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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

Tachometer Problem

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Old Sep 23, 2013 | 08:40 AM
  #1  
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boonslick
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From: Booneville, Missouri
Tachometer Problem

87 F150 5.0L 4EOD

My tachometer is erratic. It works fine for 2-3 months and then it will malfunction for a couple of weeks with the needle moving erractically; it may read 3000 rpm at idle or sometimes move while driving at a steady speed.

What is causing this?

Thanks

Boonslick
 
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Old Sep 23, 2013 | 09:46 AM
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subford
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From: Easton,Ks
Either bad wiring, resister or bad tachometer.

Never heard of a 4EOD, did you want to say AOD?
An the E4OD did not come out until 1989 as far as I know.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2013 | 10:08 AM
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timbersteel
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From: Mexico, Missouri
+1 with Subford

Sounds like the truck runs fine other than the tachometer problem. Wiring sounds like the culprit. Check the wiring at the coil and ensure it isn't corroded or loose. I would remove the coil pigtail and clean the contacts and put some dielectric grease on them. Will help to keep corrosion/moisture from causing electrical problem there at the connection.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2013 | 02:59 PM
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boonslick
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From: Booneville, Missouri
Tachometer

Originally Posted by subford
Either bad wiring, resister or bad tachometer.

Never heard of a 4EOD, did you want to say AOD?
An the E4OD did not come out until 1989 as far as I know.
Where is the resistor?

The truck has 4 forward gears is all that I know.

First, I will check the coil as advised and see if that works. I do not think the tach is defective or it would not work correctly as it mostly does. Just a thought.

Boonslick
 
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Old Sep 25, 2013 | 08:15 AM
  #5  
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boonslick
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From: Booneville, Missouri
Tachometer Problem

Originally Posted by timbersteel
+1 with Subford

Sounds like the truck runs fine other than the tachometer problem. Wiring sounds like the culprit. Check the wiring at the coil and ensure it isn't corroded or loose. I would remove the coil pigtail and clean the contacts and put some dielectric grease on them. Will help to keep corrosion/moisture from causing electrical problem there at the connection.
You are correct in that the truck runs very well. I cleaned all connections with Brake Cleaner, waited and then plugged the connectors. I also applied Silicone Dielectric Grease to the Coil terminal.

If I understand correctly, subford is referring to the attached resistor which is fine as the Radio is trouble-free.

I have a spare coil which I will install today and perhaps this will fix the issue.

Thanks for your help!

Mark
 
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Old Sep 25, 2013 | 08:24 AM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by boonslick
If I understand correctly, subford is referring to the attached resistor which is fine as the Radio is trouble-free.
No that is the Radio capacitor an not a resistor.
The resistor is inside the wiring harness someplace.



/
 
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