1997 4.6 tach problems

[segrandam]

been having problems with my tach either not working at all or running backwards starting out it will be at 6 grand and then comes back towards 2 crazy and there is a weird dinging noise comin from behind the glove box almost sounds like a pager going off only does it on start up

[Selectron]

Regarding the dinging noise - is your airbag indicator lamp illuminating as normal? I believe it should illuminate for a few seconds when the ignition is switched to the 'Run' position. If there's a fault in the system and the lamp isn't working then the system beeps instead, to alert you to the fault condition. On the Escort, it's a series of five sets of five beeps, whilst on other models (early Crown Vic, for example) I've read of it being three sets of five beeps, so if it's a similar pattern of beeps then it's probably trying to tell you the same thing - the indicator lamp is not working.

If it's just a blown lamp then replacing it will stop the beeps. If you have another fault condition, it will then proceed to indicate the fault code by flashing the lamp.

This is from the Ford service manual for the Escort:

If a system fault is present and the air bag indicator is malfunctioning, an audible tone will be heard from the air bag diagnostic monitor, indicating that system service is required. The tone is a series of five sets of five beeps. This does not indicate a diagnostic trouble code 55. If the tone is heard, the air bag indicator is inoperative and a system fault that requires repair is present.

[segrandam]

so if the lights not coming on thats what would make it do that cause i checked and my lights not coming on at all now the fun begins how to tear the dash apart enough to change the bulb lol