Overhead console cutout template needed.

[N2IXK]

OK, I started getting into the installation today. Without a template for the cutout, I went VERY slowly, and dropped the A-pillar covers and visors to loosen the front edge of the headliner for a little reconnaissance.

I was able to feel the openings where the front console clips engage, so I began cutting out the hole enough to expose them, then made some measurements on the console for the required overall hole size. Everything went well, and the console snaps right into place at the front edge. There are a couple issues here, though.

Apparently, in addition to the cutout in the headliner, vehicles equipped with the console had a somewhat differently SHAPED headliner, as well. The console snaps in well up front , but the rear edge sits about an inch below the headliner! Apparently, the console area of the headliner is dropped down to provide some room for the compass sensor which needs to be snapped into place against the inside of the roof. I should be able to fabricate a "wedge" from PVC plastic to fill the gap without too much problem.

Which brings me to the second question--how the heck does the sensor get installed? I found a metal tab under the headliner which looks like it SHOULD be for the compass module, but I cannot figure out how to snap it on. It would seem that there is some bracket or other part missing.

There is no marking or anything on the module itself to indicate how it gets oriented with respect to the vehicle, Does anyone have a drawing/photo of this thing installed?

[N2IXK]

Got the install finished over the weekend, and everything is working 100%.

For future posters, the Mopar p/n for the ambient temp sensor is 56042395. Ran me $27 and change at the dealer. Incredibly, the OEM part was a few $ cheaper than the aftermarket replacements at Pep Boys or Autozone, and the dealer had it in stock, as opposed to special order at the other places.

The proper orientation for the compass module took a bit of trial and error to figure out. Without the mysterious bracket that it was supposed to snap onto, I ended up attaching it to the inside of the roof panel with a piece of high strength double sided tape (3M "VHB" tape).

Without the factory wiring harness, I ended up using 2 molex connectors at the console, and cutting off the factory 12 pin connector. One 5 pin molex carries the power, ground, dimmer, and temp sensor connections, while a 3 pin carries the power, ground, and door switch connections for the map lights. My console included a switch for the power sunroof (which I don't have), but it may get "repurposed" for controlling something else in the future. The 4 leads from the sunroof switch were just taped off and tucked away for future use.

The map light connections were tapped into the pink and yellow wires that feed the dome light. They run up the right side A pillar, along with all the wiring I added. The compass/temp display needs accessory 12V and a connection to the panel lamp driver circuit for dimming the display. Both of those were conveniently available at the rear wiper switch in the center cluster. 12V power is a dark blue wire, panel lamp is orange. Grounds were attached to sheet metal behind the A pillar cover with a self-tapping screw. The wiring to the underhood temp sensor was done using a 2-conductor cable intended for rough environments. It was cable tied onto the existing wiring harness for most of the underhood run, and brought through the firewall at the hood release cable grommet.

I fabricated a wedge from 1.25" thick grey PVC plastic to fill the gap between the headliner and the console. The piece tapers from 1.25" thickness down to 1/16", at a 14 degree angle. I was able to knock it out on a milling machine in an hour or so, but a bandsaw and belt sander would do if that's all that was available.

Thanks for all the help, and I will post pics shortly.