WJ Overhead Console Install
 

I installed this awhile ago, but haven't seen many people do it before. I figured I might as well share.

I've got a '00. I was tired of having inadequate space to store my sunglasses and not have a whole lot of interior light. So I decided it would be a good to look into an overhead console. I originally sought after one from an XJ but my searching turned fruitless at the local JYs. But plenty of WJ ones in good shape! Heard it was doable with a WJ so I decided to go for it. Snagged the best looking one that I could find. I actually ended up pealing all the lining off of it and painting the entire thing. Some of it was starting to rip off and it was an eye sore to me lol.

Sorry in advance that I didn't take as many pics of the install process as I wanted, but hey, I was excited to get it done.

First things first, removed the dome light exposing the wires that run to it. The three wires are pink, yellow, and black. Low and behold there are three pink, yellow, and black wires in the WJ console. I got rid off all the excess wires and stuff from the console and just left those three (Some of the original wires are for the clock/compass/temp/remote unlock display which I've heard is doable, but I don't have the patience to figure that one out this time around).

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/attach...1&d=1389471773

As you can see above I went ahead and put on the female end connectors.

Then put the males on the console side. Also, I had to connect the rear lights to the front ones so they got some power too. A simple splice job did the trick.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/attach...1&d=1389472041

I also had to make some wires to connect the two points together. Just used some black wire I had laying around.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/attach...1&d=1389472041

After I got the wiring squared away it was time test them. Sure enough they lit right up! Now it was on to the mounting part. It was fairly simple. The front of the console had a screw hole that I lined up with the factory hole between the visors near the windshield. Then I had the mounting bracket from when I pulled the console out of the WJ. I had to measure the distance I needed to screw it in. Cut out a section of the liner and used self tappers to mount the bracket after I drilled some pilot holes. Pretty Straight forward.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/attach...1&d=1389472337

After that you simply slide the console onto the bracket (kinda tough to do with the thickness of the overhead liner). Then put in that front screw and viola!! You got your self a nice looking WJ console. :thumbup:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/attach...1&d=1389472719

Looks good! If you really want more light, I would put some LED panels in there. :D

Yep, been thinking of swapping out the bulbs for LED ones. The rear ones on the console are kinda weak. Might need to upgrade.

I did it in mine but I got mine out of a junk 89 XJ that a guy had gave us. I pealed the fabric off mine to. I also got a good set of wing windows off of it. Ya it was loaded power everything even the overhead console had the compass and outside temp screen. But didn't want to mess with wiring it all in so I pulled out all the fancy stuff and put a plate across the hole where it all was so I could mount 5 toggle switches in for all my lights it works out real nice like. And it's a convenient place for them.

if memory serves correctly chrysler minivan ones work also

I never thought of that. That sounds like an excellent idea. I might look into it.

I will try and post a pic of it later today before I go to work

That one looks identical to one I pulled from a 99 XJ Limited. I got the wiring harness that runs down the passenger A pillar. There is an empty plug there and after some monkeying around I was able to get it to work. Added the temp sensor to the front behind the bumper (wire is already there) and the computer works along with temp and direction.

Wanting to do mine, where exactly is the wiring located for the temp sensor and where exactly did you mount the sensor. I am assuming you bought the sensor new? (if so from where)

The plug for the temp sensor is right behind the front bumper in the middle on the lower rad cradle. I haven't run across an XJ that didn't have it.


And I used the old sensor from the scrapped 99 Limited. Worked perfect. Took about a month before the compass started to read true though.

Got mine from a minivan,The plug for the temperature sensor is behind the bumper.
The connector for the computer is behind the passenger kick panel.Also where the garage remote control goes, I installed a Homelink garage door opener.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2C...it?usp=sharing

Thanks. Any of you know where to get a new sensor?

Thanks I just found this one on jeep forum, looks similar to the one you posted:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rafr...944283-2955608

Looks like I have a temp sensor and compass in my future then. Very cool.

I might use the garage door opener panel for switches then and keep the digital display.