Ktr04

Hi!

I finally picked up an ambient temperature sensor and mounting bracket for my overhead console. However, I’m having issues plugging in the sensor. I’ve found the wiring for it behind the bumper but the sensor isn’t plugging in securely, I e tried lifting the tab on the wiring and plugging it in, but it isn’t fitting properly. Am I doing something wrong?

thanks!

Ralph77

So you are putting an overhead console in a Jeep that did not come with one?
What year?
If '97 and up I had the same problem.
Till I realized I was not using a small harness that I grabbed from the donor Jeep.
Circle item on the right in the shot below.

So my little theory is that Jeep screwed up. The ambient temp sensor won't fit the connector on the Jeep.
To fix that problem they made that little harness. Just a guess.
So I have been told by a fellow forum member that if you remove the weatherpack connector seal you can get it to clip in.
Kinda looks like this:

https://mckinstrymotorsport.is/en/pr...tor-pack-of-5e

To be frank I can't remember for the life of me how that is set up but he said he got it to work by doing that.

Ktr04

Thanks so much! I have got the harness and overhead console from a 1998 that’s going into my 1998. I snagged the sensor from a JY ZJ. Should I go back and get the harness it plugged into?

Ralph77

So you got most of the parts from a '98 XJ?
But the ambient temp sensor from a ZJ?
I don't know if the ZJ had that short harness so....
Can you go back and get it from the '98 XJ?
Also that ambient temp sensor was used in a boatload of Mopars.
I want to say that I grabbed a spare from a Sebring.
Frankly if removing that weatherpack seal lets you clip it in and it operates as it should I think that would be fine.
If you have any concerns maybe some dielectic grease. Smear it around the outside maybe.

Ktr04

I got the main harness and console from a 98 limited, but it was just someone selling them, the Jeep was long gone. I guess I’ll try removing the weather pack seal.

Ralph77

That is what I would try first.
If you find yourself back at the boneyard where the ZJ is at some point then you go look and see if they did come with them too.
Also maybe check other Mopars.
Good way to figure out which ones.
So the part number for that is 4688204AB.
You can buy that new at Napa.
But if you go to Napa online and put in that part number it will cross it to a Napa part number.
Which would bring you here:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ECHTS5012

So scroll down page to the words "Buyer's Guide" and click on it.
That is every car that uses that sensor. Maybe one or more of them used the little harness too.
You don't need the Mopar part number to cross on the Napa site.
You could just look it up too. But crossing the part number makes it easier.
You can do this on the RockAuto site to I believe.