I want one of those little overhead computers for my 98 cummins Ram- and I see a few of them on e-bay- will they work on my ram? here is one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2479388676

Is there some hardware I need to hook up to make it work? Something that will let it tell me my fuel mileage?

 

First, the one from the 2003 is not likely to work. I say this because I know Dodge had enough issues with differences in the second gen years, where they changed stuff but didn't tell anyone. Much of this may be due to upping the engine HP and switching to 24v, but some stuff, like the tranny electronics differences were just ridiculous.
If you come up with a second gen computer, you may find that the harness is already equipped to connect to it. This usually happens because it is cheaper for manufacturing to make the same harness and just leave the unused wires loose in the dash or wherever, than to keep up with different harnesses and where they were installed. This is something you may be able to check by pulling the cover off of your overhead console to see if there is wiring in there.
The mystery to me is going to be the PCM. The Cummins ECM is likely not different, but the Dodge PCM, and/or the Dodge BCM may be different, and I don't know enough to tell you one way or the other.
Good luck.

Chris

 

Definately different than what the guy selling it told me!

 

Not to mention that the overhead computer is worthless (even on a stock truck) when it comes to fuel mileage.

I trust it to tell me which way I am sorta heading, and what the temp is outside to +/- 5 degrees.

Matt

 

CruisingRam
I have one from a 99 gasser I'd let it go just pm me if you want it

 

CruisingRam, if '98 is a 12 valve the overhead computer won't work no matter what you do.

 

Do you mean NO overhead computer will work on a 98 12V?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

There is this one from a 99?

 

The 1999's are all 24 valvers. The model year break was 1998.5.

Matt

 

The overhead console with just a compass and outside temp will work but the other computer functions will only work with the 24 valves.
The one you are looking at on ebay will not work.

 

Did dodge ever make the overhead console with fuel consumption on it for the 12Valves?

 

No.
Fuel rate is hard to measure on a mechanical diesel, you have to measure the input flow then subtract the return flow. The 24 valves don't do it this way but rather by the throttle position, it isn't very accurate. Once a 24 valve is modified the mpg gauge is useless since everything changes