I am recovering my headliner, and while I have it off, I thought about replacing the stock Overhead Console.

Below is the smaller console I want to replace. The pic is from a older XJ. Mine does not have the Black Globe on it, though it does have keyless entry. (only makes the horn honk, does not lock anything).

Will there be any issue if I upgrade to the larger console? I want the storage, and digital readout. Will it all work if my Jeep only came with the smaller overhead console? Or are all the needed electronics in the console and I just need to plug her in?

Below are pics of something similar to what i have and something similar to what I want to go to.

Thanks,

 

I'm 90% certain that a '97 would be plug and play.

 

I found that I also need the wiring harness from the fuse block to the console. At least in my case YMMV

 

That's interesting, I was under the impression that later models all had a universal wiring harness that has hookups for all available options, whether or not they were factory equipped.

 

yeah I thought that too.
When I bought my 99 from Florida Our federal DOT said I had to have daytime running lights.
I thought I could just plug in the module from my Canadian 98. Nope not there. Ok I'll just put some fog lights on and make them come on with the ignition. Nope no fog light wires. Sold that one got another Canadian 99 Limited.
Cool has overhead console. Go to put it in my Canadian 2000 and the wiring harness doesn't have any plugs for the display. Crap take out wiring harness from 99 and run it and go to plug it in and CRAP different plug!! Finally pulled out the pins from the 00 harness plug and put the 99 pins in it. Worked fine.
BUT apparently the wiring harnesses are different depending on years, models and options.