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How-to: External Temperature for Under $15

59K views 144 replies 58 participants last post by  mtnbound  
#1 · (Edited)
I got sick of not having an external thermometer so I took care of the problem.

What you'll need:
ME-SP331 0.56“ Digital Red LED Automobile thermometer Panel Meter(External) from "sureelectronics1" ebay seller OR www.sureelectronics.net Price is $10.49 SHIPPED. This one has ONE external temperature probe. They make others with 2 probes but I just got this because all I wanted was external temp.

Dremel w/ Cutting Wheel and Sanding Bit
Wire Cutters/Strippers
Electrical Tape
Solder
Regular Ol' Speaker Wire
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Flat Head Screwdriver
10mm Socket & Wrench
T20 Torx Driver
Zip Ties

First, let me start off by saying that it was 23 degrees outside and needless to say I was f*ing cold. So, I did not stop along the way and take a photograph of everything I did.

Step 1: Remove the lower dash panel where the 4WD switch and switch blanks are located (yes, this is a PITA because you have to remove damn near the whole dash and center console to do this.) There is a how-to floating around I think for this if you need it.

Step 2: Remove switch panel from shroud (held on with T20 torx screws) and remove VDC switch and any other switch blanks.
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Step 3: Dremel out the 2 vertical pieces of plastic separating the 3 switch blanks furthest to the right with your cutting wheel bit.
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Step 4: You'll notice that width-wise, it is perfect. However, height-wise it is a tad too narrow so take your sanding bit and remove a small amount of plastic on the top of the cutout to allow the temperature panel to fit properly. Take your time as you do not want to remove too much material.

Step 5: Open up the back of the temperature panel and make sure you set the dip switches to the proper settings. I wanted mine to read Fahrenheit so I had to flip a couple of the switches. Instructions can be found on sureelectronics.net

Step 6: Snap temperature panel and VDC switch back into switch panel and re-attach switch panel to dash shroud.
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Step 7: You will have to extend the temperature probe wires. This is where the speaker wire, tape, and solder some into play. I hope I don't have to explain this part any further...it's pretty self explanatory.

Step 8: Make your power connection. I made mine right at the switched 12v socket right next to the temperature panel. This made it super easy and didn't have to extend those wires.

Step 9: Route your temperature probe over to the driver's side of the firewall and make your way into the engine bay via the rubber grommet found on the far left side of the firewall. Can't miss it. Then route your probe along the left front fender and up behind the front grill. Zip tie it to the wiring found behind the grill right in the middle.

Step 10: Re-assemble everything and enjoy!
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This thing is GREAT. It looks awesome and is very accurate. It automatically brightens in daylight and dims at night.
 
#6 ·
Nice work ... but I think you have the guage set to celsius vice fahrenheit ... 24.8 degrees is 76.6 degrees which is what the outside temperture was yesterday.

(I know, I use to live in Chicago Heights)

:)
 
#8 ·
Excellent write up ... well done, and even well illustrated with the pics; I thought there were plenty.

Any reason you couldn't add a micro slider to the bezel somewhere to allow for switching between C & F without having to remove it and access the DIP switches? I only ask because I'm a nerd like that ... no real need for it.
 
#21 ·
Thanks for the comments guys! :eek:ccasion5:



It is Red...here's a couple close up pics. As you can see, it's not overpowering or anything. The light is VERY subtle when driving I don't even really notice it in my peripheral vision.

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I used the 2 switch blanks to the left of the steering column for my roof lights so those blanks by the 4WD switch were empty. Only thing I lost (for now) is my bluetooth mic for my head unit. I'll need to figure out where I'm going to re-locate that. My hands were getting numb by the end of this install so I decided to tackle that job another day.
 
#14 ·
This is better then the rearview mirror set up. Like the larger numbers and its brigtness. I would like to see different install locations, as a lot of Xterra owners are already using this area for actual switches.
 
#15 ·
I have one of these too, but I haven't installed it yet. The display is red LED. It comes with two temperature channels, and I'm going to try and have it read the transmission temperature too, but I don't know if it'll work yet..... the display range is only from -9.99 to 99.9. I'm hoping that it'll be in the correct range with the transmission temperature set to C...

I plan on installing it in the tray below the switches, facing up. Its robust enough to have stuff put on top of it in the tray.
 
#16 ·
GPZ, I have the Sure Elec unit as well and am waiting to install it -- Im also thinking about installing in or near the tray (i like the location of where Wisbike installed his the most but I worry that if I screw up the dremel job or if the final product doesnt look good, im screwed bc that piece of plastic surrounds my manual shifter and looks expensive). I wonder if there are any more ideal locations im going to think about this.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Per the Courtesy Parts website, that piece of plastic costs $31. I wouldn't worry about messing it up too bad... use the mini cutoff wheel on the dremel, and make your original hole (rectangle) smaller than needed, then slowly grind / trim off more to make it fit.

The plastic surround around the Auto tranny shifter doesn't have enough space in the location where Wisbike installed his... so I'm going for the tray located in front of the shifter and under the switches.
 
#17 ·
good job. 105.7thex. i guess it's not the Point that far north of STL. very nice, think i might get one in blue but like the others, i need a new install spot since that one's full of switches.
 
#32 ·
Nice work Adam! I really dig this. However, I plan on using those switch ports in the future. It would be cool to mount this under the stereo if you had a single din aftermarket unit. It would be awesome if you could mount this somewhere near the top of the windshield if you can find something to mount it in and bolt to the ceiling.



I think 105.7 the X craps out around Springfield (Illinois, not Missoura) and the point kicks in somewhere not too far south of Springfield on I-55.

I am proud to say I have been interviewed on 105.7 the X multiple times and my old band was played on that station here and there. Probably still is every now and again. Of course, Radio in Peoria is nothing like Chicago or St. Louis.