I want to add a tach to my 97 f-150. Since the old days are gone where i would patch it onto my distributor, anyone know how to add a tach into one of these funky looking coil packs? or how about a nice easy service point/rpm reference...? any help is appreciated.

 

You could pull a panel out of a junker that has a tach. From what I understand it is a direct replacement.

 

Hi Dewey

I dont recall alot of the details...but i think it has been done and was posted here. Try the "search" here. Mostly old stuff which may have been weeded out but worth a try.

Maybe the ones that did it will reply? I do recall the headaches started with the 99 models because of ign. change. www.fordtruckworld.com under "articles" How to install tach.. althou that probably dosent apply to you.

Also www.autometer.com Check around on that site for tach. install info. As i recall they had add on tach. for 97 models.

As flaf said...it maybe just a simple instru.panel with tach. swap as the tach. wire from PCM may be there. Its not there on 99's.
Seems it was easier to do on the 97 models. Also on 99's you can swap for a cluster with tach, but i think extra wiring needed.

Good luck...OT

 

Hi Dewey

I forgot...on a instru. panel swap...if your truck has the PATS system...the new cluster/with tach may have to be reprogrammed.

New cluster/w tach probably want recognize different chipped key.
Again...i think this is only if truck has "PATS" installed. External add on tach. should work ok as no change to "PATS'

Again...if you run into that problem...its been posted how to do.

Good luck...OT

 

thanks for the advice, boy, it feels like discrimination against the 97's. Can't find the overhead console "shelf it" the deluxe one., guy at my parts store says that they don't make pillar gauges for the 97., the list goes on, and on, and on.
this is a great site, thanks

 

Hey Dewey!

I knew I "read this someplace" see the attached thread.

Add a Tach

 

thank you all for the info, but.... I don't have a chip in my ignition key, so I don't think I have a PATs system.
Any way to just add a plain old tach, that I can sit on top of the dash?

 

Dakota Digital makes some digital tachs (if you can live without the needle) that can be set for 1 thru however many cylinders. I found the ground side of the coil packs were pretty noisy in my 2001, so I set the tach to 1 cyl and hooked it up to the ground side of a fuel injector coil. Works fine, except when running downhill with heavy compression, tach goes to zero (I guess because the injectors quit pumping).

 

Dewey,
I put an Autometer on my 97 and it works just fine. I will search later for the post and put it here.
You have to attach the coil wire to one of the wires on the back-side (engine compartment) of the computer wiring harness. I used double-sided tape to attach mine to the dash right next to the pillar and it looks just fine. Mine is the 3 1/2 inch but you may want to go with a smaller one.
Auto meter also has instructions available on their web site.
On the 97 and 98 you don’t have to worry too much about the computer. Post 99 the computer is much more of a problem with these trucks.
Here is the post that tells you what wire to tap into.
http://198.65.157.241/forums/showthr...ometer+install

 

Wow, I would have never found that! Thanks so much...3 1/2" tach will look good in that spot..
thanks again

 

I will try to get a dash picture up this weekend so you can see.
I like it just fine. Looks good up on the dash and does not obstruct the forward view at all.