Digital System Display Install on late 90's ?

[justinj360]

Hey guys,
Just wondering if anyones ever taken the system check display that also displays the fuel economy and stuff out of a limited late 90's Explorer and installed it into a base model? I would really like to learn how to do this or find out if it is even possible. Thanks!

 

[pbnj22]

ultragauge.com
or scangauge.com

 

[obie]

I'm guessing you mean the message center that is part of the center console? If so, then yeah, the scan guage is a better option, much easier to install and gives more information. If you really want the message center though, I believe it's just a wiring harness and the section of console itself. I don't *think* the GEM is any different or that there are any different sensors.

Edit: Nevermind, I'm wrong. Check out these threads and you'll see:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225017&highlight=BIG+COUNTRY

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80670&highlight=message+center

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=245085&highlight=Ryon40

 

[pbnj22]

http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/index.htm

that is what i have... it is like 60 bucks and plugs into your obd2 port and mounts to your dash somewhere... it is really nice and worth every penny

 

[DjDom]

Installing the message center is a major pain.
I think only 4 people here have done it.

 

[FIND]

Scangauge or ultragauge give you more functionality. Only reason to put the message center in is cosmetic. Do yourself a favor and put something else cool in those cubby holes.

That said, they aren't that bad to install from what I can recall reading. Grab the center console harness from a truck with the message center, and the message center, then you need to splice and run a bunch of wires to the ECU and fuses. Still more trouble than it is worth. :edit: forgot the lamp out wires too.

Another thing you could consider is buying a small tablet and a bluetooth reader for your OBDII port, then mounting the tablet in that hole in your console, and loading something like torque on it. I think there was someone on here who did something very similar to that.

 

[R1dd1cK]

Installing the message center is a major pain.
I think only 4 people here have done it.

Like he said it would be a major pain. It is easier to pull the dash out and install a dash that had the function then it is to wire it up.

 

[Mrhobby100]

Like he said it would be a major pain. It is easier to pull the dash out and install a dash that had the function then it is to wire it up.

Even if you pull the dash I think you are still gonna need to wire stuff up unless you change the harness all the way to the computer. Just changing the dash wouldn't add the wires that need to be wired up to sensors and the computer. I mean if someone nows how this could be done let me know I could change my dash and put one of those in too. I have pulled plenty of dash boards. I just am not interested in try to wire up all that stuff. I want to find a way to make itplug and play (probably impossible) even if I had to change a harness I just really don't wanna splice into my main harness.

 

[FIND]

I think he was saying that because most of the wiring for it is attached to the inside of the dash.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

i put a factory message center in mine. not fun, tons of wiring. IIR, you also need one from the same year as your truck. you also need a few sensors, and depending on your skill around 6-8 hours to put one in

 

[1996BLKBauer]

To be honest you should just get the ultra gauge, and mount it where the message center would be, that would be really cool.

 

[pbnj22]

I love my ultra gauge... 1st page I have instant mpg, average mpg, miles until empty, coolant temp, intake temp, and volts since I have a big "system" ...I can quickly cycle through like 6 pages of other info as well... But these are on my main page... All our easy to read. It also can be moved to any car with obd2 and the newer the car the more sensors this thing will be able to read and display...