overhead console blank plate removal?

moore101 · 12-16-2005, 01:13 PM

I have a 04 SE and would like to put a trip computer thing I have in the space between the front sunglass holder and the next compartment. Right now there is a blank plate there. Can this be removed without taking the console off the roof or breaking anything?

Thanks,
Loran

Bhudda454 · 12-16-2005, 01:20 PM

If you are talking about the blank that is at a slant to the floor in front of the "sunglass holder" and the map lights, then yes. It takes a bit of carefull prodding, but it will pop out. If memory serves me, you will have four molded clips. Not the pop off kind, but molded with the piece. I took a thin bladed pocket knife and started at the corner, and worked my way around. I am thinking about flush mounting my XM commander control there.

moore101 · 12-16-2005, 01:40 PM

exactly what I needed thanks! I'll post a picture once the scanguage is mounted if it looks good.

moore101 · 01-06-2006, 03:22 PM

Here are some pictures of the scanguage:

Before install:

After install:

kman · 01-06-2006, 03:49 PM

is it much trouble fishing the cable accross the roof and down the A pillar? i presume that is the path you took to the ODBC port.

pi3yeargrad · 01-06-2006, 04:09 PM

pretty smooth install...nice job

moore101 · 01-06-2006, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kman

is it much trouble fishing the cable accross the roof and down the A pillar? i presume that is the path you took to the ODBC port.

No it wasn't too bad (unless you have side airbags). Just 2 screws to pop off the A pillar and just loosened the overhead console enough to fish the cable to the winshield. Then shoved the cable into the space between the headliner and windshield. I did have to make an extension cable; cut the connector off and just used a cat5 (ethernet cable, 8 wires) and rj-45 connectors and couplers to join it all together.

The worst part was cutting the top and bottom off the scanguage so it would fit in the overhead console opening.

denoxia · 01-06-2006, 05:49 PM

wow, like the cat5 connector idea, I just wouldn't have thought of that.

RigginMan · 01-06-2006, 07:54 PM

besides a custom gauge, I wonder if the stock temp/compass gauge can be purchased?

Vegas04 · 01-06-2006, 08:55 PM

wow, that looks really good! should have done something like that w/ my xm receiver.

steig · 01-13-2006, 05:02 PM

Thats a great job on that scan gauge in your overhead console. My 05 SE has a compass/temp in that slot, so it wouldn't work on mine. I put mine where the NAV would have been on top of dash. But it is too big for that area for looks. Anyway, the scan gauge is nice to have, too bad it wasn't smaller.