Tach stopped working

Micchi · Mar 3, 2012

I got in my truck earlier and noticed the tach was sitting on 0 while driving. It worked last night when I parked it. It's a '99 1500 Ram Sport with the 5.2L and an automatic transmission.

It doesn't appear to be affecting anything. Haven't had a chance to look at it closer since my wife is out shopping and I'm watching our son. Not sure where to start looking.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Bigtman07 · Mar 3, 2012

Hmmm that's an interesting one. Could be a sensor or even the cluster. Hard one. What's everyone else here think?

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Micchi · Mar 4, 2012

Well, I checked the fuse and relay no problem there. Guess the next step is to start tracing wires

nussdawg395 · Mar 4, 2012

You can find out if there is a problem with your actual gauge cluster, You can run a gauge check by holding the trip odometer reset button (ignition off), then turning on the ignition ("On" position right before the "start" position). Hold the trip reset button until the odometer displays "CHEC". Release the button, and the gauge cluster will undergo a self-diagnostic check, which includes LED segment test (illuminates all LED segments), idiot light test, and gauge check. During the gauge check, the oil pressure gauge should read (if memory serves me right) 0psi, then approx 25psi, then approx 55psi, and finally 110psi. If there are any gauge cluster fault codes, they will display in the odometer at the completion of the test. Otherwise everything returns to normal.
Other than that your on the right track tracing wires.

(p.s. I stole this)

Micchi · Mar 4, 2012

OK, now we're getting somewhere. Did the gauge test, all of the gauges moved except the tach. Didn't see any codes, it just went back to the mileage.

nussdawg395 · Mar 4, 2012

I'd say it is the cluster then.

Micchi · Mar 4, 2012

Yep, thanks for the help. Never knew there was a test for the gauges. You saved me a lot of time.

nussdawg395 · Mar 4, 2012

No problem, glad you got it figured out!

Bigtman07 · Mar 5, 2012

Good info didn't know there was a cluster test. Awesome!!!

Sent from my apple torching Droid.

Micchi · Mar 6, 2012

Well got in my truck to go home after work and the tach worked!! I'm thinking there might be a loose connection. I'll have to pull the cluster and make sure the plugs are secure.

johnnyjaws98 · May 6, 2012

thanks didnt know about the test

LTD-II · May 25, 2012

Did you ever find out what the problem was with your tach? Loose connection, bad electronics?

I just bought a 1998 SS/T and after running the cluster diagnostic, I am getting the same results -- everything besides the tach.

bigtigga84 · May 25, 2012

Mines an 06 but it does the same thing. have done a ton of googling about it and from the pre RF forums have decided the little motor that turns the needle is bad. It's called a stepper motor. found a video a couple weeks ago at work showing how to replace them. Buddies gmc was doing it and we were looking. he got a "new" cluster from napa for 200 bucks. i just haven't taken the time to mess with it.

LTD-II · May 29, 2012

This tach problem is one of the goofiest things that I have ever encountered in any vehicle that I've owned. At first it wasn't working at all, and then the next day it started working like it normally would. No problems since. I'm sure it will come up again in the not-too-distant future.

Micchi · Jun 25, 2012

Mine still does it from time to time. I just smack the dash and it starts working again. I'm not really worried about for now.

Tach stopped working

Micchi

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