Tachometer Installation
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 22
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From: Arkansas
Tachometer Installation
I have a 97 F150 XL 5speed with no tachometer and i was wondering if anyone knew how to hook one up. I would like to put one on cuz im interested in what engine speed it and also I have to teach my Fiance how to drive a stick.
I head that there was a signal wire for a tach on some models in the dash wiring harness but im not sure.
I head that there was a signal wire for a tach on some models in the dash wiring harness but im not sure.
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
Since you have a 97 it's analog. Go to the junkyard and find another Analog cluster. I got one out of an Expedition. Be careful of the blue film on the back however. I fried three alternators with it being slightly damaged.
Replacing it very is simple just start unbolting parts of the dash. It shouldn't take more than 20 minutes. When you get to the headlight switch, look up how to take it out. I find it a complete pain and it breaks very easily. On the back of the cluster there are three plug ins that come out and just swap out the clusters and mark your mileage down.
Replacing it very is simple just start unbolting parts of the dash. It shouldn't take more than 20 minutes. When you get to the headlight switch, look up how to take it out. I find it a complete pain and it breaks very easily. On the back of the cluster there are three plug ins that come out and just swap out the clusters and mark your mileage down.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Arkansas
Since you have a 97 it's analog. Go to the junkyard and find another Analog cluster. I got one out of an Expedition. Be careful of the blue film on the back however. I fried three alternators with it being slightly damaged.
Replacing it very is simple just start unbolting parts of the dash. It shouldn't take more than 20 minutes. When you get to the headlight switch, look up how to take it out. I find it a complete pain and it breaks very easily. On the back of the cluster there are three plug ins that come out and just swap out the clusters and mark your mileage down.
Replacing it very is simple just start unbolting parts of the dash. It shouldn't take more than 20 minutes. When you get to the headlight switch, look up how to take it out. I find it a complete pain and it breaks very easily. On the back of the cluster there are three plug ins that come out and just swap out the clusters and mark your mileage down.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 32
From: Atlanta, GA
Gauge cluster swap is NOT easy on the 99+ due to that PATS system, meaning you'd have to go to a dealer after the cluster swap (and the truck might not even start). The '97 and '98 do not have PATS, and when my cluster gave me headaches (2 gauges not working, and the tach was always 700 RPM higher than actual), I got a used one, put new LEDs in there, and now it's perfect! I'd go with a tach installed donor cluster - they're as much as a good aftermarket SunPro or AutoGage external tach.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 22
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From: Arkansas
I think next week i will buy a new tachometer and start the install. I will do pictures with it just incase someone else wants to install one without knowing how. I dont think it will be to bad