I recently purchased an 08 Grand Caravan for the family, and though its nice it is in need of some upgrading. To start I need to add rear AC and cruise control. I have no real idea of how to add rear AC, I'm hopping its not that hard. Cruse control wouldn't be that hard to add normally, except that this hole thing is fly by wire. Any idea where I should start with all this?

 

Wow, you must have had to search high and low for that van. I didn't even know you could get a caravan without cruise control. The beautiful thing about the new computer systems on the vans is adding things and getting them to work is a pain in the b--t.

 

I didn't think it was possible to get a 5th gen GC without rear AC. Anyways, if as you say you "have no real idea of how to add rear AC" I would recommend getting a professional to do it. The complete rear AC package includes a whole bunch of components located above the rear right wheel that would need to be installed, not to mention wiring, front and rear control head, etc. You probably would need to open the existing front AC lines too in order to run some to the back. If your van came out of the factory without rear AC (as opposed to having been removed later) then the compressor would also need to be replaced. Opening AC lines and/or replacing the compressor means you need to have a shop evacuate the refrigerant and recharge/leak test it when you're done, as it is illegal in the U.S. and probably most countries where GCs are sold (not to mention bad for your health and the environment) to vent R-134 into the atmosphere.

Even if you are pretty good at working on cars this is a rather pricey undertaking, and at the minimum you would need to have a shop evacuate and recharge the system. And I haven't even gotten into any potential computer issues like Tizzy1 mentioned. Computer = dealership = $$$.

 

well start easy then; is there no kits for cruise control out there? or can I ****** one out of a bone yard off another GC or other Dodge vehical?

 

Cruise control kits do exist; however, the one I found at JC Whitney does not fit the 2008 GC, probably because it's drive-by-wire. I'm pretty sure factory cruise control on the GC/T&C is integrated with the PCM; there is no separate cruise control module. Even if you could scavenge a cruise control module, switches, wiring, etc. from another Chrysler vehicle (I'm not even sure if other Chrysler vehicles have cruise control modules) you'd run into the problem of having to splice into the wiring that controls the throttle.

 

Would you like the wiring diagrams? Send me a private message and include an email address. They may give you some idea of what you're getting into at least on the electrical side as far as modules, relays and other components. I can't imagine these being easy or inexpensive jobs.

 

PM sent, and thank you!

As for splicing the harness, I am quite versed in splicing and building harness. I have build and wired a MegaSquirt kit from scratch, and rewired my Silvia.

Thank you all for all your help and input, it is really appreciated!

 

Cruise, A/C and power distribution diagrams on their way.

 

Just remember that after everything is installed, it still won't work until the vehicle is told it has cruise control. That would mean the cruise option would have to be added to the vehicle build data in the Chrysler computer and I am not sure that is possible. May want to speak to your local dealer before you spend a ton of cash and time.

 

Hey cougar thank you so very much, Sorry I didnt get back to you sooner. Been working.....

As for the computer control's on it. That is not that complicated at all, you would be amazed what you can do with tuning software these days. I use SCT on my 280hp Escort, and NisTune on my Silvia. You can do some amazing things with them.