Decided that my eternal quest for data extended to the outside temp...I am used to my other vehicles which let me know if the roads are approaching freezing, or if I am going to ride my bike in town (I live in the hills) if the temps are colder or warmer, so I can choose the right clothing.
Looked on eBay, and found what appeared to be a very simple press-in solution for a whopping $2.13 shipped, yes under two-bucks to my door from Hong Kong. It was worth the gamble to see if it would look good or match the truck. About 10 days after ordering, the package arrived.
Not a bad match as the LCD looked just like the one on the radio. It was just a tad larger than the factory switch openings, so I looked at where to mount, and decided on the shift console.
So, here are a few shots. First of the hole, which I made by drilling the corners, then cut out with a box-cutter very carefully between. Then I filed it to the exact size so that the unit fit snugly.
The sensor wire was less than three feet, so I went to RadioShack and bought a 12-foot shielded 1/8" plug extension cord which I then used to "extend" the sensor. The sensor line I extended through the firewall, and out just behind the bumper, as to get as little influence from the truck on the temps, but to shield from the elements.
Total investment, perhaps $10, time maybe an hour to do the soldering, cutting, routing, etc.
The only drawback for some would be that it is in Celsius (fine by me) and that it runs on it's own battery, thus not backlit at night.
Thinking of buying a few extra in case this one craps-out, as they are so cheap...cheaper than buying the button batteries.
Steve
Looked on eBay, and found what appeared to be a very simple press-in solution for a whopping $2.13 shipped, yes under two-bucks to my door from Hong Kong. It was worth the gamble to see if it would look good or match the truck. About 10 days after ordering, the package arrived.
Not a bad match as the LCD looked just like the one on the radio. It was just a tad larger than the factory switch openings, so I looked at where to mount, and decided on the shift console.
So, here are a few shots. First of the hole, which I made by drilling the corners, then cut out with a box-cutter very carefully between. Then I filed it to the exact size so that the unit fit snugly.
The sensor wire was less than three feet, so I went to RadioShack and bought a 12-foot shielded 1/8" plug extension cord which I then used to "extend" the sensor. The sensor line I extended through the firewall, and out just behind the bumper, as to get as little influence from the truck on the temps, but to shield from the elements.
Total investment, perhaps $10, time maybe an hour to do the soldering, cutting, routing, etc.
The only drawback for some would be that it is in Celsius (fine by me) and that it runs on it's own battery, thus not backlit at night.
Thinking of buying a few extra in case this one craps-out, as they are so cheap...cheaper than buying the button batteries.
Steve
