non tach to tach cluster install

So i read up that you can just switch clusters.
so I went to the local junk yard and bought one.. ($100.00)
put it in, tach doesnt work.
checked all fuses-ok.
checked wires for tach #5 and #12 both are plugged into the connector
wtf? the tach needle moves by hand but not when cars on.
i checked all the bulbs in the back and there ok, made sure they are in good and tight.

whats goin on? i think the tach is bad in the cluster.. am i doin somethin wrong?

also how do u add mileage, i cant seem to spin the odometer

[QUOTE=veedubmechanic]So i read up that you can just switch clusters.

Seems like others have done just what you have and it works. Search this forum for Tachometer to see.

Seems like others have done just what you have and it works. Search this forum for Tachometer to see.

yea already did that. Tonight I took the cluster totally apart to inspect it to see whats up. (took it for a test drive with cluster in and fuel guage doesnt work and tach doesnt work. All other parts/ lights work)

well as for the circuit board, looks like all the contacts for the bulbs are corodded. all the bulb contacts are corodded. the circuit board looks wavy. and the cluster itsself smels funky when i drove it. It reads 43k miles, looks to me as if the cluster came out of a car from a flood. tried to clean contacts on circuit and bulbs but no help. looks like tomorrow its time to call the junk yard and have them replace my bad cluster I bought with a different one.

well if you changed if from a non tach cluster to a tach cluster then you might have to make a separate connection to the ignition coil...

Hope it works out. I'm considering doing this as well. $90 at one of my local wreckers.

so after looking at wiring diagrams for a while and looking at my car, I found out how to install an aftermarket tach. (mine had one when I bought it but the tach was fryed). You actually have to go off the igniter not the distributor harness.
this is the igniter, it has a 5plug harness
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/slimshady02/igniter1.jpg

this is the harness and wire to tap off of (according to wiring diagram black wire in slot 4 goes to cluster tach)
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/slimshady02/igniter2.jpg

I am picking up my 2nd cluster from the junk yard 2morrow, hopefully it works or its time to check the wires between the igniter and tach ( previous owner might have accidentally cut the wire!!!! ???)

I've also read somewhere on-line that you can connect an aftermarket Tach to one of the terminals on the OBDII connector. Might lead to the same place . . .

actually yes you can, i have a very good detailed instructions for installing a tach cluster. I fould there is no wire in the dash harness from the engine harness that goes to the cluster for the tach. I have pictures and wires needed from toyota to install the wire and get the tach cluster running. (i guess the 4afe engine interrior harness doesnt have the wire but the 7afe harness does. it would be plug and play for the 7afe no tach cluster because the wire is already there, but for the 4afe you need to install the wire.

harness conector from engine harness to dash harness its pin 19 i believe.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/slimshady02/harness1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/slimshady02/harness2.jpg

blue cluster connector pin 5
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/slimshady02/harness4.jpg

pics up next week when my wires arive at my dealer

got the wires today (supposedly they were on nat. backorder.. i dont know why cuz there wires, and they need them to build cars...)

neway the wires you will need are one of each:
cluster wire - 82998-24180
harness wire - 82998-12330

its $10.00 worth of wire and you will need approx 3-4ft of 16g wire and 2 butt connectors.

the flat harness wire goes here 4 over from the left on the top:
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/slimshady02/harness5.jpg

the other one goes into the blue connector 5 over from the left

if you installed the wires properly walaa..
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/slimshady02/P1240071.jpg

good job, hopefully this helps other people in there quest for a tach install.

Is it possible to reup or send me the images since the images are not showing up at all... Thankx appreciate it.

I am sorry that I am not writing about this care. I am looking for VeeDubMechanic. I live in Eau Claire, WI... about 1.5 hours east of Minneapolis. I saw a previous post that you thought I could find updated wiring harnesses for my 99 Beetle. I tell you... this car comes down with all kinds of problems. This is the newest one. First they said that an assembly for my right headlamp will cost no less than 270 for the part. Then they said that the reason that I have been back in five times to change my bulbs is that I need an updated wiring harness. VW here said that a wiring harness costs $170! They must be talking about a whole wiring kit or something. Anyways, I am hoping to find VeeDubMechanic since he seems to know what's up and that he is in the same area as I am and might know what I can do. I cannot pay $500 dollars to get my right headlight working right! I hope you can help! I can be messaged if you click on my name, I hope! Thanks!