2003 GC SE Overhead Console Installation

I will be installing an overhead console with fuel mpg, compass, temp, and homelink in my 2003 Grand Caravan SE with Standard A/C. I ordered the Service Manual CD from Chrysler.com in hopes that it will help with the wiring. Does it contain the wiring diagrams?
So far, I have determined that I will need the temp sensor (56042395)
and possibly wiring harness 4869258AC. I plan on fabricating my own wiring.
The Chrysler/Dodge Service and Parts Departments are of little help.
What do I need to make the console fully functional on this van?

When you get things figured out, could you let us know what was involved?
Parts needed, part numbers etc?

I am looking to do the same thing pretty soon. I will post anything that I run across too!

Jeff :grinno:

When you get things figured out, could you let us know what was involved?
Parts needed, part numbers etc?

I am looking to do the same thing pretty soon. I will post anything that I run across too!

Jeff :grinno:

I will provide whatever information I find. I should be getting the console sometime before 01-01-04.
So far, I found out that wiring harness 4869258AC costs around $50. I plan on using the power from the dummy console, creating my own wiring for the temp sensor which is about $33 from Chrysler, cheaper from dodgeparts.com but with shipping it is almost a wash.
I may settle for just the compass and outside temp.
I am guessing that I can tap into the fuel sending unit wires for the fuel consumption, but without providing the distance traveled (odometer) and maybe the speed, instant fuel economy and average fuel economy will not be obtainable.

I would rather live without those functions than risk damaging the computer.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Jim.

There is more to it than tapping into wires. The whole trip computer is run by the Body Control Module and will require a new BCM and A DRB scanttool to reprogram. I think it would be more headache than it's worth.

There is more to it than tapping into wires. The whole trip computer is run by the Body Control Module and will require a new BCM and A DRB scanttool to reprogram. I think it would be more headache than it's worth.
Thanks for the update. I guess it doesn't suprise me that the intelligence for the fuel/mpg statistics is not stored in the console itself. I am still guessing/hoping that the compass and temperature functionality is stored in the console. I will be happy if I can get the outside temp, provided I purchase the temp sensor and wire it into the console. The console I will be getting has homelink as well, so at least I should pick up a storage compartment, homelink, and hopefully outside temp and compass.
My backup plan is to get an auto dim mirror with compass and temperature.

Do you know if the temperature and compass are stored in the BCM as well?

Thanks,

Jim

Thanks for the update. I guess it doesn't suprise me that the intelligence for the fuel/mpg statistics is not stored in the console itself. I am still guessing/hoping that the compass and temperature functionality is stored in the console. I will be happy if I can get the outside temp, provided I purchase the temp sensor and wire it into the console. The console I will be getting has homelink as well, so at least I should pick up a storage compartment, homelink, and hopefully outside temp and compass.
My backup plan is to get an auto dim mirror with compass and temperature.

Do you know if the temperature and compass are stored in the BCM as well?

Thanks,

Jim

That sounds like a reasonable assumption that the compass and temp are handled by the o/h console electronics, I have a 96 Grand ES that has all that but I never use the mpg stuff anyhow, I will add that the mileage computer is very accurate though, and Distance To Empty automatically updates when you gas up. That alone is a very neat feature. I wouldn't say the whole thing is impossible - it sounds like you know your way around electronics. What I would do is check out the junkyard for a full load and strip it - BCM, overhead console, and most importantly the whole wiring subsection. Look closely as your van may even be prewired for this, that would be a sweet plug n play thing. You would however need to have the module reflashed with your vin # and mileage, and the other options on your van. Like I said before it's a lot of work, but if you get the stuff on the cheap, it might be worthwhile. Have you looked in the service manual for diagrams of it?

Regards,
Geoff

Hi Jim -
I just checked the alldata site and your'e in luck!

This stuff Applies to a 96 but maybe the same. appears you don't need the bcm as it communicates on a 2 wire data bus with trip computer, power and ground, lighting circuit, and the sensor connects directly to the trip computer for the temp. The compass is indeed built into the console

Geoff
Compass/Mini-Trip Computer

The Compass/Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) is located in the overhead console. It displays to the driver the direction the vehicle is traveling and the current outside temperature, as well as the following traveler navigational information:


Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)
Distance To Empty (DTE)
Instantaneous Fuel Economy (ECO)
Elapsed Time (ET)
Trip Odometer (ODO).
The information needed for the traveler functions is received over the CCD bus from the body control module.

NOTE: If the compass mini-trip computer has been replaced, it may be necessary to reset the calibration.

Thank you very much. That's good news.
I was guessing that because the computer already knew the mph and odometer reading, it would share that info with the console.
I havn't received the service manual or the console yet, (xmas present), and I am not familiar with "all data". My van has standard a/c and to the best of my knowledge, the wiring harness connections for the overhead console are part of the wiring harness with the rear a/c controls which I don't have. Because our gc does not have rear air/heat, there are no controls for it and thus, the wiring harness will probably be missing. I believe I can get it from Chrysler, part (4869258AC). I would like to know the wiring color codes (hopefully they will be in the service manual). I also need to figure out where to plug the wires in to enable the functionality.
I am not about to play Russian Roulette with the wiring.

I was spoiled by my 2002 GMC Safari which has similar functionality in its overhead console.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Jim.

No problem Jim,
I'm speaking in terms of 96 - 00 model years maybe the service manual you are getting will tell the tale here. The o/h unit communicates only on the C2d bus with the BCM - it's a common twisted pair data transfer circuit common to all things electronic on the van. What a neat project! :)

Once I get the console and the service manual, I will form a plan of attack and hopefully have more answers than questions. I think purchasing the A/C wiring harness for overhead accessories may be the way to go. I will hold off with q/a until I get into the actual installation which will probably be after 01-01-04. Good wiring diagrams should make all the difference.

Happy Holidays to all and Thanks for all the help.

Jim.

I also have an overhead console on order for a 98 Dodge Caravan Sport. Hopefully it won't require special wiring as I took down current console and discovered an orange plug that looks like it plugs directly into the computer unit once it arrives. I also checked my friends 97 Town and Country and sure enough, that is the same plug that is installed in his console. I'll let you know if it works.

Your 98 Sport should be an easy plug and play. If you want to see the outside temperature, you will need the Ambient Temp Sensor if you don't already have it. Look at your friends 97 to see where the temp sensor is wired. On my 2003, the wiring diagram shows it being wired to the fcm or Front Control Module which in turn relays information to the BCM Body Control Module. I just received the service manual and am starting to analyze the wiring.

Because my 2003 was an SE with Standard A/C, it will probably not be prewired for the console and I will need to purchase a special wiring harness for it.

By the time I am done, I will probably have more knowledge about the 2003 Caravan Electronics than I ever cared to.

Happy Holidays.

Jim.

got the new used console installed this morning and yep it sure works great! Just like Jim said "plug and play" Just had to reset the compass and need to get the temp sensor which I think is mounted just behind the grill.

Thanks Jim and Geoff for the information.

Walt

got the new used console installed this morning and yep it sure works great! Just like Jim said "plug and play" Just had to reset the compass and need to get the temp sensor which I think is mounted just behind the grill.

Thanks Jim and Geoff for the information.

Walt

I too have thought of doing this my question is: About what should one pay for a used console?

MegaMax, I paid $50.00 off e bay, not bad considering the temp sensor will cost about $27.00 off dodgeparts.com

Walt

Where, other than ebay, can I get an overhead console for a 2003 Grand Caravan. Thanks.

Ok. Seeing this thread spurred me to purchase an overhead console with the homelink system, whatever that is. Now the important question. Did I just bite off more than I can chew?

I have a 2003 Grand Caravan with the rear a/c controls. How do I install the console? Do I have to cut into the headliner? Do I need to put in a new headliner? Which is what the dodge parts person said.

It is tough being poor and having more money that sense. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

I purchased the 2003 service manual and have been studying the wiring diagrams and wiring location diagrams. Either obtain a service manual, or in most cases, the Dodge/Chrysler dealer will let you look at them.
This is my plan for the wifes 2003 SE.

