I replaced the
Overhead Console after reading a post in the
automotive forums that someone had "upgraded" their Venture from the
stock console to one that included the Driver Information Center (DIC).
This is a "trip computer" that shows various displays like: Average Gas
Mileage, Instantaneous Gas Mileage, Range (how far you can
drive with the remaining fuel), Fuel Used and Average Speed.
All of these are since the last reset, except Range & Instantaneous Mileage.
The other cool feature of the Driver Information Center is that it has an
Electronic Compass and an Outside Temperature Display. To
make the temperature display work, I had to buy and
install the Outside
Temperature Sensor, but that is another story. Click the link if
you want to read about that.
The replacement Overhead Console was found on eBay for about $45 ($25 + $20
shipping/Handling). According to the listing on eBay, the 'new'
console was from a 2003 Venture. This was lucky because I have
discovered some minor difference between the
DIC connector pinouts
between starting with the 2000 model year.
Here are some details and pictures from my 2001 Venture that show how this
was done. |
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Here is the Original
Overhead Console. Notice that:
1 - Front section is a simple storage compartment
2 - Only one switch (inside lighting override - on left)
3 - Back section is storage for a garage door opener.
The first step was to remove the screws that hold the console to the
roof. The front screw is obvious, but the others are hidden in
the back two compartments (see pictures below). |
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The next step was to get
the wiring connected to the console. The good news was that the wiring
& connectors for everything was already there. The bad news was
it was taped down to the headliner on the driver's side.
I had to remove the sunshade clips to lower the front of the headliner
and reach between the roof & headliner to get the Driver Information
Center connector loose. Once that was done, connecting
everything was fairly easy.
The only exception was the connection for the On-Star microphone.
That was a real pain because of limited space. If I was to do it
again, I would kept the original microphone (and saved about 45
minutes of the 2 hour swap time). |
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Here is the
Replacement Overhead Console. Notice that:
1 - Front section is now the Driver Information Center
2 - Switch for Rear Quarter Windows included (future plans)
3 - Back section is now the "Home-link" system (programmable
to open garage door, open gates, etc.).
Note: Everything (except Home-link) was tested and works. The
On-Star microphone was not as good as the original, so I put the
original back in. I am planning on getting the actuators (motors) for
the rear quarter windows as soon as I can find them at a reasonable
price (the dealer wants about $80 each - too much). |
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