I need some help. i want to install a tachometer to my 1997 4.2L F150. The only problem i have is were to hook it to to get a signal of the engine speed. My truck doesn't have a factory tach.

 

Did one on my 97 F150 a few years back. I found my old post on one of the other sites. Here's what I said back then.

"That was so damn easy. I just removed the instrument panel (the screws are visible and kind of self explanatory on how to get them off, but the Haynes manual shows exactly how) and found the middle wiring harness. It is the biggest one (16 pins) and hard to miss. All I did, was hook the power up to the stereo's, ground the sucker, and then connect the source cable to the White/Pink wire on the middle harness. Works like a champ. I wish I would have known it was that easy a year ago."

It didn't take long at all. All you need is to find that source wire. On yours, seeing as how it was the same engine as mine, it should be the White/Pink wire in the middle harness. Just tap the signal wire from the Tach into that one and it will work.

Good luck

 

thanx i got it installed it was very simple works great thanx

 

do you know if that's the same wire for a 2001 4.2L? I looked everywhere for the wire from the computer...and i couldn't find it.... i even got the diagram from ALLData, i work at a dealership(just not a ford dealership) and that didn't help me.

 

Not sure about the color of wire in the newer. I've got a 2000 but havent gotten around to getting a tach yet.

There's also a wire coming from the coil pack, purple i believe. Maybe someone will come by and correct me/verify if that is correct?