HELPPP! 5.0 swap tachometer accuracy

[Fletch!]

I have just recently got my 2001 5.0 t5 ranger (originally a 2.3 durartec) on the road and driving. My buddy rewired all of the sensors to work with the gauges. everything works well except for the tachometer, the tach seems to be reading super inaccurate. when it reaches higher rpm it looks like is revving out to 8-10k but there is absolutely no way it is in that range. I have yet to test if the rev limiter works in fear that I will over rev the engine. has anyone experienced a similar issue and know of a solution?

 

[Curious Hound]

Is everything set for the right number of cylinders?

 

[Fletch!]

I have no idea how I would do that? im running the stock explorer ecu

 

[JoshT]

IIRC there is a connector that needs to be repinned on the back of the instrument cluster. Just a matter of moving the terminal from one spot int he connector to another. Should be mention of it in one of the V8 tech articles.

IIRC for the I4 and V6 engines, the tach signal is routed through a resistor that is made into the flexable circuit on the back of the cluster. Moving this wire bypasses the resistors and sends tach signal straight to the gauge. Pretty much the same thing that they did on the Explorers from the factory, considering that it's the same basic cluster used between both models and all engine configurations.

 

[JoshT]

Went and found it for you.

Here’s how you modify your Ranger tachometer for V-8 use:

1) Get your dash apart and disconnect the cluster
2) If you have a EVTM turn to the Instrument cluster section
3) Locate Pin 8 on wire connector C216 (Black/Yellow Wire)
4) Use a very small flathead screwdriver to release the pin from the connector housing
5) Find Connector C214 (largest of the 3 for cluster)
6) Install the wire removed from C216 in to slot 16 on C214. This slot is currently vacant.
7) Put everything back together and fire it up. You’re all done.

From this tech article: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/explorer-5-0-swap-in-a-2000-ford-ranger/#gsc.tab=0


Unfortunately I do not have an EVTM handy to show you which connector on the cluster is which number.

 

[Curious Hound]

Josh beat me to it. Here is some more info from an old thread.

Tachometer install

Ok, ive installed a gauge cluster with tach from an 02 4.0 explorer into my 97 2.3 ranger, the odometer reads off and everybody says its a ground wire that needs to be swapped. Is that true? If so who has the cluster wire diagram of a 2.3 with tach?

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Fletch!]

Went and found it for you.



From this tech article: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/explorer-5-0-swap-in-a-2000-ford-ranger/#gsc.tab=0

thank you dawg

 

[JoshT]

Since yours was originally a 2.3L the info in @Curious Hound's link might be more accurate. According it it you may not have a wire to relocate and need to add one. First time I've seen that information, but I've never had reason to pay much attention to 4 cylinder specifics.

 

[Fletch!]

Since yours was originally a 2.3L the info in @Curious Hound's link might be more accurate. According it it you may not have a wire to relocate and need to add one. First time I've seen that information, but I've never had reason to pay much attention to 4 cylinder specifics.

Im still confused what do I need to swap or add considering that I have an i4? @Curious Hound

 

[Curious Hound]

It appears that you will need to add a ground wire to one of the connectors on the back of your instrument cluster. On the 16 pin connector, you will need to add a wire from pin 16 to ground, if I'm reading this table correctly.

 

[Fletch!]

thank you!

 

[Fletch!]

thank you!

It works just how it should you guys rock thank you!!! @Curious Hound @JoshT

 

[Curious Hound]

Congratulations. You did the work. I never even touched your truck.

 

[Ranger850]

Congratulations. You did the work. I never even touched your truck.

BUT, he had some help