shrink sleeving under the hood and in the cabin.

-Rod

[Kitt1993]

Yes, I am versed in soldering. I do have a few more Q's for you. When you said to use the proper gauge wire, I was going to use the same diameter that was in the Explorer. Unless you think otherwise. Also when you say that all power wires are to be fused as close to the source, your referring to the Console or the battery? I was going to put an inline fuse and bypass the fuse block that's under my dash. Would that be safe? Or should I go through the fuse box and tap into something.

[shorod]

Yep, if you use the same gauge that is in the connector you'll be fine. The source would be the source of the voltage, so the battery/fuse panel/power cable. If you are tapping into the fuse panel with a fuse tap, make sure to install the tap on the protected side of the fuse. When you ask about bypassing the fuse panel and installing an inline fuse, are you referring to going straight to the battery? If that's the case, put the fuse as close to the battery as possible. You want the fuse somewhere so that if there is a short anywhere in the wire it will be protected by a fuse.

-Rod

[Kitt1993]

Thanks Rod. I'll let you know how it works out.