Overhead Temp/Compass

I recently purchased a 2010 Tacoma Prerunner w/o the overhead temp and compass unit. Would like some details on how to approach installing this unit. Is the 2010 prewired for this unit? What are some of the best URL‘s dealing with this subj?

 

If it’s prewired, it just bolts in

 

Not all trucks are prewired, you'll have to check for the wires yourself. 1st I'd remove the overhead console. There's one or two screws to remove in the sunglasses holder, then yank down the front of it (windshield side) and pull it towards the windshield and out of the headliner. Your map lights will be wired on so be careful not to pull on it or let it fall. There should be an extra connector plugged into a clip there.

Then check in front of the radiator behind your horns for a taped up wire with a connector, this is for the temperature probe. It's possible you will have the probe already in which case it'll be just below the horns on the metal bracket in middle front of the radiator. I think 2010s with Air Conditioning will have the probe already, but check anyway.

If you found both of those things, you are likely wired properly, but search for threads on the subject here. Make sure when you buy the overhead compass/temp monitor that you do not buy the one that is for 05-08 models, because they changed the wiring in 2009 and you'll have a devil of a time trying to make it work.

This is for 05-08 but is basically the same for you: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-install-overhead-compass-temperature-gauge.32541/

This is a thread with good info about the difference between 05-08 and later years https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/need-help-with-overhead-console-temp-compass-install.25722/

Important if you have a 4cyl: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-console-in-a-2-7-4-cylinder-possible.232555/

 

I've had to fix my gauges soldering 3 or 4 times now...Only works for a week or so (probably my shoddy solder work). Is there an updated unit that you've found? How much was it?

 

The unit that I purchased off eBay has reviews as if it was an updated unit. I can't personally speak to whether that is true, but I have seen some posts on this forum that implied that Toyota had produced an upgraded unit for those model years not too long ago due to the problems people had been having with the originals. I'd suggest doing some more investigating on that, since I am not comfortable standing by any of these claims. There's also guides on how to repair them, I'm sure you could provide the guide to any electronics repair place and they could perhaps get you a functional unit for cheaper than a replacement.

 

Thanks. I've heard about an updated unit, just for about $300. I though that was crazy! If I may ask, how much did your eBay model cost? And does it still work fine?

 

@merv101 I only paid just over a hundred bucks. I'm not going to speak to quality though, as it's still on its way to me. Just offering my insight having researched it fairly extensively.

 

Nice! Thanks for the info.

 

Can the garage door compartment on the overhead console be removed and replaced with the temp/compass unit?

 

The short end of the long of it is, probably. It's at least been done with the 05-08 trucks. I don't think they would have changed the shape of the overhead console or the garage opener for those later models even though they changed their inner workings. You have to destroy a couple rivets, so you'll have to come up with a way to fasten it in there.

 

Remove the factory resistor and replace with 3 150 ohm resistors in parallel. I re-soldered the factory resistor and it failed about a week later. It's been 4 months since I switched to the parallel resistors and not a single issue. There's a thread on it here somewhere. Definitely works.