• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech

calibrate RPM guage

  • Thread starter Thread starter 99v6mustang
  • Start date Start date Apr 7, 2009
9

99v6mustang

New Member
Nov 29, 2008
12
0
0
Apr 7, 2009
#1
  • Apr 7, 2009
  • #1
Hey i just bought an 02 V6 mustang. the guy that had it before me took out the original guage cluster and put in the look alike cobra guages for the V6. however when he did this he said he had to take out the needles. so supposedly im only pushing 1300 RPMs while doing 60 ,haha. but while doing so ihe messed up the needle fo the RPMs. Everything else is correct, fuel, MPH, bat., and Oil.

My question. Is there a website or can someone type out a step-by-step walk through on how to take out eh guage cluster and reset the RPMs so that they are correct... Thansks
 

slowfashow

New Member
Feb 12, 2009
61
0
0
29Palms california
Apr 9, 2009
#2
  • Apr 9, 2009
  • #2
i have an 04 v-6, when im going around 75 MPH the RPM needle reads around 2500 RPM's in 5th gear, if i go 60 MPH it reads in the 1300 to 1500 rpm area in 5th gear as well, the only thing i can think of that you would have to resynchronize your rpms for is if you installed different size gears and all it takes to do that is a Tuning Chip like the Predator. besides that i dont think its abnormal for your RPM neddle to be like that. What gear are you rolling in when that happens?
 
9

99v6mustang

New Member
Nov 29, 2008
12
0
0
Apr 9, 2009
#3
  • Apr 9, 2009
  • #3
Im in 5th gear doing 55-60 when its reading 1300's. (BTW my idle is at 500, doesnt sound like that though. sounds higher. maybe around 700 or 800) . As far as i know they are stock gears. Any suggestions on chips? I was looking at the SCT.
 

Skymarshal

Member
Nov 5, 2004
572
0
16
Dallas
Apr 9, 2009
#4
  • Apr 9, 2009
  • #4
I wouldn't try fixing this with a tuner. The problem is that the needle was not put back on the shaft correctly. I'm not sure if it's indexed- you might just have to experiment, using an external tach to see if it's in the right place. You could probably get pretty close on the first try if you note where the needle reads vs. the actual RPM and move the needle the precise angle needed (keep the shaft stationary with a tweezers or small needle-nose pliers.
 
9

99v6mustang

New Member
Nov 29, 2008
12
0
0
Apr 10, 2009
#5
  • Apr 10, 2009
  • #5
Any ideas on the external tach? or should i buy one? Or could i find a computer to read the engines RPM's?
I did another 'test' im at 2000RPM at 75 MPH.
 

Skymarshal

Member
Nov 5, 2004
572
0
16
Dallas
Apr 10, 2009
#6
  • Apr 10, 2009
  • #6
I have a needle-style tach that is used for giving older cars tune-ups. I think I paid $20 for it. It only reads up to about 2000 RPM (it's used for setting idle speed), but that's all you need to calibrate the needle to the actual RPM. It sounds like you're not too far off- I think I'm at about 2300 RPM at 75.
 
9

99v6mustang

New Member
Nov 29, 2008
12
0
0
Apr 11, 2009
#7
  • Apr 11, 2009
  • #7
Alright cool, could i pick on of these up at a local auto parts store?
And one more question, what size is your read end? Im not 100% sure but i think stocks are 2.73 and i do believe that what i have.
 

Skymarshal

Member
Nov 5, 2004
572
0
16
Dallas
Apr 11, 2009
#8
  • Apr 11, 2009
  • #8
That kind of tach is called a tach/dwell meter. I'm sure your local auto store has them, or they're online starting at around $5. They look like an analog voltmeter with several scales under the needle (one is RPM).

Your RPM is 1300 at 60 and 2000 at 75? That doesn't seem right. I wonder if the needle is loose and moving around. For reference, I checked today and I'm exactly a needle width above 2000 RPM at exactly 70MPH.

Your diff has 3.27 gears from the factory.
 
9

99v6mustang

New Member
Nov 29, 2008
12
0
0
Apr 12, 2009
#9
  • Apr 12, 2009
  • #9
Okay, thanks Ill go and look for that tach.

With it being loose maybe, could that be as simple as poping off the panel and pushing the needle on better or would i have to take everything out and then put it all back together?

okay 3.27 thanks.. couldnt find it anywhere.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Electrical Oil Pressure Gauge IN Dash Cluster Unresponsive
  • Nine Finger Wrenching
  • Jan 7, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
17
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 8, 2025
85GTStangGuy
Electrical Innovate PSB-1 is DOA? Am I an idiot? All plausable. Please Help
  • Dontknowchit
  • Apr 26, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
1
Views
442
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 26, 2025
Dontknowchit
K
Fox Car want crank back up after idling.
  • kimscales
  • Nov 25, 2024
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
24
Views
875
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Dec 4, 2024
Noobz347
M
Engine Unexplainable Exhaust Pop and Gurgle
  • Mrnissen122
  • Feb 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
550
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 18, 2026
Noobz347
Place to Avoid: Jamison Auto Group in Gulfport, MS
  • D Durden
  • Oct 20, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • 2 3
Replies
45
Views
2K
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Feb 4, 2026
nickyb
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?