i was interested in installing a small thermometer in the car. has anyone done that? how do i go about it?

 

If you're looking for ambient temperature (outside care) the Maxs with the auto heat/AC has a button on the dash that'll tell you the outside temperature.

If you're looking for inside temp, just go to Wal-Mart and grab you a cheap digital display one, slap some double sided tape on the back, and stick to the dash somewhere.

 

96 wont have outside temp. Only the newer maximas have an ambient temp button.

-matt

 

And where is this button?

 

If you have a 99 then the button is right in the middle of the ACC setup. If you have a 98 there is a nub where the button would be. Most 98's came with the ambient temp sensor up front and the button can be installed in the car because there is a spot on the sensor board (part the button would actually touch inside). But the buttons didnt come stock until 99 (anything bellow 98 does not have the options). I just tried to find one yesterday and there are two near me. 1)NJ 2)VA. So I rigged my own button. I'll post some pics soon if anyone wants to see.

Also, you can find a cheap termometer at autozone. I had one that ran a small wire and a sensor outside the car. Problem was that the sun made it heat up a lot so you could get good accuracy.

 

the ambient temp on my 99 will heat up quickly when the car is running but not moving. Even after shutting off the engine for a few hours it will still be a little high(because of the engine), But it is still nice to have!

 

I would like to see some pictures of this. Also does the 97 come prewired with that option. I have an auto climate control.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....&highlight=amb

and the sensor is located in the front by the hood latch.

 

Nissan improved the ambient temperature sensor and reading when they built the 5th gener's. The sensor in my 2K is underneath the A/C condensor behind the front bumper (away from the radiator). It's pretty darn accurate. It has a built-in amplifier which "retards" any significant increase in outside temperature (like getting a false reading from the radiator being so hot if the car sits while the engine is running). Somewhat off topic, but I had also installed a temperature sensor for my rear-view mirror and at times when the car is parked while the engine is running, I get an increase of 10 degrees F or so from the heat from the radiator. (It's even mounted next to the ambient sensor). So, good props to Nissan!

 

The 97 shouldnt have the option. It came in the 98's and up. You can always check for yourself tho. Just take the plate off the acc and see if there is a spot to push inside.

 

98 I30's have this.

 

Yes post pics!...I gotta see this...

 

Here's my button. It's not much but it gets the job done and it doesnt look half bad.

 

Looks sweet, Where can I get that button. I have a 98' GLE. Would I have to drill a hole or is there an actual part I can buy? How did you do yours?

 

My button is actually a piece off an old hu. It fit perfect in the spot where the regular button should go. I attached that to a piece of plastic (old little kid paint brush) and the attached a padded thing on the end just to have a bigger surface inside to push on the button in the acc. You do have to drill a hole in the ACC plate to make it fit. You can try the Nissan dealer and see if they can get you an actual button but who knows if they have any. I just used this because there were no buttons available around here. As long as your max has the ambient temp option/sensor any fabricated button should work fine.

 

I had a radio shack one on my dash in front of the tach.

I was going to remount it in the DIN picket since it was only temporary for some track testing. I never got around to it so its in the garage. It was $10 and worked well.

 

Just spoke with the dealer, they said they have never carried that button, maybe an aftermarket place would have it, which makes me wonder, why the hell would put that option on the dashboard if they're not gonna sell the button.....If I take my dash apart will I be able to see where the button would make contact? I want to see if it works on mine b4 I start drilling....

 

All 98 ACC have it. The switch is back there but the AMB button is not on the front. In 99 they had a different face with the AMB button. You can do many things to make it work, its up to you.

 

Hey JSutter where did you get the plate for the foot rest place up front? I've been looking for something to cover the old carpet/plastic spot in my max.

 

My '96 GLE doesn't have a control/button for an outside temp thermometer. This is on the newer models.

 

Modified 350z dead pedal. It goes with the rest of the pedals (had auto tranny) I had.

 

Ok thanks JSutter. I'll have to look into finding something.


We already posted in this thread that it only comes in 98 and up.