Expert: Roland Finston - 7/20/2011

Question
My 2006 T&C has only the basic overhead lights in the console.  My wife would like to have the upscale console with temperature.... I know that the temperature probe is wired in the vehicle - I have see the probe under the front bumper - is it possible to just obtain a console and plug it in?

If so, where best to locate one?

Thanks,

Scott

Answer
Hi Scott,
You would need to remove the existing overhead light module and see if there is a 6-wire black plug that has 5 wires attached to it as that contains the digital data bus signals that are necessary to operate the module you are seeking. Those would be white/orange and pin 1 and white wire on pin 2 and a pink wire on pin 5. If that is present, then the only reason is might not work is if the body computer model (its part number) was different for the vehicle with vs. without the overhead electronic module. If there was only one body computer and you have the plug, then it should be plug and play.
A dealer parts counter can tell you about the body computer question. And also the parts person can tell you what model years of overhead electronic console used the same part number as the '06 model. Then you could look for a wrecked van for those years that had a module. So see what wires you have up there. Putting in the wires might be a challenge if they aren't already present.
Roland