G
Guest
·Hi, just want to share some knowledge for those of you who want the overhead console on the Sport but don't want to pay for other options in the Std. Option Packages....or who want to retrofit a KJ Sport with an EVIC. Though, before you do anything, Make SURE that your BCM supports an EVIC. if you have steering-wheel radio controls, auto-door locks, etc, your BCM probably supports an EVIC. If in doubt, check with your dealer's service dept. (though they may not be very helpful). Read the guides below.
General EVIC guide: http://www.wjjeeps.com/evic.htm
KJ Specific and Install guide:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jsalbre/jeep/evic/
These are "known-good" links as of Nov. 29, 2003. You may want to download now for future reference. I used these guides for succesfully installing an EVIC on my KJ.
My experience: I obtained my EVIC with the connectors via Ebay ($175). Though, I have seen them go for $125 at local junkyards, but they are not so easy to find. I got a little impatient looking for one, so I just decided to pay up and get one via the web. New Ones from the dealer go from $400+.
Sources of EVICS are Jeeps-GC, Chrysler 300M, Chrysler LHS, Chrysler Concorde,Dodge Intrepid, and of course other KJ's. Usually 99 and later models (+2002-KJ's). There are two types of consoles OTIS and EVIC. EVIC is the up-market version, so try to get this one if possible (display looks nicer+ more features).Though, wherever you get your EVIC, be sure to get the connectors for the EVIC as they are impossible to find seperately and you cannot install the EVIC without them.
You will also need the ambient temperature sensor for the KJ. This is about $30-40 at most dealers. I cheated and pulled the ambient temp sensor from a '93 Chrylser mini-van at a local junkyard: $2!!! I am sure sensors from most late model Chrysler vehicles will work. Though, the connectors are different, so MAKE SURE you get the sensor and the female connector if you get it from another Chrysler (non-KJ) vehicle. I spliced the female, minivan connector into the KJ sensor connector harness and it worked fine!!
Total install took me about two hours. Tools/materials used were:
1. wire cutter/stripper
2. soldering iron/rosin core solder (optional)
3. electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing
4. Torx screws to remove front grill and DS, A-Pillar cover.
5. phillips & flat screw-drivers
6. exacto knife to cut headliner
7. wire ties (optional)
8. volt-meter (or circuit tester) to find ignition-controlled power source
9. Patience (you cannot rush this install if you want a professional-looking and safe set-up).
The scariest part is cutting the headliner, but don't fret! Things will turn out fine. Just make sure you trace the EVIC pattern on your headliner ( with white chalk or soapstone) and then cut around about one inch inside the pattern line. You can then brush off the chalk/soapstone marks when finished. Don't use a Pencil/Pen as the line will be difficult to erase and may not be covered by the EVIC module (depending on how you draw it).
After installing the EVIC, I followed my owner's manual to calibrate the compass. My EVIC has Homelink, so I also programmed it to open my garage door.
Overall, the install was easier than I thought. The Compass and Ambient Temperature Displays are very handy for navigating or knowing when the roads may start getting icy. My EVIC also has Instant MPG, TRIP Odometer, Miles to Empty, Next Service. It controls the auto/door-lock settings, headlight auto on/off timers, door-ajar display, and a bunch of other neat stuff. Some EVICS have tire temps sensor capability...but you will need the individual tire sensors (about $40 ea. new...or find used on Ebay or at a junkyard).
General EVIC guide: http://www.wjjeeps.com/evic.htm
KJ Specific and Install guide:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jsalbre/jeep/evic/
These are "known-good" links as of Nov. 29, 2003. You may want to download now for future reference. I used these guides for succesfully installing an EVIC on my KJ.
My experience: I obtained my EVIC with the connectors via Ebay ($175). Though, I have seen them go for $125 at local junkyards, but they are not so easy to find. I got a little impatient looking for one, so I just decided to pay up and get one via the web. New Ones from the dealer go from $400+.
Sources of EVICS are Jeeps-GC, Chrysler 300M, Chrysler LHS, Chrysler Concorde,Dodge Intrepid, and of course other KJ's. Usually 99 and later models (+2002-KJ's). There are two types of consoles OTIS and EVIC. EVIC is the up-market version, so try to get this one if possible (display looks nicer+ more features).Though, wherever you get your EVIC, be sure to get the connectors for the EVIC as they are impossible to find seperately and you cannot install the EVIC without them.
You will also need the ambient temperature sensor for the KJ. This is about $30-40 at most dealers. I cheated and pulled the ambient temp sensor from a '93 Chrylser mini-van at a local junkyard: $2!!! I am sure sensors from most late model Chrysler vehicles will work. Though, the connectors are different, so MAKE SURE you get the sensor and the female connector if you get it from another Chrysler (non-KJ) vehicle. I spliced the female, minivan connector into the KJ sensor connector harness and it worked fine!!
Total install took me about two hours. Tools/materials used were:
1. wire cutter/stripper
2. soldering iron/rosin core solder (optional)
3. electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing
4. Torx screws to remove front grill and DS, A-Pillar cover.
5. phillips & flat screw-drivers
6. exacto knife to cut headliner
7. wire ties (optional)
8. volt-meter (or circuit tester) to find ignition-controlled power source
9. Patience (you cannot rush this install if you want a professional-looking and safe set-up).
The scariest part is cutting the headliner, but don't fret! Things will turn out fine. Just make sure you trace the EVIC pattern on your headliner ( with white chalk or soapstone) and then cut around about one inch inside the pattern line. You can then brush off the chalk/soapstone marks when finished. Don't use a Pencil/Pen as the line will be difficult to erase and may not be covered by the EVIC module (depending on how you draw it).
After installing the EVIC, I followed my owner's manual to calibrate the compass. My EVIC has Homelink, so I also programmed it to open my garage door.
Overall, the install was easier than I thought. The Compass and Ambient Temperature Displays are very handy for navigating or knowing when the roads may start getting icy. My EVIC also has Instant MPG, TRIP Odometer, Miles to Empty, Next Service. It controls the auto/door-lock settings, headlight auto on/off timers, door-ajar display, and a bunch of other neat stuff. Some EVICS have tire temps sensor capability...but you will need the individual tire sensors (about $40 ea. new...or find used on Ebay or at a junkyard).
