Aftermarket tach light hookup question

[racer190]

Got a sunpro tach and I have it working, except for the light. I would like to have it be operated by the dash lights dimmer control, and have it come on when I turn on the headlights. What color wire to I need to splice into to do this?

 

[MAKG]

Never rely on color codes alone. They change, and are often documented incorrectly.

Get a voltmeter and see which wires in the headlight switch do what you want.

 

[racer190]

Ok, how about if I say its for a 1998 2.5. I would have to take apart the dash to get to the back of the headlight switch, and I dont really want to do that. I would just like a wire color so that the tach light comes on when I turn on the headlights. Thanks!

 

[shadetree]

Your truck should have a cluster dimming module. Output from the module is a black/pink wire. The headlight switch should not be a problem as it is attached to the cluster bezel. Three or 4 screws, and the bezel will come off. The module connector is next to the headlight switch.

Wire from the headlight switch to the headlights is brown without anti-theft, and white/black with anti-theft. Maybe this can get your started. Good luck. shady

 

[racer190]

So, if I want it to work off of the dimming module that controls the cluster lights, I would just need to splice into the black/pink wire? Thanks shady!

 

[shadetree]

So, if I want it to work off of the dimming module that controls the cluster lights, I would just need to splice into the black/pink wire? Thanks shady!

I would first try the selected wire with a test light. That particular wire goes several places. If it dims as it should, you are good to go. If not, let us know.shady

 

[racer190]

Thanks Shady for all the help, but actually the wire that was needed for it to be in conjunction with the dimmer control was a blue/orange wire coming from the dimmer. Works great now! Thanks again!

 

[shadetree]

Thanks Shady for all the help, but actually the wire that was needed for it to be in conjunction with the dimmer control was a blue/orange wire coming from the dimmer. Works great now! Thanks again!

Thank you for the reply. My schematic leaves a little to be desired, but at least it got you into the ballpark. I have made a notation on the schematic if the question comes up again. My diagram does not show a blue/orange wire. It would be interesting to know if the black/pink wire will do the same thing, IF your truck has one. shady

 

[85general]

idk if i did it the best way with my sunpro tach but i just found a bulb in my dash (think it was for my heater control lights) an spliced into that off the tach an comes on with my lights an works with the dimmer ha works like a charm

 

[racer190]

Thank you for the reply. My schematic leaves a little to be desired, but at least it got you into the ballpark. I have made a notation on the schematic if the question comes up again. My diagram does not show a blue/orange wire. It would be interesting to know if the black/pink wire will do the same thing, IF your truck has one. shady

Actually, there were 2 black/pink wires coming from the dimmer control, one controls the dome light, and the other im not sure. I have a haynes manual and in the back of it there is a section with all the wiring diagrams, and I looked and looked, but did not find a blue/orange wire either. Go figure!