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Edpike

Member Since: 04 Jul 2020
Location: NI
Posts: 35

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Tonga Green

Outside Temperature Gauge For Defender

Time Taken - 3-4 hours.

Tools Required - Socket set, steering wheel puller, screw drivers, trox driver set, soldering iron, welding stick/bull wire and a drill.

General. I have always found it a bit strange that the Defender did not have outside temperature gauge so I decided to fit one - before I get started please spare me all the 'open the window and feel the temperature' comments.

I have tried a couple of options in the past that were pretty poor and initially decided on a rear view mirror option with compass and temperature display. Unfortunately the mirror fouled the sun visors as it was too long and I had to send it back.

The one common product that kept coming up was the CheckTemp display. I have seen it installed in a number of Defenders and thought I would try it out. The previous installs I had seen had it mounted to the side of the centre part of the dash to the side of the indicator stalk. I wasn't too fussed on this and wanted to find a better position. The CheckTemp comes with a 'dash top' mount and an 'in dash' surround. I played around with the dash top mount, but could not find a location that I liked.

I then decided to take a different route and plumbed to install a Mud UK Mud Defender Roof Console and install the CheckTemp into that.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Below is the steps I took to install.

Step 1 - Mud Defender Roof Console Install. The instructions with the Roof Console are very good and I will not go through how to install the console itself. That said, I had to ensure that I installed the console along with the initial CheckTemp Install. Firstly, I ensured that the CheckTemp wiring was routed within the Roof Console (from the Centre of the Roof Console to the drivers A pilar). Before doing this I would advise either shrink wrapping or insulation taping the CheckTemp wiring together so that it is easier to manage. Keep the exterior temperature sensor separate from this as it will run independently from the other wires.

Click image to enlarge

Step 2 - Modify the Roof Console Centre Facia. In the centre of the roof console is a removable facia plate. I decided to mount to Check Temp on the driver's side of this so it is easy to read the data. I plan to install a diesel heater in the future and I want to position the heater controls on the left hand side. Cut out the facia plate so that the 'In Dash' mounting plate fits in it. Once this is done you can install the CheckTemp and connect the associated wiring plug to the back - make sure this plug is the right way up. At this stage you can also mount the CheckTemp interior temperature sensor just above where the Defender Roof Console facia attaches to the console itself - you can see it in the picture below just above the facia plate top.

Click image to enlarge

Step 3 - Routing the CheckTemp Wiring. This is a bit of a mission and there may be a better way of doing this, but this is what I had to do. Noting is particularly difficult, just time consuming. For this step remove the following:

1. A pilar plastic cover - 2 screws.

2. Steering wheel - before you do this ensure that your front wheels are straight ahead and your steering wheel is centred. If your steering wheel is like mine you may need a puller to release it. 1 nut.

3. Top cover of the dash - 2 screws.

4. Dash -2 screws and disconnect the dash loom - 1 plug.

5. Lower dash trim - 2 screws.

6. Top of the steering console - 4 screws.

7. Radio centre console - 2 screws and then pull the top part of the console back away from the dash and the clips will release. Then do the same at the bottom.

This seems like a lot, but it is not too bad and it will give you good access to all the wiring you require.

Step 4 - Running the CheckTemp wiring. Run the CheckTemp wiring down the driver's side A pilar, in behind the dash (you may have to loosen a couple of dash screws) towards the area where the radio is located. At this stage you will want to isolate the exterior temperature sensor so it can be run outside of the vehicle.

Step 5 - Running the Exterior Temperature Sensor. I decided to run the exterior temperature sensor via the bulkhead and then to my snorkel. The exterior temperature sensor cable is not that long and the CheckTemp instructions show it running to a wing mirror. I had intended to run it to the front of the vehicle, but after consulting a few friends who understand electrics a lot better than I do, they advised cutting the sensor cable as it would probably break the sensor. I am not sure what happens when you cut wiring to these sensors, but everyone told me that it would not work if it did.

I ran the cable via the existing wiring grommet. This is a really fiddly job and if I am honest an extra pair of hands is a must. Basically, I poked a welding stick (bull wire would work too) from the engine bay, through the grommet (next to the steering column) and into the cabin. My mate attached the sensor to the welding stick (with tape) and he fed it through as I pulled it back into the engine bay. This took 3 attempts to get it through so keep at it. Once through I left it until all the other wiring was completed and then I ran it along the bulkhead under the bonnet gutter to my snorkel. If you can think of a better location I am all ears. It cannot be in the engine bay as it will get too warm and give an incorrect reading and if it is in direct sunlight it will do the same. I might see if I can get it into the air box system and it will be drawing air from outside, but this is a job for another day. In the picture below the sensor wire is the twin thin black wiring.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Step 6 - Wiring the CheckTemp. The wiring instructions are OK with the CheckTemp and all wiring is well labeled. That said you can plumb the CheckTemp into a A/C system so that you get a type of climate control. Even though I have AC in my Defender I decided not to do this and keep it simple. With this in mind, there will be some redundant wiring. All I did was to splice the earth, live, constant live into the back of my radio wiring and splice the CheckTemp dimmer wire into the side lights so that when you switch on your lights the CheckTemp will dim the display which is a nice touch when driving at night.

Step 7 - Test and Reassemble. Once you have your wiring in place check that everything is working. When your are satisfied start putting your Defender back together again in reverse order.

