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Replace Temp/Compass w/ Trip Computer??

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Old Oct 14, 2004 | 02:29 PM
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Replace Temp/Compass w/ Trip Computer??

I want to replace the temperature/compass unit in my overhead console (2001 Expedition w/o moonroof) with a trip computer.The wiring is different between them. Any solutions on a replacement loom or am I stuck with it as built?
 
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Old Oct 16, 2004 | 10:42 AM
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From: South TX
I too have been wanting to do this for my 03 E-350. Haven't found any info yet. Seems it shouldn't be that hard. The computer knows all the info, so maybe a module, some wire, and the display/control should be all thats needed.

Surely someone here should know if/how this can be done.

Anyone????
 
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 12:34 AM
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How hard would it be to replace or fix my compass? It usually is always on EAST, and needs some attention. I just bought this truck, how do I get to access it? Does that little unit on the interior ceiling just snap out, or what? Lastly, how much to get a replacement unit? I'm not too fond of paying dealer prices... Thanks.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 07:21 AM
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I took the trip computer back. Seems I'm stuck with the way it was built (and wired). There are 17 different overhead wiring looms, according to my dealer. I was told it would take the right over loom (nearly impossible to identify and order) and possibly a different dash loom. I gave up.

As to the compass always reading East...GOOD NEWS! There is a simple recalibration procedure in any vehicle owner's manual for those so equipped. No need to remove the unit. After some setting on the display, you basically drive in circles about three times to let the unit reset. I'll post details when I have my manual in hand later.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2004 | 07:08 AM
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Smile

To calibrate the compass:

Press and hold the RESET (trip computer) of SELECT (compass/temp) button until CAL appears. Then slowly (3mph) drive in a small circle 2-3 times until the CAL disappears or returns to normal display. The manual advises you do this in an area away from structures and power lines. There is also a zone setting for magnetic deviation in different areas of the continent. Consult the chart in manuals for vehicles so equipped for the specific zone that applies to your area.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2004 | 07:24 PM
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Hello:

I couldn't get the computer to post up CAL (for the calibration) for the life of me... I understand that I need to press the two buttons together (reset) BUT is there any time requirement to hold it? Press them in intervals together? I just couldn't do this simple instruction, has anyone else had this problem? Thanks for your help.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2004 | 07:24 AM
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The information on cailbrating the compass came from my owners manual. I didn't gather that you needed to hold both buttons at the same time. If you have a trip computer, press and hold the RESET button until CAL appears (maybe 6-10 seconds?). If you have the compass/temp, press and hold the SELECT button similarly. I have not needed to calibrate any of the compasses in the three vehicles I've owned that had them. I am aware there are some procedures that do not work as explained in the manual. I can't get my AutoLock feature to disengage for the life of me.
 
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 09:28 PM
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Lightbulb Overhead Compass Re-cal

Don't you also have to enter the magnetic zone that you live in? For those who already have the overhead trip computer, I beleive this also resets the way the trip computer calculates gas (Diesel) fuel milage and how many gallons (miles) are left until empty. It took me a few resets to get it right. At one point I would run out of diesel fuel about 1 mile after the computer read "0 Miles to Empty". This was a problem and caused me to reset twice more until I got to a point where the compass was correct and I had about 4 gallons of fuel left (quite a bit more than "0 Miles to Empty".

Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by hingabo
The information on cailbrating the compass came from my owners manual. I didn't gather that you needed to hold both buttons at the same time. If you have a trip computer, press and hold the RESET button until CAL appears (maybe 6-10 seconds?). If you have the compass/temp, press and hold the SELECT button similarly. I have not needed to calibrate any of the compasses in the three vehicles I've owned that had them. I am aware there are some procedures that do not work as explained in the manual. I can't get my AutoLock feature to disengage for the life of me.
 
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