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Highlander base Gentex w/Temp install
Hello all. I have had cars with a compass and outside temperature for the last 12 years. I used to fly small planes that had them as well. So when I bought my Highlander base + I completely forgot about the outside temperature gauge and nearly had a panic attack... well, not really. Anyway, I scoured the internet and got bits and pieces of information but there was nothing in detail. BTW, sorry folks that I did not take pictures during the process as I was doing this in the driveway and rain was threatening at any minute. I will try to explain in detail.
1) I got a Gentex mirror with the compass, autodim and temperature. it came with a wiring harness and a harness for the temperature gauge. Harness is simply a plastic tab with prongs that plugs into the back of the mirror and has (4) 18 gauge cables. Power, ground and 2 purple wires for the temperature probe. lets get started.
2) First, I was able to remove the mirror by popping off the shield with a flat head screw driver. I would use a plastic putty knife next time. Anyway, I worked my way around the shield and it popped off. Then where the base of the mirror meets the window (where the notch was on the shield) pull down lightly on the spring release and the mirror slides right off. If you are exerting force then you are doing it wrong. Now you have a metal tab to mount the new mirror later.
3) The overhead console can be removed by gently putting your fingers between the front of the console (part closest to windshield just in front of where sunglasses are stored) the pulling down. It took a little force but not too much, then it popped out. Now you have a 9 pin connector that is attached to the removed console... remove that from the console.
I have the base Highlander and can confirm that the overhead console has 2-constant 12v and 1-12V wired for when ignition is turned on. I do not have a sunroof, moonroof or any thing. Ok, I got my volt meter and found the 12v constants then the light blue 12v intermittent or ignition. I clamped on a T-Tap on that line then crimped a round metal ground hoop for the ground wire.In the ceiling above the console You will see (3) ----1/2" dia holes that are in the metal console supports that I put a nut, bolt then attached the ground wire to it. I pulled down slightly on the headcover to run the trimmed part of the harness through. BTW, to tap into the 9 pin line you need to cut or strip about an inch or so of the wire trim/covering so you can tap into the 12V line.
4) Ok, I taped the 2 purple leads or wires for the temperature probe every 12 inches (together) to make it easier to fish down. I tucked it under the headcover towards the passenger side then while sqeezing the A-frame I used a plastic putty knife (actually a wood shim) to gently work it behind the A-frame trim. When I got half way down I removed the front right corner speaker grate... it pops off easily and I ran the wire down the A-frame, through the hole that was under the speaker grate then finished tucking the wire behind the A-frame molding from the bottom working my way up.
5) Remove the glove box... Very easy to do. Then you will see your wires through a few wide openings and pulled them down to the floor. Remove the air filter and then look for a cable going through the firewall... the carpet is Velcro'd there so simply split it. You will notice the large firewall grommet and in that you will literally see a black nipple at the bottom of that grommet. Cut the very tip off and you will see daylight... You are almost there.
6) Now take the grill apart from the top. It is very easy... just push down on all those little buttons and then pop them out... yes, they literally pop out and are easy to reinstall. Do the same for the grill... it is pretty easy to figure it out. Now this was the only part I was stumped. I had to use my dremel or drill and tap a hole in the aluminum bumper where the lower grill is. I used a machine screw and two washers to firmly hold the temp probe in place. Then I ran the wire back towards the firewall. I went inside the truck and pushed a wire hanger through the nipple into the engine compartment, then taped the wires attached to the probe to the hanger and pulled them into the truck. I stripped the ends of all the leads, twined then then taped them. I tested everything and made sure it worked and use zip ties to secure everything and put the console back on then tested again then put the grill back on and tested again.
Last edited by lets456; 06-10-2010 at 10:23 AM.
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