Adding Digital Environmental Thermostat

Thanks for the info on this as I was looking for this very thing. Just one question, what did you tap into in order to get the back light to turn off when the ignition is off? I was thinking possibly the cigarette lighter?
I ordered mine a few days ago and it looks like it's gonna take a few weeks before it arrives, any help is appreciated.

 

The unit I ordered does not have any backlighting. It's segments are red LEDs. It comes with a hot, a ground, and a sensor lead. I connected the hot lead to a point that gets +12 volts when the key is at the accessory or run position. The display then turns off when the key is at the off position.

 

I just use my scan gauge to read temp. The intake air temp when I first start up is pretty accurate to ambient temperatures.

 

The whole thing turns off when removed from power. I don't think you can turn on/off the backlighting independently. I just use my multimeter and find a fuse within the fusebox that has no voltage when off, but has +-12v when on. You can use the fusebox diagram to look for empty fuses that would've been for power accessories.

I'm going to tap into the lower power outlet that I taped off when I added an iPod interface in its place.

 

Top LH corner. Its in an A-Pillar pod. VDO Vision Ambient Air Temp Gauge. Kind of pricey, but I like it.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/In-Out-Digi...ter-Clock-Voltage-Meter-Monitor-/391623499203

Shoved that in the space beneath the radio. Didn't want to chop up my dash. The wire only leads to the windshield wipers so it picks up engine heat. Whatever you do, make sure there is enough wire to reach the bumper or something.

 

I had one of these for years. http://www.globaltrucker.com/12-vol...ith-ice-alert-warner-and-clock-free-shipping/
Easy install. Most big truck stops have them.

 

I got the ambient temperature gage from Amazon and installed it in my 2WD PreRunner in the perfect spot . . .

 

Did that fit perfectly or did you have to trim the opening?

 

I saw this also but wanted one that would illuminate in the dark.

 

Had to Dremel trim a little.

 

Red/Orange illumination would've been nice. But this particular one was the perfect size for the mounted location.

 

You're right. I use mine for the exact same thing. It's very accurate, too. The thing is that the Scangauge reads 5% degrees higher than the actual outside temperature. All I do is look at the Scan Gauge and take off five.