Hey guys,

My gf just bought a 95 SE today. There seems to be some problem with the tach, in that it stays at 0 at all times. Does anyone know of a fix or any info regarding this problem? I didn't see any info in the stickies about it. I saw some people simply checking for loose connections in the guage cluster, but what sensor does it connect to in the engine bay?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

Does the engine run?

Seriously, you probably need a new (or used) instrument cluster.

 

i believe the green wire on the back of cluster is the rpm signal wire, make sure screws are tight if that does not work, buy used around 75 bucks

 

Resurrecting an old tach thread until I can create my own posts I just picked up a '95 SE and the tach is pegged on the RH redline side (if that mattes at all). Any other tests to try other than a tight green wire or getting a new/used one? TIA...

 

Does it return to 0 when you take the key out? Have you taken apart the cluster to see if it's locked up in that position?

 

It doesn't move at all. I've not yet dug into it. Just wanted to get some feeling for what to check prior to tearing the dash apart.

 

Then it's probably just stuck in place. Did the PO install any sort of gauge overlay?

 

Don't think so, and doubt it based on disposition of the PO...all looks OEM to me (white SE faces). Was just wondering if I can perform a test to rule out signal problem or mechanical issue.

 

Most likely the gauge is bad. I have a spare tach that doesnt work and it's the same thing as what you described.

What you could do... if you are bored... is open your gauge up and rotate the needle so it'll rest on the left hand side. That won't solve anything but it'll either rest at zero or beyond redline.

 

Hey man, before you go and buy a new tach or cluster, check those screws that hold it in place, one may be loose causing a bad connection and false reading. If the screws check out, have a look see if you are getting power up to it, when i had this problem i check power first, then the screws wish i had done the screws first, its easier.

Good luck to you man.

 

my speedo is, according to the previos owner about 10mph fast. i think its more, and the tach seems to go up rather slow, the gas guage only goes up to 3/4 of a tank, and im not sure the temp guage is right either based on the other stuff, but its the only that seems normal. i called a dealership about recalibaration, and they said they dont even know how they would recalibrate it, and that i need to buy a whole new cluster. then i talked to someone in parts, and they said i would have to buy them all separately. i dont understand how you can buy all of the guages themselves, not guage faces, individually. Are there mechanics that can do if the dealership cant? oh and the PO did install aftermarket guages. i think he installed new needles to.

 

What do you mean?



They're all separate pieces.

Now does it always read 10 MPH fast? As in, when you're sitting still is the needle on the 10 MPH mark?

If the gauges go up slowly they could be dragging on the overlays that were installed, have you checked that?

Personally I don't know of any calibration method for the gauges. For the fuel level and water temp you could ground them out, then rotate the needle to the max position, I imagine that would work.

 

no when im still it reads 0mph. I havent checked, but i def wanna remove these ugly overlays, and go back to OEM white as soon as i figure out how to do it. ive searched, but im honestly kinda nervous about taking them out. and when im slowing down rapidly, my speedo will stay at a certain speed, then suddenly drop down to a lower speed, stay there then drop down to 0. for example if its at 70, it will drop to 60 stay for about a sec or two, then immediately drop to 40 stay for a sec or two, then drop to zero, instead on smoothly and gradually dropping down.

 

It does sound almost like it's catching on the overlay material at certain points, maybe the adhesive is starting to fail.

 

yea, i guess ill have to work up the nerve to mess with these things if i cant find someone to do it 4 me. how do i take out the needles to get the overlays out, but keep my readings? or would it just be better to find a used cluster and swap?

 

Swapping is always easier but the quest for knowledge suffers immeasureably.

 

sorry i am just reading this now, but i am having similar problems. my tach sometimes moves randomly usually when im driving. when i park and idle, it shows around 3000-4000 rpms and when i rev it stops around 4500-5000, while the engine obviously goes over. sometimes when i park and turn the engine off it stays either 0 or 8000...

any possibilities? the speedometer and everything else on it is fine, and i have never taken that apart or adjusted it or anything. i also have never done real work on it personally tho only mechanics....

 

I know I am thread jumping but, I just replaced my instrument cluster and i still have the same problems is there any way to test the Tach to see if it works? My Tach stays at 0 all the time and I do have a CEL for it.