Installing overhead console

**compcrasher86** · 07-01-2009, 11:42 PM

I miss the overhead console that I have in my ZJ and I want one in my XJ. I can buy one online and it says it comes with the wiring harness and the temp sensor. Now I saw the plug for the temp sensor near the front bumper, but how hard is it going to be to get the wiring harness for the computer? (comp/temp/mileage/DTE/etc.) Where do I run the wires and where do they plug into?? Also, do the mounts for the new console exist already, hidden under the headliner, or will it be more difficult than that?

MJR · 07-02-2009, 12:09 AM

I think you need the bracket under the headlinder and the wiring harness should plug in at the fuse box/right kick panel area. All of the other functions get their info over a data buss which I think should be taken care of with the correct overhead harness and connected at the kick panel.

**compcrasher86** · 07-02-2009, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJR

I think you need the bracket under the headlinder and the wiring harness should plug in at the fuse box/right kick panel area. All of the other functions get their info over a data buss which I think should be taken care of with the correct overhead harness and connected at the kick panel.

Says it comes with bracket too

and full wiring harness so as long as the plug is there I should be all set?

Does the bus need to be like programmed or anything or will it work right when I plug it in?

MJR · 07-02-2009, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compcrasher86

Says it comes with bracket too

and full wiring harness so as long as the plug is there I should be all set?

Does the bus need to be like programmed or anything or will it work right when I plug it in?

No programming necessary. There may be more the one connector but the mating half of each should be there somewhere. I know there are writeups out there from other people doing this, I just can't think of any at the moment.

**compcrasher86** · 07-02-2009, 12:45 AM

found a couple threads hiding, nothing big though

grizbait · 07-02-2009, 07:52 AM

Sounds like a cool project - what console are you using? Links?

**compcrasher86** · 07-02-2009, 09:29 PM

It should be fun, I'm using a factory console out of a parted jeep and I will post pics and tutorial once I have the console in my possession

grizbait · 07-02-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compcrasher86

It should be fun, I'm using a factory console out of a parted jeep and I will post pics and tutorial once I have the console in my possession

excellent - looking forward to that.

**compcrasher86** · 07-02-2009, 10:41 PM

Question! Can a ZJ overhead console be used in a XJ?? The local pull n' pay has plenty of ZJ consoles and are letting them go for $40 each so I'd rather save $ and buy one of them.

also, then I'd be able to pick it up and start on it tomorrow instead of buying one online and waiting for it to ship

MJR · 07-03-2009, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compcrasher86

Question! Can a ZJ overhead console be used in a XJ?? The local pull n' pay has plenty of ZJ consoles and are letting them go for $40 each so I'd rather save $ and buy one of them.

also, then I'd be able to pick it up and start on it tomorrow instead of buying one online and waiting for it to ship

Possibly, depends on the year and I'd have to look at the wiring diagrams. You'd have to modify the mounting bracket and custom wire it.

**CJ7-Tim** · 07-03-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compcrasher86

Question! Can a ZJ overhead console be used in a XJ??

The ZJ and the XJ use different computers so all you will get from the ZJ console is the compass function. It also mounts differently. You can adapt it if you are skilled with a factory wiring diagram and a volts/ohm meter, but it is a lot of work because you have to scrounge parts from other Chrysler vehicles.

MJR · 07-03-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ7-Tim

The ZJ and the XJ use different computers so all you will get from the ZJ console is the compass function. It also mounts differently. You can adapt it if you are skilled with a factroy wiring diagram and a volts/ohm meter, but it is a lot of work because you have to scrounge parts from other Chysler vehicles.

See that's part of the problem. It depends on where the information comes from over the data buss and what type of buss. 93-95 ZJ's are like XJ's but 96-98 ZJ's have body controllers that XJ's don't. Both I think use Chrysler's CCD data buss to transmit the information but I think the 96-98 ZJ's body controller actually does all the functions other than the compass so that's why it might not work.

Jon00XJ · 07-03-2009, 02:55 PM

So your saying a 93-95 will work because I got one of those laying around lol

MJR · 07-03-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon00XJ

So your saying a 93-95 will work because I got one of those laying around lol

But the 93-95 I think only does compass/temp and you'd still have to modify the bracket and custom wire it

**compcrasher86** · 07-06-2009, 11:47 PM

hey, will a 97 XJ console do the trick? Found a local one around here because I lost the bid on ebay by a couple bucks for the first one. I want the computer connection to be fully compatible.. ideally

I need a quick answer so I can jump on the deal and get a start on this project

07-03-2009, 02:55 PM	#13
Jon00XJ Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Somewhere over the rainbow Posts: 863 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	So your saying a 93-95 will work because I got one of those laying around lol