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X2
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
05:35:28
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 Subject: Overhead computer
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I just got a 04 dakota, it has every option that I wanted but one. It does not have the overhead computer. Has anyone had one of these installed by the dealer. If so how much did it cost. Thanks.
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J~
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
11:19:30
| RE: Overhead computer
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Not worth it! I have it and would have prefered to spend the $$ on a hand held GPS unit.
In the unlikelyhood that I would ever buy another Dakota, I would not get it!
Just my opinion!
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JoeK
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
11:30:46
| RE: Overhead computer
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I recently bought an 04 also and am not sure that the option was worth the money. The compass only provides 8 quadrants, and the mpg calculation is inaccurate by 6% or so. That is, it shows me getting 19.5 when I am actually getting 18.3. Pretty big difference.
One nice aspect of the ovhd console is that it provides 3 'homesmart' trasmitters that open garage doors, turn on spotlights, etc.
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Justi
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
12:06:22
| RE: Overhead computer
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I've got it in my '03 and find it to be a pretty nice option. The MPG is actually more accurate than you'd think. No, not exact, but when you calculate by hand you can never be sure you got it the same amount full. outside temperature, fuel nozzle flow rate, outside pressure, etc, all have an impact. When I try extra hard to get it completely full to the rim (not smart I know) I find that it's within .2-.5 and that's accurate enough to make it not worth my time to do the math.
The outside temperature guage is a nice feature. It's not a "must" but a nice feature to have especially when I'm traveling from the Carolinas to Ohio, temps change.
The compass is more of a novelty but I have found it it be at least semi-useful on firetrails when I'm goofin' off with my Dakota.
The DTE, while again not always exactly accurate, is close enough to assist in planning your fuel stops on a road trip. I also like the additional tripometer and time. Let's you time a trip while leaving the normal tripometer counting all gas that tank, etc..
And yes, the built in garage door opener is VERY nice, probably my favorite feature. I like not having to have my gawdy opener sitting up there on the sun visor anymore.
Sooo.. If you don't like the feature I guess to each his own, but I like having mine and consider it one of my more favorite bells and whistles on the truck.
As far as adding it, I'm not saying it can't be done, but the local dealer here said that they plain and simply can't add it to a truck that doesn't have it. I had found the perfect truck with everything EXCEPT that but instead of letting me pay to add it to it cause it "can't be done" we searched for 2 more weeks to find an '03 that had it. I haven't regretted it or looked back. Knock on wood but so far I'm completely pleased with my Dakota QC 4x4 with the 4.7L and auto transmission..
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X2
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
16:21:34
| RE: Overhead computer
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I talked with the dealer today and they said that since it did not come with it it would be very hard and expensive to add. Oh well I guess I can always mount my GPS on the dash.
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BadMoFo
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
18:06:25
| RE: Overhead computer
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the only thing I like on it is the remote control feature. the rest is pretty innacurate.
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TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
18:32:59
| RE: Overhead computer
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There IS, a compartment, that my garage door opener fits in, with the double sided tape provided, on my 01 QC.
It is my opener, it is in a compartment, in the overhead console, and works fine.
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dumper
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
19:31:41
| RE: Overhead computer
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It's a useless toy for morons and soccer moms. I can tell which category most of you fit into.
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Justi
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
20:33:02
| RE: Overhead computer
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"It's a useless toy for morons and soccer moms. I can tell which category most of you fit into."
Let me guess, you have a 1990 single cab 2wd 4cyl dakota and you're a real "man's man" right?
It is a feature that falls into the "bells and whistles" catagory. Just like rear window defogger, heated mirrors, power mirrors, etc.. If you like it order one with it, if ya don't order one without it, but don't be a schmuck and offer your useless input here. I could go on about the enjoyment I get out of people like you and your lackings but I'll suffice to say that your jealously over something as trivial as a feature on a truck should not cause you to show your arse, it's just not worth it...
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Justi
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
20:33:03
| RE: Overhead computer
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"It's a useless toy for morons and soccer moms. I can tell which category most of you fit into."
Let me guess, you have a 1990 single cab 2wd 4cyl dakota and you're a real "man's man" right?
It is a feature that falls into the "bells and whistles" catagory. Just like rear window defogger, heated mirrors, power mirrors, etc.. If you like it order one with it, if ya don't order one without it, but don't be a schmuck and offer your useless input here. I could go on about the enjoyment I get out of people like you and your lackings but I'll suffice to say that your jealously over something as trivial as a feature on a truck should not cause you to show your arse, it's just not worth it...
