Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Weird tachometer problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 28, 2011 | 08:56 AM
  #1  
ZHMMY's Avatar
ZHMMY
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Question Weird tachometer problem

Sequence of Events (1989 6-cyl, EFI, 5-spd manual.)

The Fan Clutch needed replacing. On my way to a friend's garage, the water pump shaft broke and the fan belt broke. After replacing the water pump, fan clutch and belt, the Tachometer is malfunctioning. Before this happened the Tach worked perfectly.

Now, with key in off position the RPM is Zero but when engine is started the RPM jumps immediately to 2200. It stays totally steady at 2200 and drops back to Zero when key is turned off. 2200 RPM was probably the RPM at the time the belt broke.

I looked for a broken wire that may have been caused by the broken fan belt. Didn't see one and also didn't know where to look for one.

Could the abrupt stop of the alternator cause this?
What 'feeds' the tachometer?
Does anyone have a schematic showing the tachometer wiring?
 

Last edited by ZHMMY; Sep 28, 2011 at 11:13 AM. Reason: Confusing post with errors.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2011 | 10:31 AM
  #2  
andym's Avatar
andym
Post Fiend
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
First, what year and model is your truck? How many miles are on it?

You do not have a fuel pump shaft. Your fuel pumps are electric and depending on the year, are entirely in the tank or mounted on the frame rail roughly under the driver's seat and in the tank.

So what broke when the belt broke?

The tachometer is completely independent of the fan clutch or belt.

My guess is that you knocked a wire loose while you were working on it. Look under the hood for anything disconnected.
 
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2011 | 11:14 AM
  #3  
ZHMMY's Avatar
ZHMMY
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Thanks, I goofed. Please view my edited post.
 
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2011 | 11:42 AM
  #4  
andym's Avatar
andym
Post Fiend
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
The tach gets its signal from the negative side of the coil. Unfortunately, I don't have a wiring diagram but subford may along shortly with one.
 
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2011 | 03:27 PM
  #5  
Slip ford man's Avatar
Slip ford man
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: Calverton
quote
I looked for a broken wire that may have been caused by the broken fan belt. Didn't see one and also didn't know where to look for one.

Could the abrupt stop of the alternator cause this?
What 'feeds' the tachometer?
Does anyone have a schematic showing the tachometer wiring?


You should have a green wire connected at the coil neg - side which in the inboard side of the coil, it is marked as such. Then there should be a white wire to the light switch, a red wire to the ignition, and a black wire to a good ground...I suppose that the abruptness of the incident (loosing a connection and possible grounding, depending on how and where the wires were connected), could have caused internal damage to the gauge.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Lew B.
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Dec 18, 2014 12:48 AM
rog2000
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Feb 22, 2014 02:46 PM
fireguy L29
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Feb 2, 2007 07:32 PM
tunesmith
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
24
Sep 3, 2005 08:14 PM
powerplantranger
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Mar 22, 2004 03:17 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:26 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE