Installing an Electronic Compass

[Mir]

I just bought a 99 Dodge Caravan SE with 3.8 Eng.
I didn't have a Electronic Compass and that Trip computer
How hard it is install that ?

[vangonebuy]

As long as you have the ceiling console already, Its very easy.
take out the screw and the whole thing swings down.
You need a star driver for the screws. Plug in the plug.
For the temp to work properly. You will need the temp sensor which plugs in lower front air intake by the radiator under the front bumper.

If you dont have the console, It a lot more work.
There are a few posts already on this site.


Good Luck

[Mir]

Is there any I would know is it pre-wire ?
Any pics ?
or indiciations ?
I know some times some models are prewired and some dont!

[vangonebuy]

<<is there any I would know is it pre-wire ?>>
IF you have the center console its probably good to go.

<<Any pics ?
or indiciations ?>>
No, sorry


<<I know some times some models are prewired and some dont!>>

I cant tell from your post if you have the console.
If you do. Take out the screw in the remote control box.
Let it unit swing down and look for the red 6 pin plug.
If you have that, your all set.

Post again.

[Mir]

Please excuse me; but how console looks like ?
Does it mean if you can have sun glasses compartment that mean
it is prewire

[vangonebuy]

Its a good bet that since you have the sunglass holder on a 98SE , you have the full console.
The front section is for the computer and 2 interior lights.
2nd section is for sunglasses.
3rd section is for the garage remote.

Still to confirm it open it up. And look for the unused plug.

Then:
Get a working one from the junkyard. I paid $20 for the salvaged part.
Also ask for the ambient temp sensor and save $30+ bucks extra.
(location posted earlier)

If your lucky it will be the same color.
It is just a few simple plugs and I believe 1 philips screw.

On mine the color of the console didnt match.
So I had to remove the front computer from the salvaged part and install it into my existing console. This is when you need the star screwdriver.

To get the compass to work correctly. Its best to look at the owners manual.
or if its gone, Post another question.

There seems to be alot of discussion about the trip computers accuracy online. All I know is that it tells me how to get more mpg if you use the info displayed.

Go for it. :drivingz:

[martinv]

I'm glad I read this. 1hour later I swaped the module out.

It worked for me except I probably need a Temperature sensor before the temperature indicator will work (it just reads: "CE"). All other functions appear to be working (If the unit is accurate I will have to wait and see)

I swapped a 1997 grand caravan LE 3.8L unit to a 1998 plymouth voyager SE 3.3L. I removed only the neccecary compontents (not the whole console) That way the color match was no problem and the lamp connectors fit.

[Mir]

I do not have a consol
I just have a basic two lights

[vangonebuy]

Mir,
2 lights means no luck.
But I have read of some people wiring it up and it worked.
Sounded like a lot of headliner work & wiring.

martinv,
The temp sensor plug in is located inside the front grill bottom center intake.
There is also a way to calibrate the compass.
It's in the Owners Manual.
Mine always read South until I did the calibration.

As for the MPG. I dont care if the computer is dead accurate.
The instataneous reading did teach me to get better gas mileage.
And that's worth a lot these days.


Good Luck.

[Mir]

Mir,
2 lights means no luck.
But I have read of some people wiring it up and it worked.
Sounded like a lot of headliner work & wiring.




Good Luck.
THanks But Headliner is little more then I care to tackle