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Texastodd
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
20:43:08
| RE: Overhead computer
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I agree with you Justi, idiots like dumper add nothing to this community and we'd be much better off without them. As for the overhead console, I couldn't live without mine! It's much easier than doing the math by hand!
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ammdak
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2003
13:03:58
| RE: Overhead computer
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When I was searching, I heard it could not be added. One dealer said they could get the compass/Temp to work, but not the other options. I passed on several great Dak's because they did not have the overhead console. I ended up going out of state to get the fully loaded Dak I was searching for. It certainly is a personal decision and I am happy I found what I was looking for.
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TVAN
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2003
13:46:38
|  RE: Overhead computer
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Even though I have plenty of better options to add to my Dak, for less money, I'm also interested in adding the trip computer to my 01 QC. My experience with the local DC dealers is that if the fix/upgrade is not simple plug and play, they are completly unwilling/unable to do anything. Enough ranting....
Has anyone looked at the Dakota Repair Manual to see what it says about trip computer repair? How is it wired in the electrical schematics?
Guess I'm naive/dumb enough to think we might be able to figure this out ourselves
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TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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11/21/2003
12:48:08
| RE: Overhead computer
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OK, some worhtless, without a life is trying to post under the name I use,....AGAIN.
Notice how he spelled it this time.
Get a life.
Look, what do YOU have against ME? E-mail with it and we can discuss it. Did I Piss you off or something? All I said on this post, was that I use the compartment for my garage door opener. Does that piss you off? Oh, you don't have one?
And no, I don't have the overhead computer.
Todd Bouton
4.7, 5spd, Quad, 2001, .........................
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Sesquash
Dodge Dakota
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11/22/2003
07:56:06
| RE: Overhead computer-useful ACC.
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This is the first vehicle that I have had with this option, and I find that I glance at it all the time. It's amazing how your fuel-mileage is determined by the ambient outside temperature!
I have already used (I thought I never would)the compass when having been turned this way and that in an unfamiliar city.
The Trip computer is a valued ACC in my '03 R/T.
In my view, worth the money to order from the factory.
Sesquash
2003 CC R/T
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postman
Dodge Dakota
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11/22/2003
15:34:32
| RE: Overhead computer
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there are a lot of morons out there who just love to walk all over someones post. They really need to mind they're own business if it doesn't concern them.
I for one have the overhead and I really like it. It may not be the most accurate but it beats the hell out of trying to figure it out
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yojohn
Dodge Dakota
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1/18/2004
19:06:17
| RE: Overhead computer
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I'm interested in an answer to the initial question. Hmmmmm...after reading all the replies, I nearly forgot what it was. Oh yeah, having an overhead computer installed by a dealer. Seems to be mostly opinions with few answers. I know someone out there probably has an actual answer to this question. Hope so.
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tvan
GenI
1/19/2004
13:55:12
| RE: Overhead computer
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I'm sorry you haven't had a responce, but I've never found anyone who has been able to convince a dealer to take it on. The major difficulty is that the overhead wiring harness doesn't have the required wires and connectors if you Dak wasn't built with that option. Most dealers don't like "ad-hoc" work that involves cutting and splicing on the harness and isn't listed in their "labor hours" book.
The parts aren't that expensive. The computer can be bought for less than $200 + shipping on-line, or find a used one on e-bay.
I'm getting ready to add one to my 2001 QC. Just waiting on the factory manual for the wiring charts (arrives tomorrow).
I'll be glad to share my info with you if you want to tackle it yourself, or just want to double check your dealer's quote.
tvan - Lynchburg VA
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yojohn
Dodge Dakota
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1/19/2004
14:18:48
| RE: Overhead computer
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Hi and thanks tvan,
My '00 Dak QC SLT came with the overhead console and the proverbial "clip". I just bought a used trip computer unit to install but when I removed the console, there were no extra wires showing except the light plug. I've done some of my own wiring before and was looking for all the info I'd need to finish this rainy-day project. I'm not sure what the temp sensor looks like (I did take a quick look at lunch today for it but can't really see anything for the ECM right behind the passenger headlight) I may eventually just connect it so that only the compass and temp function. The economy/mpg portion may have to wait if it involves a lot of wire chasing. The truck also came with power/heated mirrors, power locks, RKE, power windows and cruise, but that's about it for powered options. Someone suggested that the SLT's may already have the necessary harness there. I just want to know how to evaluate what I have (or don't have) to complete as much of this as I can without spending much more.
I would appreciate you sharing what you find out,
YoJohn
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