2nd Gen Tacoma Mirror Upgrade

So this is my first post on this forum (and sorry if I am missing information tried scouring for the thread couldn't find one.) Looking to upgrade my mirror in my tacoma to the Gentex 453 and I do have the compass temp display in my overhead console. I have seen that others needed to use an additional temp sensor for Gen 2.5 models but my question is do I need to install that temp sensor for my truck or will the factory sensor just be a plug and play?

 

I have experience installing a Gentex OEM auto-dim/compass/outside temp mirror using the factory harness above the map-light housing on my 2ndGen. It requires running a wire for the mirror temperature sender from the mirror to the grille, and installing same out front behind the grill.

Just wanted to add a heads-up: I was cautioned/warned here by folks ahead of time NOT to try to shortcut and use or tap into the wire for the factory temp sensor that is already there in front of the condenser. If you do, it will blow (ruin) the AC attenuater (?) unit, resulting in a huge bill for a new one, and no AC until you replace it.

That said, it was the best mod I have ever done to any car I have owned. Running the sensor wire was pesty, but I followed the OEM factory route through the firewall, added wire loom to protect it and it looks factory installed.

 

Great thanks for the heads up, since my truck already has the overhead temp and compass display, I was hoping I would be able to use that but it seems like that for whatever reason won't work.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld! Add some pics here of your truck when you get a chance. We like pics!

 

Does the display itself work at all. There are quite a few posts in here re: re-soldering those display boards when they quit: common issue.

FWIW, I really like the older "retro" overhead Temp/Compass displays in the earlier 2nd Gen pre-refresh interiors. Before I decided to go with the Gentex mirror option, I got in a few bidding wars trying to buy one to retrofit on my 2014. I really like that overhead display unit: Reminds me of an aircraft cockpit.

I never get any real use of the sunglasses holders up there anyway, as mine don't fit them very well. (kind of shallow and hard to close) My Volvo has the two seat-belt reminder lamps up there built into the overhead console and it's a nice touch.

 

The display is mint I'm just apparently convinced I need a second sunglasses holder in the overhead, and would like to have a homelink in the truck somewhere rather than a clip on garage door opener with break ins becoming more common.