Can I add the compass/temp to my 02?

[Convict1997]

My 2002 XLS doesn't seem to have the compass and outside temp. The screen is set up for this, as I see it flash on when I start the truck. Could I and in the sensors to activate this feature?

 

[white08dc]

bump

 

[BigRondo]

I guess if the wiring was in place, you could just add the sensor. Maybe the sensor is there and no longer working.

Check out this thread for replacing the sensor. Some have reported that the sensor on their Ex is on the other side: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=305435

 

[white08dc]

The wiring appears to be in place, at least to the sensor. There wasn't a sensor attached to the connector, just a blank plug, so I bought a new one at an auto parts store, plugged it in and still no go....

 

[BigRondo]

I don't know. Maybe it's the wrong sensor. Mine looks like this and is from the ford dealer:

 

[white08dc]

Yeah, that's what mine looks like. It seems like Ford used that sensor for several models over several years. This XLS is about as stripped down as I've seen a vehicle in years. Have decided to add a Gentex mirror with temp, compass and homelink.

 

[BigRondo]

Good luck with the mirror install. Be sure to let us know how you make out.

 

[white08dc]

Gentex mirror w/compass & temp install

OK, here's my attempt at explaining how I installed this.
First, I bought a Gentex 50-GENK50A Auto-dimming Homelink mirror with compass and temperature readout

Next I removed the old mirror by inserting a small screwdriver in the slot in the bottom of the window bracket and carefully prying up until it popped off. Next I mounted the new mirror and routed the wiring in the headliner by prying down on front edge of the headliner.

Starting at the top of the A pillar plastic cover, I pulled it straight back at me and worked my way down until I had it removed. I then routed the wires down it

Removing this cover made access behind the dash much easier

Total install time about 1 hour.

I then ran the sensor wire from the grill through the firewall and to the connector on the wire harness from the mirror

After locating switched and unswitched 12vdc wires and a good ground location, and replacing all the covers that I removed, I was good to go