Overhead Console Temperature Display

I have a ‘06 Access Cab 4x4 Base. Been looking at changing out the overhead console for a unit that has the temperature and direction display. However, I have seen a few threads discussing problems with the electronics in those units.

Came across this ‘Updated’ unit yesterday.

$160 2005-2008 Toyota Tacoma Temperature and Direction Display! NEW OEM UPDATED PART!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BUSOKBQ/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

Two questions
1. Does anybody have experience with this updated unit? Is it an improvement?
2. Can this be installed in the empty space in my existing console or is it necessary to buy a whole upper console with this part installed?

Thanks

 

I bought one of those, and the electronics design has been "fixed" from the flawed original circuit board. The initial one died after a few years, but this replacement has been going strong for at least 10 years. If you don't want to have to resolder the board every year, buy one of these and forget about it!

Pretty sure you need a new overhead console that was designed to hold it.

Before jumping through those hoops, do a quick check to see if your base truck has the wiring. If it does, you'll also need a thermistor which is about $20 at your local Toyota dealer. I found the thermistor connector taped up to a wiring harness behind the grill. I initially didn't think I had it, but it was there (in my 08 X-Runner). X-Runners didn't come with that overhead console, but it was pre-wired for it.

Good luck!

 

Not worth it. I grabbed the 47 ohm resistors at Fry's (100 for $4.27) and soldered them in. Thing's working like a charm. I can drop a pair in an envelope for you if you'd like, it's a 10 minute repair.

The problem is a pair of resistors on the board. They wind up failing and soldering them is a pain as you'll have to use a hot air rework station and still contend with the SMT component's ability to contend with the heat it generates and the ambient conditions.

 

^
Just buy the resistors.

 

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like I’ll have to buy the whole overhead unit no matter which route (resistors replacement or updated unit) I go. Edgeman, I did check for the wiring, it is there so the truck is ready if I do opt to replace. I think this is the sensor I’ll need, correct?

Toyota Genuine Heating and Air Conditioning Control and Air Duct Thermistor Assembly

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyota-88790-22131-Ambient-Temperature/dp/B00GKMVAKQ

 

Did you check for the sensor in front of your radiator? That's what stopped me from going this route. Actually reading above it sounds like you found it.

Check out and read through Jefferson's thread here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-install-overhead-compass-temperature-gauge.32541/

Car15 in that thread installed it in the spot where the garage door opener is located, sounded easy enough without the full console.

 

The X-Runners are oddballs in this regard.
Mine has the temp sensor in place under the hood and is wired to the overhead console. The wiring (at least power) is connected, I had my dashcam powered from there for a few years.
While the temp/compass is fairly pointless, I have gotten pretty used to having it in my 2011 4x4 so I may just go ahead and replace the sunglass melter and garage door opener holder with something I will actually look at and use.
And yes, you do need to replace the whole overhead console.

 

That looks like it, and Amazon says it fits my Tacoma, so I think that's the one.

 

They're 47 ohm? For some reason I have 51 Ohm written down and was getting ready to order some.

 

The SMT's are 51 ohm, Fry's had 47 ohm 1/4 watt then jumpped to k-ohm values. One or two of the writeups used 47 ohm and they worked, I've had no problem over the last three days on and off road.

I suggest some tubing for safety/good practice, but there's enough room you can space them apart.

I can send you 2 or 3 in an envelope if you'd like.

This guy seemed down to earth and to have put in a little thought.
https://siliconmethod.com/diy-tacoma-display-repair-guide/