Installing a tach
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Installing a tach
Hey, I have a 1995 ford ranger 4.0L 5spd and I'm looking at getting a cheap tach this christmas for my truck but the problem is that I don't know how to install one. If anyone could give me any helpful links or instructions it would appreciated. Thanks.
-Josh
-Josh
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 1
From: Alvin, Texas.
Look on the next page about this same issue.
Of course, a 95 cluster is a swap-in, just connect the plugs you undo from your current cluster and you're done.
I got my tach cluster for all of $47.81 with tax after looking at car-part.com, so shop first. I do need to find the page about running the mileage forward, but that's a minor detail....
Of course, a 95 cluster is a swap-in, just connect the plugs you undo from your current cluster and you're done.
I got my tach cluster for all of $47.81 with tax after looking at car-part.com, so shop first. I do need to find the page about running the mileage forward, but that's a minor detail....
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Obviously I'm a n00b when it comes to automotives so I have no idea what a cluster is. But, you said that all I had to do was to swap it with my current one. And since I'm assuming cluster=tach, my truck never came with a tach. I have probably no idea what I'm talking about, so go easy.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 554
Likes: 1
From: Boise, ID
Cluster = all the gauges that you see behind the clear plastic cover behind the steering wheel that monitor things like speed, oil temp, battery power, fuel etc. The cluster is one whole unit that can be taken out and put back in.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Ok, gotchya. The cluster on my truck doesn't even sport a tach. But, I have made some progress. I found the power distribution box but I can't find the tan and yellow tach signal wire. I was told it was near the box. Anyone know where the wire is?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by AlfredB1979
Look on the next page about this same issue.
Of course, a 95 cluster is a swap-in, just connect the plugs you undo from your current cluster and you're done.
I got my tach cluster for all of $47.81 with tax after looking at car-part.com, so shop first. I do need to find the page about running the mileage forward, but that's a minor detail....
Of course, a 95 cluster is a swap-in, just connect the plugs you undo from your current cluster and you're done.
I got my tach cluster for all of $47.81 with tax after looking at car-part.com, so shop first. I do need to find the page about running the mileage forward, but that's a minor detail....
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Highland, TX
Originally Posted by Duder
So you're saying that I have to find a cluster that has a tach on it and then I just swap it out and connect a few extra wires? If so, what wires and how?
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...80_24_full.jpg
If you have 95-97 Ranger, it would be most desirable to get a cluster out of a 95-97 Ranger or Explorer. In 98, Ford changed the positions dummy lights; therefore, a 98+ cluster may not work in 95-97. There are usually several auctions on eBay for Ranger/Explorer gauge clusters.
Last edited by kontai69; Nov 23, 2004 at 06:01 PM.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 3
From: California Desert
Originally Posted by Duder
Ok, gotchya. The cluster on my truck doesn't even sport a tach. But, I have made some progress. I found the power distribution box but I can't find the tan and yellow tach signal wire. I was told it was near the box. Anyone know where the wire is?
Last edited by maticuno; Nov 23, 2004 at 11:16 PM.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by kontai69
Ok, here is the scoop on gauge cluster swaps, which IMO is the simplest and cleanest way to get a tach in a non-tach Ranger. Switching from a non-tach cluster to one that has a tach is just a simple "plug and play" with no extra wires to connect. All Rangers are prewired for a tach whether it came with one or not. I have a cluster with tach from a 02' Explorer Sport Trac in my 4 cylinder 1999 Ranger (no factory tach) and it works perfectly. The tach reads 750rpm at idle, which is normal. Here is a pic...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/9/web/621000-621999/621380_24_full.jpg
If you have 95-97 Ranger, it would be most desirable to get a cluster out of a 95-97 Ranger or Explorer. In 98, Ford changed the positions dummy lights; therefore, a 98+ cluster may not work in 95-97. There are usually several auctions on eBay for Ranger/Explorer gauge clusters.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/9/web/621000-621999/621380_24_full.jpg
If you have 95-97 Ranger, it would be most desirable to get a cluster out of a 95-97 Ranger or Explorer. In 98, Ford changed the positions dummy lights; therefore, a 98+ cluster may not work in 95-97. There are usually several auctions on eBay for Ranger/Explorer gauge clusters.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by maticuno
The tan/yellow wire comes out of the computer, not the power distribution box. I'm not sure where exactly it is on your year vehicle, but on mine it is on the top left side of the firewall (if you're standing in front of the truck with the hood up). Here is how my aftermarket tach install looks:
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Bump, I really really really need help on this. My dad is being a pain and won't let me get a tach for christmas unless I can install it and he discourages me even touching my truck because he knows even less about cars than I do.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 3
From: California Desert
Originally Posted by Duder
Alright, I found the tach signal wire. It goes from my power distrubution box to the fuse panel between the dash and the left door. However, my problem now is that I can't see which fuse the signal wire leads to. Does anyone know where I can get some electrical schematics for a 95 ranger?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by maticuno
A Haynes manual will have diagrams. They aren't that expensive and are well worth it. Also, if you wanted to go the route to swap in a new cluster with a tach, here is a great writeup on how to do it. The writeup is on how to put white face gauges in, but you can just skip that step.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 3
From: California Desert
Originally Posted by Duder
About the wire splicing, do you just strip the signal wire and run a new wire out of it through the firewall and into the tach?