Installing an Overhead Console

[MattM925]

Hey guys....I just bought an overhead console from a 1997 to put in a 1995. Not to sure how to go about starting to get this thing in. I do know that the mounting brackets are already there for it, but I don't know too much about the wiring or anything like that. If you've done this or know something about doing this, any advice or help you can give would be incredible. Thanks.

-Matt M.

 

[Bottomlesspit]

Matt,
I hate to use the standard phrase on here...but you should do a search for 'overhead console'. You will find most of your questions answered there. That is what I used to help me install my overhead console last month. One of the threads includes a couple of pictures that really help.....they were from "mikefox"
My install went pretty well...the wiring took some time because I like to solder my connections and I am a wiring neat freak. I also listed how I ran the wires in one of those threads too. I did not have a factory harness available so I had to cut off the console plug and run all my own wires. I list what wires I used and where I attached them. It all worked great and I've had no troubles at all.
Sorry to pawn you off but the search is the easiest thing for your info. If you do run into a snag, or would like more specific info...please post back and I'll be happy to clarify anything.
Good luck with the install...take your time.
Ken

 

[williecume]

MattM925

i just put one from a 98/99 explorer into our 97 ex saturday.

if i'm not mistaken these are the wires that i had and used from the harness with the console.

grey/black---vss (vehicle speed sensor)

grey/yellow---goes to a 7.5 amp fuse (#10 in the fuse box)

blue/white---temp sensor
blue/yellow---temp sensor

green/orange---dome light +
black/blue---ground

black---ground

blue/red---dimmer

here is a right up

if that link does work go to
www.rangerpowersports.com

in the forums under interior should be near the top since it is a sticky post.

hope this helps.

 

[MattM925]

I was just looking under the hood of my X, and I think I found a temp sensor. Can that be true? It is mounted near the radiator on the drivers side. I had to pull up the covers that fold up to replace the headlight and it was strait down there. It is this cigar shaped thing about 3 in. long it has two wires that run out of the top and join with some other wires that run in the drivers side of the of the engine compartment. It also has a thicker wire that runs from the bottom of it to behind the wheel. Is this the temp sensor, and if it is does anyone know why it would already be installed on my X? Hopefully this thing is pre wired, but I'm not sure I'm that lucky! Thanks.
-Matt M.

 

[Bottomlesspit]

Matt,
That sounds like your temp sensor. The sensor looks somewhat like a gray or black color, fat bolt with a nipple on one end. It has a threaded bolt look on the sides with the 2 wires coming out the other end. I also found the wiring plug for the sensor mounted on my lower radiator support, but never could find where it went inside the cabin. I finally just cut the plug off the existing wires and ran my own up to the console. I was hoping to find the harness end tucked up in the headliner...but no such luck. The color of the wires to the sensor plug did match up though...and you should probably check the colors against the info provided by williecume to be sure. Good luck with the install.
Ken

 

[MattHarrell]

I'll be working on installing my console once it warms up just a little bit more.

I have all the parts but the screws. Does anyone know how long the screws should be that hold the bracket to the ceiling?

 

[williecume]

i think they are an inch long

 

[MattHarrell]

Wow. Well in that case the 1/2" to 1/4" sheet metal screws I was thinking about should work fine.

Thanks

 

[BIG COUNTRY]

MATT:

YUP THAT IS WHERE YOU'LL FIND IT...

MINE JUST HAD THE HARNESS....NO NIPPLE. SO I WENT TO A JUNK YARD AND FOUND A SORRY LOOKING 99 X...GANKED THE CONSOLE, THE BRACKET, THE WIRE HARNESS AND THE TEMP SENSOR...PUT IT IN...WORKS GREAT, I LOVE IT...IM SUCH AN ELECTRIAN...TOOK SOME TIME CUZ IM A NEAT FREAK AND MADE MY WIRES INTO A NICE BUNDLE...
ONE THING THOUGH...I BOUGHT SOME VISORS WITH THE LIGHTS IN IT...IT ONLY HAS ONE BLACK WIRE COMING OUT OF IT...HOW AM SUPPOSE TO HOOK THE GREEN/ORANGE AND BLACK/BLUE WIRE TO IT?

 

[williecume]

hey big country, the on the lighted visors the wire coming out of the visor is the power wire. when you bolt the visor up with the three screws then it is being grounded. if you want double check by using a good know ground and w ire long enough to touch the wire coming out of the visor.

hope this helps ya.