Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Tachometer Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 5, 2021 | 12:02 AM
  #1  
47jailbar's Avatar
47jailbar
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 38
From: auburn, IN
Tachometer Question

I am wanting to add a Tach to my rig. Looking for suggestions, the 2001 dash doesn't fit/look decent in the 47 cab.(Sarcasm) I will either mount it on
the dash itself or the steering column.
The FEW Diesel tachs I did see used the alternator as the source for the rotating signal.
Could I tap into the PCM for this signal instead, or just use what the aftermarket kit has? Has anyone done this before?

Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2021 | 12:36 AM
  #2  
cleatus12r's Avatar
cleatus12r
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,453
Likes: 2,936
From: Reed Point, MT
Yes, there is a tachometer signal that comes from the PCM. One caveat, you can't use a standard 4/6/8 tachometer with the signal that comes out. The best luck I've had is with the programmable VDO tachometers (with the DIP switches). I use these in the 73 F100 and Crown Vic.
 
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2021 | 07:05 AM
  #3  
RacinJasonWV's Avatar
RacinJasonWV
Lead Driver
5 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6,860
Likes: 2,335
From: WV
Club FTE Silver Member

You can also read rpm on a CTS display or FORScan connected to one of those fancy radios.

Not sure what look you’re going for here so this may be a bad idea for your application.
 
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2021 | 08:33 AM
  #4  
FordTruckNoob's Avatar
FordTruckNoob
FTE Chapter Leader
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 13,121
Likes: 4,723
From: Henderson, NV
Club FTE Gold Member
He's adding a standalone tach.
 
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2021 | 09:57 AM
  #5  
Sous's Avatar
Sous
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Veteran: Air Force
Community Builder
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,353
Likes: 5,946
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
FTE Emeritus
@47jailbar , I have attached a couple of pin out diagrams for the 2001 7.3L PSD.

C0127 is for the PCM and C250b is for the instrument cluster.

I am hopeful they aid you in your project of creating what sounds like a great vehicle.
 
Attached Images
File Type: pdf
C250b Instrument Cluster.pdf (254.5 KB, 62 views)
File Type: pdf
C1027 PCM.pdf (846.6 KB, 53 views)
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2021 | 11:22 PM
  #6  
47jailbar's Avatar
47jailbar
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 38
From: auburn, IN

stock 7.3 gauge cluster

Back of the factory tach

cut down version

Thanks Sous, and all that have replied. I was looking at the VDO tachs,and adapters, and thought "Hey *******,you ALREADY HAVE a working tach" use IT!
After a bit of taking the cluster apart here is what I have.
Looks like a piece of 4" tubing and a bit of work to make a "Cup" to hold this,
a few wires soldered on and connected to the PCM, I will be as accurate as FoMoCo built the thing.
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2021 | 08:40 AM
  #7  
FordTruckNoob's Avatar
FordTruckNoob
FTE Chapter Leader
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 13,121
Likes: 4,723
From: Henderson, NV
Club FTE Gold Member
Ummmm, are you sure there aren't any circuits that control the tach in the bit that you cut off?
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2021 | 02:58 PM
  #8  
47jailbar's Avatar
47jailbar
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 38
From: auburn, IN
Originally Posted by FordTruckNoob
Ummmm, are you sure there aren't any circuits that control the tach in the bit that you cut off?
I sure hope not!!
There was some type of circuit board on the top of the cluster, but I didn't bother to pin it out .
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 10, 2021 | 10:52 AM
  #9  
FordTruckNoob's Avatar
FordTruckNoob
FTE Chapter Leader
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 13,121
Likes: 4,723
From: Henderson, NV
Club FTE Gold Member
@47jailbar , how goes this?
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2021 | 06:51 PM
  #10  
z31freakify's Avatar
z31freakify
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,274
Likes: 1,654
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
Check this build out.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...d-rat-rod.html



Personally I like how the OBS ODO looks in his truck with the wooden trim added.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2021 | 07:57 PM
  #11  
47jailbar's Avatar
47jailbar
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 38
From: auburn, IN
Originally Posted by FordTruckNoob
@47jailbar , how goes this?
Ive been on the road all week and have not had a chance to mess with it further
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2021 | 08:00 PM
  #12  
47jailbar's Avatar
47jailbar
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 38
From: auburn, IN
@z31freakify that looks like lots of good info in that build, thank you for pointing me in that direction. I've been on the road working this week, and very,very busy ( stuff that pays the bills and all)
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2021 | 08:02 PM
  #13  
z31freakify's Avatar
z31freakify
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,274
Likes: 1,654
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
I feel you on that.
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2021 | 04:31 PM
  #14  
47jailbar's Avatar
47jailbar
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 38
From: auburn, IN

Circuit board to PCB
The little 'motor' is the Speedo drive
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2021 | 04:34 PM
  #15  
47jailbar's Avatar
47jailbar
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 38
From: auburn, IN

Back of Tach connections
I followed the tracings on the Tach from where I cut the circuit board to the ribbon cable.
this is the 'Pin out'
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:50 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE