Way to go man that looks fantastic.

 

Ok, I know you can calibrate the compass but can you the temp? For some reason it seems that it might be reading a little high. The sensor is in the right spot away from everything. I haven't really drove it yet though so hopefully it will go down.

 

Um I don't think so. Mine reads 10 degrees colder then it should, idk why though.

 

I just put one in my son's Ranger and the display doesn't work at all. It's a unit I got from e-bay, member with 176 feedback, 100% positive. I know it's wired correctly, I quadruple checked that. The dome lights work, but no display whatsoever. It's supposedly out of a 1998 Eddie Bauer Explorer, and came with a good chunk of wiring, bracket, and temp sensor. I followed the excellent instructions of Mr. John Griggs, and thought it went pretty smooth. Any one have any ideas before I try to contact the seller?

 

looks good man

 

It is not uncommon for the display to go out due to solder joint problems. Take a look at this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=187953

 

Thanks, man, I think I'll give that a shot!

 

After going through this link http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=187953 I didn't feel too comfortable doing this repair. I've never soldered on a circuit board and probably would have made matters worse. I contacted the seller, Your Part Source Inc., and asked if they wanted me to try to fix it myself (with a link to this thread) or send the unit back to them for replacement. The reply was Christopher Kerico <yourpartsource@hotmail.com> wrote:
I just got another one in, I will send it to you today. If you want to fix that one and keep it for a spare that's okay with me. Sorry about the trouble! I will send this one via Priority so I would expect it by Monday. Thanks again for the link and your understanding!
Elliot
Your Part Source Inc. Another overhead console was already on it's way!!! Big thanks to Your Part Source Inc and Eliot for A-One customer service and going above and beyond!!

 

I've had some vendors of stuff like that in the past too. It's a case where a problem actually leaves you feeling better, lol. It's nice when folks take care of business like that.

With regard to calibration, there's a couple of things to look at. First consider this:

1. On these sensors, resistance goes DOWN as temperature goes up. If your sensor is reading too cold, it could be wiring resistance. Make sure you clean all connections and if you did any poor splicing anywhere, redo it.

2. With that in mind, a sensor reading too high is either a wire leaking to ground (unlikely but remotely possible) or an out of cal sensor or OHC unit. The sensor is the easiest thing to replace and I don't have the numbers handy but that sensor was used for other purposes and is available as an aftermarket replacement part.

Actually calibrating the setup, if you think about it, would be impractical. To do it right you need to get the sensor to a known temperature -- actually it should be two different temperatures to do it right.

Those of you who say it's off, find some kind of thermometer of known accuracy and check the temperature where the sensor is. It might not be as far off as you think.

Last, as I've said many times: if you don't hook up the VSS, your readings will periodically freeze and lag.

 

Hey Griggs thanks for having the great write up on your cardomain. Worked out great and came in handy.

 

Any idea where the *GEM* is located on a 94' ??????

 

Your '94 does not have a GEM. If you are trying to find the VSS signal wire (GY/BK) you can pick it up off the cruise control amplifier located behind the PS dash, just above the glove box (remove the glove box door to access).

 

PS dash.......????
Ok behind the glove box, got it.....do you know is the Vss signal wire also (GY/BK) at the cruise amplifer then ??
Thanks

 

Yes, same (GY/BK) color. Pin #3 on the amplifier harness connector.

 

That is great....I really thank you for the info, So is the Temp sensor located on the firewall of the explorer ??

 

No the temp sensor is sort of behind the headlight on the radiator support or header panel. It looks kinda cigar looking and has a blue/white and a blue/yellow wire coming off of it. Those wire colors might be backwards but you'll tell when you see it.

 

Ok cool so the same colors that are at the console........sounds simple enough

 

Haha yeah

 

Still a popular mod so many years later. Well, some have criticized Ford for keeping the Ranger's interior design for so long -- but sometimes it works out for the best, lol.

 

Yeah for sure it works out, although I wish I had the 95 and newer dah, I cant stand mine, but what the hell I picked up the truck at a great deal, I just need to sddress the interior now and this console will be one of the mods

 

I installed this while I was waiting for my clutch parts to come in via UPS... I got it all wired up but now I can't calibrate the compass...

BTW it looks awesome.

 

Sorry to bring up an old topic but I am contemplating this. So does any one know if the ohc does gas mileage, trip time, or anything other than temp and direction?

 

Nope it does not

 

but you can pick them up a junk yard for cheap

 

You would need the Explorer Info Center or whatever its called. Its part of the center console, doesn't mount on the roof like the OHC. Rwenzing (Bob) put one in his truck. His cardomain is sick!!.