Tachometer?
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: SW VA
Tachometer?
Ok...this has been bugging me for some time now. Why do vehicles (in this case...trucks) with automatic's have a tach in them, and the same model with a 5-speed doesn't have one in it?
For example...my friends '94 F150 5-speed does not have a tach in it...but my other friends '95 with an auto has one in it.
Same thing with my '97 automatic...it has one in it, but my Uncle's '98 5-speed doesn't have one in it.
Why aint it the other way around?
For example...my friends '94 F150 5-speed does not have a tach in it...but my other friends '95 with an auto has one in it.
Same thing with my '97 automatic...it has one in it, but my Uncle's '98 5-speed doesn't have one in it.
Why aint it the other way around?
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Maine
I've often wondered the same thing.
What I'm pretty sure happens is that the base model vehicles are the only ones that come without tachs, and a fairly high-percentage of manual-trans vehicles are base model. This is sometimes just because the people who buy sticks are trying to save a buck, and sometimes because the only trim available with the manual is the base trim.
At any rate, I certainly don't need the tach to drive a manual, and don't use it if I happen to be in someone elses car that has one. At times I sure would like it to know what the engine is doing, but I'm not sure I'd pay a whole lot (i.e. move up a trim level) just to get a tach.
What I'm pretty sure happens is that the base model vehicles are the only ones that come without tachs, and a fairly high-percentage of manual-trans vehicles are base model. This is sometimes just because the people who buy sticks are trying to save a buck, and sometimes because the only trim available with the manual is the base trim.
At any rate, I certainly don't need the tach to drive a manual, and don't use it if I happen to be in someone elses car that has one. At times I sure would like it to know what the engine is doing, but I'm not sure I'd pay a whole lot (i.e. move up a trim level) just to get a tach.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
It's basically an independent option...
It's not part of an XLT package, it's not dependent on transmission, probably was a box ya click on the order sheet at the dealership...
So whoevers got a tach simply requested it...
It's not part of an XLT package, it's not dependent on transmission, probably was a box ya click on the order sheet at the dealership...
So whoevers got a tach simply requested it...
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 339
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From: north central Indiana
Originally Posted by MustangGT221
It's basically an independent option...
It's not part of an XLT package, it's not dependent on transmission, probably was a box ya click on the order sheet at the dealership...
So whoevers got a tach simply requested it...
It's not part of an XLT package, it's not dependent on transmission, probably was a box ya click on the order sheet at the dealership...
So whoevers got a tach simply requested it...
I'd go along with that. I've got a XLT Lariat with virtually everything on it, but no tach. That being said, I think I've actually seen more MT trucks with a tach than AT trucks. Just my experience...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Joppa, Maryland
The only truck we have without a tach is an XL. 4 other trucks and 2 cars(yota's..eh) w/tachs all autos.
But like everyone else said, its just an option that someone did or didn't get.
But like everyone else said, its just an option that someone did or didn't get.
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
to steal a term from todays kids, its a "bling thing". its like having a tach in a 3 cylinder Geo metro that makes 70 flywheel horsepower........ and has an automatic trans. it don't do a dang thing but make the driver of the little roller skate feel sporty, cause its got a tach.
the tach is there to make you feel good.
the tach is there to make you feel good.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Running Springs CA
Justin,
The tach was part of the XLT package on both my 1988 Ranger and 1994 F-150, not available as a separate option on the Work package, that is most likely to have a stick. Toyota does someting similar. On the Tundra, the V-8 option includes a mandatory automatic transmission and a tach. The marketing folks just see a tach as a pretty extra on the dash, like a clock was several decades ago.
Jim
The tach was part of the XLT package on both my 1988 Ranger and 1994 F-150, not available as a separate option on the Work package, that is most likely to have a stick. Toyota does someting similar. On the Tundra, the V-8 option includes a mandatory automatic transmission and a tach. The marketing folks just see a tach as a pretty extra on the dash, like a clock was several decades ago.
Jim
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From: Alvin, Texas.
Originally Posted by thunderguns71
Speaking from an older vehicle point of view, which may make this statement irrelevant, I use a tach in an auto or manual, to diagnose engine problems and or tune a vehicle.
One time when I was getting a finicky (extra slag = PITA) t-stat and AC compressor clutch changed, my tach showed that the truck was revving at 400 rpms, thought it ran fine...the CEL was on, too. Turns out, like I thought, we unplugged a coil pack just enough to cause that problem. The mechanic didn't think he caused it, the CEL wasn't on already, but since the radiator hose is hugged by the harness involved...I can see what went on. No biggie.
Wouldn't have found that before the cluster swap-in. Especially, since the truck ran, idled, and sounded fine.
If I find and buy a vehicle w/out a tach, it's getting a cluster with one.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Hawkeye Country
my 96 f150 didnt come with one, but an aftermarket sunpro was cheap enough, so i put one in. i like knowing what my engines doing, i dont see why not to put on in every vehicle. i cant stand driving vehicles like my moms buick were you have the speedometer and 100 idiot lights. the more gadges the better.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: brimfield township,OH
My 150 didn't come with a tach but I put a factory one in.I think the most important part of having a tach is to replace that big gas guage that seems to sweep to empty alot faster.lol