I ordered a new bracket 5028069AA, wiring harnesses 4869258AC, 4869251AE and temp sensor 56042395 from dodgeparts.com.
My 2003 SE does not have rear a/c so I needed the wiring harnesses. You will need to check if you need them or not. If there is a 12 prong plug for the console tucked in the headliner, then you are lucky.
I havn't received the parts yet so I am not certain, but I plan on cutting the headliner, removing the old bracket, and glueing the new bracket to the roof with pl200 construction adhesive.
I will need to fabricate a wiring harness for the temp sensor and plug it into the correct pins on the PCM which is by the battery.
The wires that run to the headliner are located behind the right pillar cover down by the floor where the passenger seat belt goes into.
Fortunately the 5 wires I need for the overhead console were all there. The other wires in the overhead console are for power doors, power lift gate, and other things I don't have.
I could not find pins for the harness I am fabricating so I will be splicing them into the wires in the jack.

In another week or two, I should have the final outcome.

Jim.

This link may help you all with the installation of the EVIC.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jsalbre/jeep/evic/

Thanks for the link. Generally, this is what I was planning on doing.
I didn't think about using the dummy console for the rear seats. If I can get the head liner to flex enough, I will install the dummy console in the rear. The wiring is different for my 2003 Caravan but that is to be expected. I would be curious to know if the jeep consoles would work in the Caravans.
My wiring harness and temp sensor should arrive Friday, so I can start working on it this weekend if the weather is nice.

Thanks again,

Jim.

Jim,

I just stumbled onto this site and am glad I to see that I am not the only one trying to install an overhead console.

I was wonder how your installation was going? Was the bracket you order, 5028069AA, the only piece you needed to mount the console and about how much was it? The dealerships I have talked to about the bracket haven't been much help. Did the wiring harness. 4869258AC you ordered work? My orginal plan was to tap into a data wire on the diagnostic port under the dash, I can't remember the wire color off hand, for the trip computer infomation and use the existing overhead lights for the power source. Lastly did you determine the correct pins on FCM to plug the temp. sensor into?

Thanks for any infomation you can provide.
Mark

Last weekend, I installed the overhead console.
The only wiring harness I needed was 4869251AE.
I ordered it from dodgeparts.com but had to call them because it was not on their database. The price was $63.06 + shipping.
It has all the necessary jacks for the overhead console and plugs into the jack behind the cover for the right seat belt down by the floor.
I had to snake it up into the headliner and it replaces the existing harness for the dummy console. I had to carefully cut the headliner and the plastic brace that runs along the front of the headliner so I could fit the new console in.
The trip computer and compass worked right away, however, it seems that the distance to empty registers for an 18 gallon tank not a 20 gallon tank.
I don't know if there is anything I can do about that. The bracket was already there. Right now, the front of the console is only supported by the headliner. I guess I may need to do something if the headliner starts to sag.
As for the temp, it reads -40 which in Minnesota at this time of year could be accurate. It was -10 this morning. Wires for the temp sensor are not connected yet. I think I will need to make a harness and may salvage pins and wires from the old overhead harness. If the compass says cal, drive in 3 complete circles at 5mph and it should go away. Temp sensor wires go to the pcm
Temp Sensor to C1 connector on the IPM.
Signal wire is vt/lg to C1 IPM Pin 9. Return wire is Vt/Br to C1 IPM Pin 18. These should connect to the proper pins on the FCM which is attached to it.

Let me know how it goes and if there is a wiring harness available for the temp sensor, or how to set the computer for a 20 gallon fuel tank. Remember I was doing this on a 2003 SE without Rear Air.

Good luck.

Jim.

Jim,

Thanks for the update.

I should clarify that I am working a base Chrylser Town & Country with rear air, but I assume most items are the same. What do you mean by dummy console? Currently where the console will go I have a dual dome/reading light. This piece attaches to a bracket in the headliner like the console will. What I can see of the existing bracket, its smaller than what the new console needs. Did your van have a larger fixture before you installed the console therefore the console used the same bracket?

Second question. Where is the IPM? I assumed the the temp. sensor was wired into the FCM, which I believe is in front of the battery on the driver side of the engine compartment.

Thanks
Mark

By dummy console, I ment the one with the dual dome/map lights. I am guessing that there is a plastic plate that fits in the headliner for the bigger/trip console but I did not locate one.

