Hello all,

I just bought a used 1999 explorer sport 4wd and my overhead console, with temp and digital compass is not working (doesn't come on at all). I was wondering if anyone had a similar problem or knows of a fix. The dealer is my last resort because i am hearing that it may cost upwards of 500 dollars to repair. Thanks in advance.

Cedric....

Check fuse #10 on the inside fuse panel. If that doesn't fix it, you probably will have to replace it. If so find one on Ebay or a junkyard.

Dean

Thanks Dean, I had thought about fuse #10, but noticed that this fuse also controlled the A/C in addition to other things, so I figured if my A/C was working, then this fuse couldnt be bad. also, was wondering if there is a relay that may control the overhead console. Thanks again for your response..

Cedric...

Cedric

Since the fuse is good, you will probably have to replace the unit.

On a 98, the overhead console has it's own processor in it. There is an outside air temperature sensor located near the drivers side headlight. Basically that is it. Just a plug harness to the unit from the truck.

I am using a 98 Explorer wiring book as my guide. So I don't know if the 99 model is the same or not.

Do the 2 map lights in the console work?

Dean

Hi Dean,

One map light works, the other doesn't. So i guess I will be checking out ebay or the junkyards for a overhead console. I just wanted to see if I could salvage this thing before replacing it. Thanks so much dean, I appreciate your help. Hey one other question. I was reading the threads on finding the keyless door code, supossedly taped to the computer module, where is this module? cant seem to find it.
Cedric...

Hi Cedric

Glad to help you out. Currently there is at least 3 overhead console's for sale on E-bay. Search for - Ford Explorer overhead console .

Cedric also on E-bay is a guy who recovers the cheap arm rest with a better material. Go for the "buy it now auction" and send your lid to him. You will like it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Explorer-GREEN-or-BLUE-Console-LID-ARMREST_W0QQitemZ300004957481QQihZ020QQcategoryZ33 695QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I think the code your looking for is on a white alarm module located in the rear drivers side jack access panel. You need a mechanics mirror to see it or uncsrew it and look.

Dean

thanks so much Dean,

Cedric...

Hello All,
My compass and temp display is out also. One map light works and the other does not. My rear climate controls do not work. But, when the front fan control is set to "Off", the rear fan then works.

Fuse number 10 was blown. When I replaced it and started the truck, the compass/temp display came on breifly and the fuse blew.

My question is: Should I replace the overhead console or look for a short elsewhere first? If I should look for a short, does anyone have an idea of the diagnostic procedure?

Thanks,
Rick

What model year is your Explorer?

On the 1998 Explorer, there are numerous other items on the same circuit for fuse #10. For example, in addition to the compass/temperature module in the overhead console, the turn signal/hazard light flasher, speed control servo/amplifier assembly, automatic ride control module (if equipped), blend door actuator, heater/AC controll assembly, shift lock actuator, steering rate sensor, and generic electronic module also receive some power from that circuit.

-Rod

Thanks. Sorry I didn't specify the year. It's a '97.

Heat is not working (both lines to/from core are hot though), but turn signals are. I think they are on a different circuit for '97. I'm almost certain the hazards are because I remember almost robbing the fuse from that one to replace #10:grinyes: .

Any idea where the best place to start looking for a short in this circuit is? Are there any known problematic components on this circuit?

Thanks!

You could remove the overhead console (unplug it) and try replacing the fuse. If the fuse blows again, then you know the short is not in the overhead console.

If you get tired of buying fuses for your test purposed, you could use a test light in place of the fuse as you start unplugging different items. As the current draw goes away, the light will glow more dimly or go out completely.

-Rod

Thanks Rod,
I had a chance to do some troubleshooting today. I removed the overhead console and it still blew. The back blower is also on this fuse so I disconnected it and it still blew. However, one of my problems was no heat. After doing these two checks, I now have heat and no AC. I'm wondering if maybe, for the two seconds that I got out of each fuse, the blend door moved for me?
Maybe tomorrow I'll have a chance to check the blend door actuator and the temp control unit.
At least I have heat for the time being.

-Rick

I thought I'd update this in case anyone else has the same problem as me.

I never could find the problem myself so I took it to the shop. It ended up being a valve in the braking system that was getting shorted out by brake fluid.

I would have never found that. Glad I broke down and took it in. It sure is nice to have temp control again as well as all of the other things on that circuit.

Thanks again for the suggestions!