I got a sunpro mini tach from autozone and spent about two hours under the hood and in a manual trying to find a signal wire or one that would work for the tach. Instead, i got the crazy idea that since it wasnt an XLT, but still had the same basic wiring harness, that it had a signal wire for the stock tachometer in the plug-in for the instrument harness. all you have to do, is tear your dash down, its simple, acouple of screws and a clip or two, and take out your instrument panel. its pretty easy also, Just tilt your steering wheel downward for easier access.
well, now ,if you got one, consult your wiring diagram for which wire is which on the plugs for the instrument panel. its pretty easy, they are color coded. hook up you power wire and ground to see if the tach will light up and zero out, then try to find your signal wire. if i remember correctly, it was the green wire on the big, or middle, plug in. just turn on the truck and it should work . if not, just tap into the other wires with a straight pin to find it.
i used splicing connectors from wal-mart to make the job look a lot better and it seemed to work pretty well, it hasnt blown up yet!!!! and i just put the dash back together and hid the wires. there is plenty of room for them so it shouldnt be a problem. the instrument cluster is a little tricky to put back though, so be careful not to scratch the top plastic on the steering column.
the tach mounts up with only one screw so you can pretty much mount it anywhere.
a 1-800 number is with the directions for technical assistance if you need help, but its pretty easy,
i like it, it gives it a sporty appearance and it isnt so big that it attracts the wrong crowd.
ROCK ON!!

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'97 F-150 XL,
5-spd 3.05 final drive
K&N air filter,
30" glass pack

...more to come
WILL WORK FOR
SUPERCHARGER!!!

 

Wow. You're either Smart or Lucky (or is that smart AND lucky?).

I though myself to be pretty savvy with electronics and auto repair -- and couldn't resist that look of awe and wonder from my daughter as she asked me to fix the wiper-squirter on her 1984 Oldsmobile.

Handy probe (light, not logic -- first mistake) in hand, I 'rung-out' the bazillion wires that now go to a GM washer motor and turn-signal head to see why it wouldn't pee.

After 'fixing' the urinary-tract problem with the Youngmobile, her next question was:
"Why won't the wiper delay work any more?"

(sigh)

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Y2K™ Jim

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

Hmm Sounds like a plan,
I've been looking to add a tach to my truck since I brought it home. I don't know
why they sell a manual without one.

Anybody try the piller mounted location yet? I'm not sure if my grab handle is in the way. Did you mount yours on the column or under the dash??



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Y2K F150 4x4 XL Med Torredor Red
4.2 5 speed,AIRAID, SuperCHIP,
3.55 LS, Leer camper shell, bedrug,
Ranchhand Rover Brushguard 2X Off road lights
Tint/alarm/ aftermarket keyless entry/locks
2m radio, CB, 3 Scanners
regulator@f150driver.com

 

My tach is up on the column, the a-piller may worl if you got the plastic to do it, you know the little housing for it, and you can route it through your dash.
OHHH i forgot to tell yall, the headlight switch is suppossed to come off very first thing. all you have to do, is turn the thing on, then pull out, it will click out. then pry it off, turn it around 180 degrees and stick it back on. turn it to let loose the clips on the back and it will slide right out. it seems weird as you are reading it, but youll see how it works once you get it off, and wonder, wow that was simple, why didnt i think of that?>?

well guys think i am pretty lucky, because those coils on top can hold a lot ov voltage and i was laying in my driveway for a while. i think a good 2.5-30 hrs, so DONT do what i did!!! but i got smart after that and thought that the xlts are really no different except a different instrument cluster and they should have the same harness,
well guys, keep ROCKING, peac out

------------------
'97 F-150 XL,
5-spd 3.05 final drive
K&N air filter,
30" glass pack

...more to come
WILL WORK FOR
SUPERCHARGER!!!

 

My father is into micro controlers and making things so he is making a tach to go above my aftermarket stereo. He has already made one fore our 79 f-150 which we have used for testing and we have the right sensor and now all to be done is fabrication of the actual board and display.
Just thought i would tell ya'll about that.
Chuck

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1999 XL, 2WD, standard cab, short bed, sport package, nascar package, bright red, V-6, 5 speed, Rockford Fosgate CD player, Pioneer 6x8. class 3 hitch, fog lights, Black Rhino Lining
http://www.geocities.com/bassbuster/truck.html

 

Hey Regulator,

When you complete your tach mode can you let as know how it works on a y2k.
I have a y2k and have ran into walls trying to get a tach installed. I called Auto-meter and they said their's will not work on the y2k due to not compatible with y2k electrics or something like that. If this sunpro works, then off to auto zone I go.
If you would be so kind please post results.
According to the chilton's electrical schematic you should be able to tap into pin #48 w/pk clr code on the pcm.

------------------
"Silver Steed"
Stock '00 XL
Silver flareside sprcab, 5 spd, 4.2L V6.

Email:
ferdi_n@f150driver.com
ferdi_n@hotmail.com



[This message has been edited by slvrsteed (edited 10-03-2000).]

 

Just thought you guys might want tyo know that if you hold down on the trip odometer reset **** while you start it up and keep it down until you see test in the little display, you can then push the ****(button) until you get a TACH.

 

fourduece - thanks for that info. I just tried it on my truck and saw about 30 diplays. Can you point me towards info on what each of these mean, some are obvious while others are not. Any way to make it stay in tach mode without holding the button when starting each time?

When I picked up my 2000 from the dealer he only had a manual for the 1999 so maybe it's published in the manual and I never saw it?