When I cut the headliner, I could see the metal bracket I purchased but didn't need. I drilled a hole in it and ran a screw through the hole in the storage compartment at the rear of the console I installed. My console has a screw securing it at the rear and is supported by the headliner on the sides and in front. The headliner is fairly stiff and is supporting it well for now. If the headliner starts to sag in the front, I will probably glue a block of wood to the roof and headliner at the front.
Because your van has rear A/C it may already have the needed wiring. I was told by the Dodge Dealer that I only needed the wiring harness because I did not have rear air.
As for the IPM (integrated power module), it is located on the drivers side right next to the battery. It contains all the fuses. The FCM is the metal rectangle that is fastened to the front of the IPM and is connected to the IPM. The diagrams showed the wires in the harness I listed plugging into the bottom of the IPM which in turn are connected to the FCM. I won't be looking at it until this Spring. If I am real lucky, the harness for the temp sensor may be there already. According to the diagrams, the temp sensor plugs in on the bottom of the radiator support in the middle on the front. I am at work and do not have the diagrams handy, but I hope this helps.

Jim

I will have to check to see if the wiring is there. I don't remember if there any extra wiring when I installed the rear seat entertainment system.

The dealers I have talked to have not been able to get a part number for the plastic bracket needed to go above the headliner. If I am luck maybe I will find one at a salavge yard. I will have to explore your idea of just screwing the console to the existing structure above the headliner. Your are correct about the headliner being pretty stiff. I don't dropped it when I installed the rear seat entertainment system and there is a lot of rigid plastic structure there.

If there is an existing harness for the temp. sensor, it must be taped into the main harness. I looked under a 2003 Caravan at the dealership and the sensor wiring runs directly into the main harness behind the bumper. Now that I have the IPM pin numbers I can see if the wires are there. Otherwise it should not be to hard to run two wires. But like you this will probably have to wail until spring since it is curretnly -4 here is Wisconsin.

Thanks for all the infomation.
Mark

The metal bracket (part# 5028069AA) was what I purchased but didn't need because there was one already there. That is what I was hoping was the support bracket for the new console. That is what I drilled a hole in and fastened the rear of the new console to with a screw. In the front, I just made sure that I didn't cut more than I needed so I could wedge the console in at the front and put the screw in at the rear.

Let me know how it goes and if your distance until empty reads for an 18 gallon or 20 gallon tank.
I did the math and the number just doesn't come out right.
I would like to get this adjusted if possible.

Jim.

FYI Guys,

I just saw a console with the plastic bracket listed on ebay.

Tom

FYI, I found the plastic bracket for my console at a junkyard yesterday. The part number is 005028057AA. Good luck to all.

Jim,

Thanks for the bracket part number. I was able to to order it from Dodge, $46 and have installed console.

I seem to have a problem the the trip computer, when I press the C/T button I get a blank screen. When I press it again it goes back the temp. and compass. I used the existing dummy console's plug to operate the console's lights and those work fine. The console came with the plug and short piece of the wiring harness for the trip computer. From the pieces of wiring diagrams I have and looking at the wirings by the passenger seat seat belt, I believe I needed to run 4 wires. Black/white and black/blue for ground, white/violet for the PCI bus, gray/red for ignition off power and white/pink for ignition off power. I assume the PCI bus wiring is suppose to link the trip computer up with main computer. From what you know, is there anything I missed that would cause the trip computer to not work?

Thanks
Mark

It took a while, but I got the console in. With only a minor problem. I cut the whole a little to big in the front. Glued some excess headliner back on it. It looks like it has stitches. The AE harness was what I used, but it had an extra plug that I do not know it function. It is tucked into the headliner. I still have a question about the temp sensor though. I got one from dodgeparts, but where does it go and how would I wire it up? BTW, this is for 2003 Grand Caravan. Thanks for all your help, I could not, would not have done this without your input.

Thanks,

Tom

[QUOTE=tlbrewer] I still have a question about the temp sensor though. I got one from dodgeparts, but where does it go and how would I wire it up? /QUOTE]

Me too! Everything works but the temp sensor. I wired in the overhead harness from the passenger door piller and bought the sensor. I know where the sensor mounts in front of the AC condensor. But I've looked at the wire harnesses by the front wheel (that's where the sensor wires come from on an 2003 OEM console) and not ony is there no wires/connector to this area, there are no violet/light green or violet brown wires in the harness (I stripped off the tape). I also looked in the body control module in front of the IPM, and no wires of that color there either. While I can wires 2 wires into the #9 and 18 pin holes with a lot of difficulty, I don't know if they'll communicate with the IPM ot the overhead display.

