Message center install?

[GingeRed11]

hey, I have a a question, lol is it possible to install a message center in a explorer that did not originally come with one? I have a 95 Eddie Bauer with the short console.
Thanks in advance

 

[koda2000]

It has been done, but not all the functionality will work unless you have all the sensors and the same size fuel tank as the donor vehicle. I'd thought about doing this, but was talked out of it.

 

[GingeRed11]

It has been done, but not all the functionality will work unless you have all the sensors and the same size fuel tank as the donor vehicle. I'd thought about doing this, but was talked out of it.

Ah, okay, thanks for the reply it's something that would be cool to have if it was easy to install. Do you know about the overhead console, that reads the temperature and directions?

 

[koda2000]

Ah, okay, thanks for the reply it's something that would be cool to have if it was easy to install. Do you know about the overhead console, that reads the temperature and directions?

I've not heard of anyone installing an overhead console. I believe most of it is self contained for the compass, but the temp has a sensor that's located behind the grille.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

I've been giving thought to doing this to my eventual V8 project car if it doesn't come with one, but I too have been talked out of it

 

[koda2000]

I've been giving thought to doing this to my eventual V8 project car if it doesn't come with one, but I too have been talked out of it

Vroomzoomboom has done it, but not with full functionality due to him having a smaller fuel tank than the donor vehicle. I forget if he swapped his oil pan to get the pan with the sensor, and then there's a sensor needed for the windshield washer fluid level.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

*Irrelevant Post* Speaking of which, on the SOHC, you know if the Eddie Bauers/Limiteds had a sensor over the lower trim models in the oil pan? I know my spare 4.0 came out a Sport and I pretty well want it drop it ready.

 

[koda2000]

*Irrelevant Post* Speaking of which, on the SOHC, you know if the Eddie Bauers/Limiteds had a sensor over the lower trim models in the oil pan? I know my spare 4.0 came out a Sport and I pretty well want it drop it ready.

IDK about the SOHC oil pans, but they would need to have the sensor in order to monitor oil level.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

There are several threads about adding the overhead console. Do a search and be sure to look in the 2001-05 Sport Trac sub-forum. I think there might be a sticky there. Don't know about the message center.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Found these in the "List of Ford Explorer and Ranger "How to Repair" " sub-forum - Interior. I didn't find a sticky on the overhead console install, but I know there are threads on it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/diy-message-center-installation.225017/
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/how-to-install-a-message-center.80670/

 

[vroomzoomboom]

the overhead console isnt to bad to do. i can do one in under a hour start to finish. i had a link, but for what ever reason its broken now, so you will have to do a search on it. one thing i will add is, if your getting one yourself from a wrecker, cut the headliner from where the sun visors bolt in (if you understand what i am saying) and use it as a template. a lot better then cutting a hole, and finding out you made your cut too big (ask me how i know).
now, for your message center
i used this link when i did mine http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/diy-message-center-installation.225017/
when i did mine, it had a pdf that made it easier for the wires, but the link for the pdf no longer works, but you can use this link as well because i used both
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/how-to-install-a-message-center.80670/

i will say this, as koda2000 did. you will really want to do this....and i mean it. it took me i would say about 10-12 hours to do it. you will end up taking alot of things out of the dash to reach the wires you will want. if you are not good at wiring, dont bother with it. as koda2000 also said, if you are using this in a sport, the tank size is smaller then 4 door trucks (and in the 4 door trucks, there are 2 different sizes of tanks). with yours being a 95, you will need to get one from a 95 truck. a 96 might work, but i cant say for sure. also, if you will want the oil level function to work, you will have to get a pan that has this in it already. there is a boss in the alum pans, but has no threads in it. steel pans have nothing. doing a mc is a royal pain in the ass, but it can be done, and has been done. you will also want to swap your short console for a full console as well.
hope this helps you. if you need to ask something, and think i can help, let me know.

 

[GingeRed11]

Huh, it seems like quite the much effort, I really love my Explorer, my goal is to keep it alive my whole life, may not be worth the money but whatever, first car is always the best, if I do end up keeping this car for a looonnngg time I might do those two, or if I had the money and time to do that, wnd of course knowledge I'll look into it more. How much do you think it would cost for the message center, and the overhead console?

 

[koda2000]

Huh, it seems like quite the much effort, I really love my Explorer, my goal is to keep it alive my whole life, may not be worth the money but whatever, first car is always the best, if I do end up keeping this car for a looonnngg time I might do those two, or if I had the money and time to do that, wnd of course knowledge I'll look into it more. How much do you think it would cost for the message center, and the overhead console?

Look on eBay to get some idea of what people are asking for the MS and overhead console. Salvage yard will be much cheaper.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

I get mine from the JY, gave $5 for it for my 99, then put the guts out the one in the 99 in my 01 since it didn't work when I bought it.

 

[GingeRed11]

oo seems cheap. The only isn't would be th wiring, be my brother is a electrician so it wouldn't be much of an issues. We'd probably still run into a problem somehow