The Function of Car RPM Tachometer & How to Install It

When discussing car tachometers, many car owners or users are still confused about this component. Most car users only recognize the car speedometer as an indicator of the car's speed. 

A tachometer is one of the electrical measuring instruments that is also an instrument of the speedometer, but has a different function.

So what is the actual function of a tachometer and how do you install this component correctly? Here are some functions of the tachometer and how to install it properly.

What is the Function of a Tachometer in a Car? Check This Out..

Some functions of the car tachometer include:

1. Monitoring the engine speed or RPM of the car while it is moving. The driver can control the car's speed according to the normal RPM limits.
2. As an indicator of the engine's health condition. If the RPM number does not change when the AC is turned on, then the vehicle's engine can be said to be in prime and healthy condition. However, if the RPM number changes, it means the vehicle's engine is experiencing problems.
3. As an indicator determining the durability of the engine and several components within it. If you drive the car recklessly or the car's speed always exceeds the normal RPM limits, it can shorten the lifespan of several components in the engine.

Read Also: Here is the Difference Between Speedometer, Odometer, & Car Tachometer

How to Properly Install a Car Tachometer

Here are some steps you can follow when installing a tachometer in your car:

1. Prepare a set of tachometers that you have purchased from an automotive store. Usually, a set of tachometers contains (for the DEFI BF type: tachometer frame, tachometer, bracket, rear cover of the tachometer, shift light, tachometer feature adjustment button, and 5 cables which are black, red, yellow, green, and pink. 
2. After preparing a set of tachometers, you can determine the right location for placing the tachometer in the car. You can place it on the right side of the car's dashboard.
3. Use the car lighter as an alternative power source to turn on the tachometer. Disassemble the lighter section, where there are three cables: the ground cable for the lighter, the positive current cable for the lighter, and the cable for the parking light.
4. After disassembling the lighter section, connect the ground cable of the tachometer (black cable) by connecting it to the ground cable from the lighter.
5. Then connect the yellow cable of the tachometer to the input cable of the lighter. The purpose of this connection is so that when you turn the car key to the ACC position, the tachometer will turn on.
6. Next, connect the input of the lighter for the parking light with the pink cable from the tachometer.
7. Once the cables are connected, the next step is to go to the battery section. Connect the red cable from the tachometer to the positive terminal of the battery. As you know, the battery is the supplier and storage of electrical current in the car's electrical system. Thus, the power for the tachometer will come from the battery.
8. Next, prepare a new cable, connect it to the green cable of the tachometer. Usually, this cable is quite short and cannot reach the coil section. You need to connect this cable with another longer cable.
9. If the green tachometer cable has been connected to another longer cable, connect that cable to the coil or RPM signal input. The installation process is complete.
10. Next, start the car to see if the tachometer is already on or not.
11. After that, calibrate the car's RPM according to the calibration rules until the resulting RPM value is accurate.

Read Also: Let's Check How to Use Analog and Digital Avometers Correctly

If you feel less skilled in installing and calibrating the car tachometer, you can carry out the installation and calibration process by visiting the nearest official workshop or Daihatsu dealer to assist with your needs.