Step 8 - Configure the Check Temp. You will need to set the time and calibrate the inclinometer (just make sure that your wagon is on flat ground when you do this). The instructions with the CheckTemp will show you how to do this and it is all pretty straight forward. You can change the screen colour, but it comes as green as standard which matches all other illumination in my Defender.

Conclusion. Was it worth it? This was a lot more work than I had anticipated, just to get an outside temperature reading and when winter rolls round I will see the benefit. I do like it and from my research I could not find another alternative for my requirement. I like the end result and as stated above I will be adding a diesel heater so the Mud console will be utilised again. All this aside I hope this helps you if you are thinking about something similar.

18th Jul 2021 8:38pm

markb110

Member Since: 22 May 2010
Location: Guildford
Posts: 2636

Nice, love the write up.

A man of more patience then I.

I just use my phone and the weather app......

18th Jul 2021 8:47pm

wyvern

Member Since: 13 Dec 2009
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 2108

2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Firenze Red

Looks good and professional, but I have gone with another option

I use of the OB2 port and link via bluetooth to the Torque App downloaded onto a tablet, which I also use for navigation, but you can download this to your phone as well.

The torque lite app has many options which you can choose from to display various live engine data, and one is an external temperature display whcih was very useful during the last cold spell while I was driving from Cornwall to Scotland on the coldest day of the year and camping out.

The cost is minimal and no wiring needed.

Poppy - TDCI (Puma) 110XS 2.2 - Camper conversion - see the build here - https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic56530.html
Elgar -TDCI(Puma) 110XS Dormobile - now sold
Devon & Cornwall 4x4 Response - DC126

18th Jul 2021 9:39pm

Edpike

Member Since: 04 Jul 2020
Location: NI
Posts: 35

Doh! I wish I had spoken to you a month ago...

C'est la vie and at least if I forget my phone (a normal occurrence) I can still read the temperature.

19th Jul 2021 7:58am

wyvern

Member Since: 13 Dec 2009
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 2108

^^^ - yep - hindsight is an amazing useless tool after the event !

But you have a great tool which you have fitted in the vehicle and its going to be used often

If we all did the same thing there would be no uniqueness in our vehicles !

19th Jul 2021 11:51am

MatLandy

Member Since: 11 Sep 2020
Location: Paris
Posts: 184

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Zermatt Silver

In the modern world we live in, most things are now connected wireless, including remote temperature sensors.

My set-up includes one display/monitor permanently showing temperatures from 2 remote and wireless sensors. The display/monitor is placed on the dash, and hold by a simple "velcro" which allows removal every second year to change the battery (sorry, bad quality picture, and yes, I know you cannot even read the temp value on the picture as too much backlight for the poor phone camera).

Click image to enlarge

As I have a snow cowl on the air intake, I am also using "velcro" to fit the outside sensor inside the recess of the snow cowl. Like so, the reading is accurately showing the outside air temp when air is flowing through while driving with the ventilation fan working. When parked in the sun, of course the reading is off due to heat build up, but it adjusts itself within minutes as soon as ventilation fan forces the air through.

Click image to enlarge
outside temp sensor inside snow cowl

The inside sensor, I have it at present under the 2nd row seats, but it all depends where you want the temperatures to measure from. There are as many different temperatures values within a 110 as areas where you can place a sensor.

I cannot find the brand/model that I installed, but equivalent can be found on amazon, just search for one that you like the design of, for examples :
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Youshiko-Digital-...B01NBMPXOM or
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oria-Thermometer-...B07JMDVP8G

/Mat

19th Jul 2021 1:07pm

gumdrop

Member Since: 16 Jan 2010
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 125

Hi,

Just bought one of the Politecnica80 'Check Temp Time' gauges and see from the instructions that it needs a Normal Closed relay installed as part of the wiring - see pic highlighted red - just wondering what this is for ? - cant see any clues i the instructions.

Any one help please

Thanks,

Simon

Click image to enlarge Cheers

Simon
-------------------------
50th D90 - my toy!
Freelander SE Td4 3 door - local run around
1958 Series 1- Rag top!

15th Oct 2022 12:50pm

carpetsauce

Member Since: 19 Mar 2021
Location: Essex
Posts: 58

Good looking mod. I went a simpler route to get an inside/outside temp display. The gauge is on top of the dash and the sender is stuck to the top corner of the rain channel above the door. Doesn't illuminate with the stock gauges but WTH.

15th Oct 2022 2:00pm

LandRoverAnorak

Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11324

gumdrop wrote:
Just bought one of the Politecnica80 'Check Temp Time' gauges and see from the instructions that it needs a Normal Closed relay installed as part of the wiring - see pic highlighted red - just wondering what this is for ? - cant see any clues i the instructions.

It's clearly a changeover relay but without any more detail it's difficult to tell what it's doing. Is there, perhaps, a button to switch between displaying inside and outside temperature, as that would seem an obvious use? Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia

15th Oct 2022 2:18pm

GuJa

Member Since: 03 Oct 2017
Location: Elsfleth
Posts: 20

2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 SW Tonga Green

Some years ago, I found on Amazon my solution. A small outside thermometer with a green display that fitted (more or less) in one of the blank switch placeholders. The sensor is on the backside of the front bumper.

Click image to enlarge

15th Oct 2022 6:08pm

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