How do I install a tach?? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

spills1969 · 03-10-2003, 09:20 PM

I was gonna go out and buy a tach that I can stick in the ole Cam, but I was just wantin to know how hard it is to install; is it a universal install, or vehicle-specific? What kinda wires/cables do I have to tap into? And if you guys have some pics (preferably 2nd Gen) of your install, please post pic or web addy so i can get an idea on what kinds to get and where to put it. thanx

88 LE · 03-10-2003, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spills1969
I was gonna go out and buy a tach that I can stick in the ole Cam, but I was just wantin to know how hard it is to install; is it a universal install, or vehicle-specific?

Aftermarket tachs are universal.

Quote:

What kinda wires/cables do I have to tap into?

Power (+12V), ground, parking light (so that the guage lights up at night), and tach signal.

Power and ground is self explanatory.

The parking light wire can be tapped off the headlight switch on the steering column or you can try the dimmer switch.

The tach signal can be tapped off the ignitor (silver box next to battery that says ignitor on it) or the ECU. Its the black wire on the ignitor.

Sorry I don't have any pics of a aftermarket tach install. My 2nd gen came with a factory tach (LE model).

spills1969 · 03-10-2003, 09:54 PM

So even if my car didn't come stock with a tach it will still have a "tach signal" wire on the ignitor?

88 LE · 03-10-2003, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spills1969
So even if my car didn't come stock with a tach it will still have a "tach signal" wire on the ignitor?

Yup.

91camryDX · 03-11-2003, 02:02 PM

The second gen has a IIA(integrated ignition assembly). To get the RPM reading, you put that wire in the IIA testing port. I ran my positive wire to my ignition fuse, which is in the fuse box on the drivers front side. This way, whenever I insert my key the tach lights up and resets itself to 0 RPM. Also, if the key is not in, it will not receive power and thus not drain your battery. I took the negative wire and ran it behind a bolt and then tightened the bolt down to ground it. It's a pretty straightforward installation, and the only wire you have to run through the firewall is the one to the IIA testing port.

Sorry for the poor quality pictures, I can not find my nice digital camera.

The first picture gives you an idea of where the IIA testing port is located.

The second is just a close up of it.

The third shows the adapter you need to buy to insert the wire into the testing port. Mine was included with the kit, I forget what it is called.

Oh and here's a pic of the finished product.

DIRTBIKEZ · 03-11-2003, 03:55 PM

Spills, like you, I also have a 4cyl automatic and was looking for a tach. I took the stock look approach because IMO an aftermarket tach for my application was, and I hate to use this term because I know it creates turmoil, ricey. Maybe you should consider swapping a speedo cluster from a 5spd. Just another option. -Sean

FRITO · 03-11-2003, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DIRTBIKEZ
Spills, like you, I also have a 4cyl automatic and was looking for a tach. I took the stock look approach because IMO an aftermarket tach for my application was, and I hate to use this term because I know it creates turmoil, ricey. Maybe you should consider swapping a speedo cluster from a 5spd. Just another option. -Sean

i agree 100%. i dont like the look of an aftermarket tach. MAYBE if i were to make a nice custom a-pillar spot for it with some other tachs i would accept it. i just plan on getting a tach from a 5-speed though....then make mine a 5 spd......

spills1969 · 03-11-2003, 06:17 PM

Hmm, interesting. I never thought of switching out the instrument gauges. But, would it hook up dorectly, elec connectors, speed. cable and all? just wonderin...

DIRTBIKEZ · 03-11-2003, 06:24 PM

99% idiot proof. Plug n' play.

93_XLE · 03-12-2003, 06:36 PM

Why do you need a tach with an automatic?

gqdabien · 03-12-2003, 09:29 PM

I am looking for that too, automatic

I maily want to do it for looks and also if i plan on swapping to manual it'll be really cool .

DIRTBIKEZ · 03-12-2003, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Why do you need a tach with an automatic?

Its not "needed" persay. I like it because its gives me some extra information about how my engine is running.

spills1969 · 03-13-2003, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DIRTBIKEZ

Its not "needed" persay. I like it because its gives me some extra information about how my engine is running.

Yea, I'm the same. Sometimes i got my stero goin i got so many highs and lows goin i cant hear my engine, so i'd like to know if im hittin the gast too hard, or if i can give it a little more...