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TACH needle jumps around while cranking

  • Thread starter Thread starter FoMoCo17
  • Start date Start date Nov 23, 2011

FoMoCo17

Member
Apr 1, 2011
188
3
18
Nov 23, 2011
#1
  • Nov 23, 2011
  • #1
1990 Mustang - Supercharged

When I start my car during "Cranking", the Tach needle bounces all around ... once running, it doesn't do it but am wondering if I have some sort of ignition related problem? I don't recall the needle bouncing all the way up to 3,000 rpm and back down repeatedly a while back ... any ideas? Only acts erratic while cranking the engine.
 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician
Aug 8, 2003
8,016
1,613
194
NJ
Nov 24, 2011
#2
  • Nov 24, 2011
  • #2
I believe most vehicles with a tach do the same thing. When you turn the engine the tach sensor wire is hot in start position.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
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Mar 10, 2000
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Dublin GA
Nov 24, 2011
#3
  • Nov 24, 2011
  • #3
On stock EFI Mustangs, the tach signal is picked up from the TFI module and is called the IDM Sense signal. It uses computer pin # 4, a Dark green/Yellow wire: the wire has a 22K Ohm resistor inside the wiring harness between the TFI module and the computer.

If you have an aftermarket ignition, your setup may be different.

Diagram courtesy of Tmoss & Stang&2birds


See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds (website host) for help on 88-95 wiring http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/ Everyone should bookmark this site.

Ignition switch wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/IgnitionSwitchWiring.gif

Fuel, alternator, A/C and ignition wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/fuel-alt-links-ign-ac.gif

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 88-91 Mass Air Mustangs
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/88-91_5.0_EEC_Wiring_Diagram.gif

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 91-93 Mass Air Mustangs
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/91-93_5.0_EEC_Wiring_Diagram.gif

Vacuum diagram 89-93 Mustangs
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/mustangFoxFordVacuumDiagram.jpg

HVAC vacuum diagram
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/Mustang_AC_heat_vacuum_controls.gif

TFI module differences & pinout
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/TFI_5.0_comparison.gif

Fuse box layout
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/MustangFuseBox.gif
 

Attachments

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FoMoCo17

Member
Apr 1, 2011
188
3
18
Nov 24, 2011
#4
  • Nov 24, 2011
  • #4
Yes, I know all of this ... the 22K resistor is there and is measured. I have a MSD Billet distributor w/stock internals and MSD coil. Just was wondering why the tach was jumping around while cranking ... anyone know?
 

FoMoCo17

Member
Apr 1, 2011
188
3
18
Nov 27, 2011
#5
  • Nov 27, 2011
  • #5
Should it bounce up to 3,000 rpm and back down when starting and to lower levels like 2,000 rpm then back down to 0 continually while starting. It looks very erratic, and I do not recall if it always did this?
 
P

PoweredByAFR185

New Member
Aug 13, 2002
18
1
3
Buford, Georgia
Nov 27, 2019
#6
  • Nov 27, 2019
  • #6
FoMoCo, I know this is an old thread, but mine does the same thing. Did you every figure out the issue with the tach bouncing on crank?
 
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