hey, hows it going everyone...so i see you all want to install the message center....
....i have a 98 xls that didnt even have floormats or a maunual...i was pissed so i got rid of the short console that i had and bought a high series console that extended to the dash...had to drill a couple of holes for mounting it...after that...i wanted more so i installed an overhead console, dual visor lighted vanity mirrors, overhead map light for the rear passengers, autodim/ autolamp rear view mirror and i was then determined to install a message center...96EDDIEBAUER (Billy) said it would take 20 hrs. to install...i was shocked but that didnt stop me...i wanted this badly....so if you are willing to suffer yourself thru this for a couple of weeks...then this is a project for you....next step for me...factory keyless entry with keypad....
first: I bought the cd rom service manual off of ebay for only $4...GET THIS!!! This will help big time! it shows all of the schematics and wire diagrams, component locations and harness pin chart outs... get this, it is a must!!!!
second: you must have the message center (of course), the lamp warning control module (this is the warnings for the tail lights and headlights)....it is in the console on the right side...(go to a junkyard and get it, this to is a must if you want to know if your headlights/ tail lights go bad).
third: if you want to install the EATC (electronic automatic temperature controller) which is the electrical hvac...to operate the console blower motor....you also got to get the relay for it...it is in the console on the left side...kinda hidden....but the message center, lamp control module and the RICP (rear intergrated control panel) relay is all in one harness... so grab it all!!!!
forth: if you have an xls: you will probaly have the EI engine...like i do...you will have to get a harness to the PCM module and it is located above the heater core in the engine compartment....just take pin 43 out which is the light blue/ pink wire...it is for the fuel flow on the Message Center to let you know how many gallons you have used and miles you got left in your tank... to get the pin out...pry off the red clip off at the clips on the narrow sides....then practice on another pin by taking it out so you wouldnt damage the one you want...alls you got to do is poke it with sharp object...like an ice pic, scribe or something of that matter...once you are done with that...take your harness off...remember to DISCONNECT THE BATTERY... and pry your red clip off...then move the wires out of the way so you can have access for the pin 43 hole...it is in the 2nd row from the botton in the middle, 4th pin on the right ....and drill a hole, if i recall...with a 9/34 drill bit...the size of the pin you are putting in...BE CAREFUL AND DONT FORCE THE DRILL!!!....it is plastic and will drill thru it with no problem...dont go to far...just enough where you see a hole...dont be scared...it is simple...(i had to do this...) For SOHC and believe the 5.0 engines...you will have the 43 pin light blue/ pink wire...but check to be sure...
fourth: you will need the washer fluid sensor...it is located right by the washer fluid motor...it has two wires out of it...a black and yellow/ pink wire....get it out from a junkyard....eddie baurers and limited explorers will have them...i dont think xlt's have them...check to be sure...i think the one i got from the junkyard is bad...so i have to order one...cuz the message center still says i have low washer fluid and since you are at the junkyard....and if you are planning to put the EATC (Electric Automatic Temperature Controller) HVAC....grab the sunload sensor...located on the dash black trim...there is a hole on the passenger side...you will see the sensor it is clear...you will also have a hole in yours for sure...so just plug it in...then you will need the in-car temperature sensor, but i dont know where that is...it should be somewhere in the middle dash...and then the outside ambient air temperature sensor...the cd rom says it is located by the radiator cap...but i couldnt see one...
fifth: for the oil level sensor...i dont have one...so i cant install that wire...just yet...i need to order on and put it in....if you dont have one you will have a freeze plug where it should be...on the xls EI model it is located on the driver's side near the bottom of the oil pan...it is somewhat hard to see....for other models...i dont know...the chiltons manual will tell where it is...
sixth: you will need ALOT OF WIRE, connectors, electrical tape, and most of all.......PATIENCE!!!......it took me a month for the waitting on all the parts and tools for it...once i got everything...i researched the cd rom/ owner's manual that i got at a junkyard to see what i am dealing with, and a chilton's manual...but the chilton didnt really go in depth as much as the cd rom...so it is a MUST to get the CD....
i will post every step i took to install it as soon as i fix all that i missed or messed up at....so in the mean time...everyone who is willing to put themselves thru hell...get the cd-rom service manual off of EBAY for $4...and go to the junkyard and grab the lamp warning control module.... if you havent already, and grab the washer fluid sensor...and to who are installing an EATC....grab the sunload sensor, in car temp. sensor, and outside ambient air temp. sensor. and RICP relay... get alot of electrical tape, connectors, wire and neccessory tools such as a ratchet, screwdriver, knife, etc....