Other than that, I'm delighted with the overhead console. But continuing to look at th -40 degrees display, along witth the compass display, is getting a little old. Anyone done the temp sensor connection sucessfully? Would love to know how you did it! Mine is a 2001 SE. THANKS!

Hey njcbaumann,
Where did you get your OTIS and how much was it??
Also do you still have the service manual on the cd??

Well, getting no replies, I figured it out myself. Here's how to get the ambient temp sensor to work: There's no wires in the harness, so you have to fabricate it yourself. I went to Radio Shack and bought some cripping clips to pick up the two leads from the temp sensor. To connect them to the IPM, you remove the battery. This allows you to flip over the IPM, after inserting a screwdriver in the right side (facing it). Next you pull out the first plug out which has a 20 wire capacity (actually around 17 plugged in). Pin numbers 9 and 18 are empty and you need to get some female connectors form Radio Shack again fo these 2 pins. Crimp them closed, insert through the plug so they're lined up with the pins properly, and push the plug back in. Carefully wrap the 2 new wires around the wires harness going into the plug inself to keep them from moving whiole running thewire to the temp sensor. Now run the wires down and through the bottom of the grill, plug them into the sensor, and secure the ambient temp sensor with a bolt and nut through the center hole in the bottom of the grill fascia. Use some electrical tape and/or plastic conduit to secure the wires to other harnesses in the area. Connect the battery up and guess what? You now have a functioning ambient temp sensor! So nice to get rid of the minus 40 degree reading before the hook-up! Best of luck to you. Not a hard job at all!

Ivan,

Hope that you can help me. I started to mount my temp sensor, but am confused by the pin numbers that I am seeing on the har. In my harness, it looks like I have 9 and 19 open. Could you take a look at this pic and let me know what you think. Does the count go from the 1st row to the 3rd. Thanks. Oh, btw mine is a 2003 grand caravan se.http://us.f1f.yahoofs.com/bc/3fa7f659_3f7f/bc/My+Documents/FCM+harness.jpg?bfgw2cAB8wuniXIu

This looks like the plug off the front control module. The plug you are looking for is on the bottom of the fuse box. Have you flipped over the fuse box? I only remember 3 rows in the CI harness and it is in the front of the reverse side of the "fuse box" which is the IPM.

Ivan, You are exactly right. I am going to attempt the install this weekend. Thanks.

I have a 2000 Caravan and I just got an overhead console from ebay out of the same vehicle. Does anyone have any insight as to what to expect on a 2000 as opposed to the 2003 being dicussed in this thread?

The console I got from ebay comes with all wiring and the temp sensor. I am clueless as to how to interface the console to my vehicle. Should the wiring be there already and "plug and pray"? Any help is appreciated...

Thanks!

I have a 2000 Caravan and I just got an overhead console from ebay out of the same vehicle. Does anyone have any insight as to what to expect on a 2000 as opposed to the 2003 being dicussed in this thread?

The console I got from ebay comes with all wiring and the temp sensor. I am clueless as to how to interface the console to my vehicle. Should the wiring be there already and "plug and pray"? Any help is appreciated...

Thanks!

Cherga, before I even bought my overhead, I remove the old one to see if it had the wire and plug all ready to go(removed one phillips screw and released the little locking tab to drop), it did so I bought the overhead for $50.00, plugged it in and it worked right from the start. Finally got around to picking up the ambient temp sensor from local Dodge dealer, part# 4685605, cost $20.45 and plugged it into an exsisting plug in front of the lower radiator just behind the plastic grill, and it also works. I'm not good at trying to figure what wires you need to tap into but others have done and should be a good source of information to you. Mine is a 98 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport so it must've bee all pre-wired at the factory to start off with.

Good luck, these are nice to have, I use mine constantly to check milage.

MN Walleye

Does anyone know the wiring for a 2000 Caravan for the overhead console? I have the harness with 6 wires in it...anyone know which wire goes where?

Thanks

I've got a 2001 GC Sport that has the "basic" console (temp and compass). I'd like to install the console with the fuel consumption, etc. If I find one of these at a junkyard, will it be a direct plug-in?
Thanks!