Adding external temp display? OEM?

[BrianW]

I'd like to add an external ambient temperature display to my 2011 E250. I spent some time searching the web and didn't really come up with anything. I seem to recall someone mention that there was an OEM option in the Ford E-vans for a outside temp display, but I can't find any more info on it.

Yes, I know I can just buy an aftermarket stand-alone unit, but I've gone that route before and have found them problematic and not very accurate.

Has anyone here successfully done this? Thanks!

[Youngster]

I use the OEM air intake temp sensor on my Scangauge. Works great for my needs when driving. The only shortcoming to that approach is when in stop-go traffic the temp rises above ambient until moving again.

For camping I use a bluetooth thermometer puck that I access with my phone. The one I have is easy to use and can be calibrated.

[86Scotty]

I do the same. ^^^

Brian, I may have some info for you but need to ask someone I know first.

Ping me in a few days if I forget.

[aarcaris]

I have been using a Scangauge as well, but if someone finds a better solution, please share it on here or PM me your solution!

[Lilnuts2]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding this but. My 2002 E350 ext window van has a factory outside temp gauge and a EWSN compass mounted in an overhead console, that seems very accurate.

This pic is from the same year F150 but you get the idea.

[BrianW]

@lilnuts2 that’s exactly what I’m talking about! I’ve heard of vans having that but have never seen one. Is yours a chateau, just a regular passenger, …?

The question is, where does the feed for this come from and can I maybe retrofit the OEM console from an F series, etc?

[Scalf77]

On my old 2004 , I had a Gentex GENK20A Auto Dimming Mirror W/compass Temperature or similar added as an option

-greg

[Lilnuts2]

Originally Posted by BrianW

@lilnuts2 that’s exactly what I’m talking about! I’ve heard of vans having that but have never seen one. Is yours a chateau, just a regular passenger, …?

The question is, where does the feed for this come from and can I maybe retrofit the OEM console from an F series, etc?

Sadly I have never had my headliner out to trace the wiring for that temp gauge. Mine is a XLT van. I could be wrong but I don't think the Chateau was offered on anything but the E150s.
I would think either the E or the F system from a 2002 would work

[86Scotty]

You could get an E350 Chateau but I’m not sure if it was still possible by the time they changed it to the Traveler package in the mid 2000’s. All of the components are from F series/Excursion. A salvage yard Excursion is the most likely source for the overhead console and/ or a Windstar van. The temp gauge is right in the center top of grill in the neighborhood hood of the latch. The wiring is what I trying to track down. There’s a forum member who was fooling with this but I don’t know if he’s been active lately.

[vandiesel]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/15299801768...Bk9SR5iYr-K_YQ

Even better: https://www.ebay.com/itm/12548440750...pid=1325027109