Autogage Tachometer
Installation Instructions
| A tachometer is a good addition to any vehicle equipped with a manual
transmission. In my Jeep CJ-7, I didn't have one of those rare factory
tachs so I chose the Autogage Tachometer 3-3/4 inch with an 8,000 RPM range in
a black finish to be mounted on the steering column of the Jeep. This
universal tach can be used with 4, 6, or 8 cylinder engines and comes in a
variety of models 2300, 2301, 2302, 2303, 2304, 2309. |
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| Installation of the Autogage Tachometer was fairly simple with only
minor wiring including a wire to the distributor, a good ground, a 12 volt
switched power source and a wire to power the tach's light. The
following write-up is an overview of the installation I followed and
includes a few illustrations from the installation guide provided from
Autogage. |
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Engine Cylinder Adjustment
The Autogage tachometer comes factory calibrated for 8 cylinder engines,
which made it easy for me since I have the AMC 360 V8. To change the tach
to operate on 4 or 6 cylinder engines, a pair of dip switches are located within
the tach to make the adjustment.
- To get to the cylinder dip switches you have to remove rear cup by placing the tachometer face down on.
A phillips screw retains the cup so remove that screw located on the back.
Gently lift the cup off
to expose the circuit boards. Careful not to pull on the wires.
- Locate the dips switches on the circuit board. Move each of the
two switches to the proper cylinder selection according to the
diagram illustration on the right.
4 Cyl. - Both switches down
6 Cyl. - Switch #1 down. Switch #2 up
8 Cyl.- Both switches up
- Replace the cup back onto the tach with mounting bracket located
at the bottom while making sure the wires are clear of the screw hole,
then reinstall the screw.
Wiring the Tachometer
Connect the tachometer wires as shown in the wiring diagrams below, which are typical installations.
In my case, I first started with the Figure A wiring, but later Figure B with
the installation of the HEI distributor in my Jeep.
Figure A
For Chrysler Blue, Gold and Silver Boxes, Ford Standard Electronic Ignitions,
and most other OEM Standard, CD and Electronic ignitions.
Figure B
For ignitions that provide a tach terminal (except MSD-5).
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IMPORTANT: WARRANTY WILL BE VOID IF CONNECTED TO COIL ON MSD CAPACITIVE
IGNITION. |
Figure C
For GM HEI ignitions.
Shift-Lite Operation
Some of the Autogage universal tachs come equipped with shift
lights to indicate to shift based on an RPM set point that might
indicate your engine's max horsepower has been reached. The following
instructions that were provided by Autogage explain how to set the shift
point.
(Models 2302 & 2309)
To operate the Auto gage Shift-Lite tachometer, first determine your engine's
shift point for max. horsepower (for example, 3400 rpm). Turn on the power
to the tach. Set the desired RPM by turning the adjust knob on the back of
the tach, the pointer will move. Stop when it reaches the desired shift
point. Turn the power off. The tach will now use the selected shift
point, until set differently. When the tachometer reaches your set point,
the red shift light will come on. It will stay on until the engine speed
drops below the set point.
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 Note: If the engine is running, the shift point can't be set.
Note: The shift point setting can be checked anytime the vehicle is
started. Turn the ignition on and the shift point setting will show on the
dial.
The Auto gage 2302 & 2309 tachometers works on the following
ignitions:
- Chrysler Blue Box
- Chrysler Gold Box
- Chrysler Silver Box
- Ford Standard Electronic
- MSD (with tach terminal)
- Most other OEM standard
- GM HEI CD, and electronic ignitions.
Accel Laser I & II, and BEI ignitions are compatible with the Auto gage
model 2302 tachometer when used with Auto Meter Model 5215 BEI/Laser
Adapter. Laser II with date code of 8100 or higher do not require adapter
and use Figure B for hook-up.
Special Note: Your model 2302 tachometer operates off your car's
ignition. Problems such as bouncing ignition points, bad plug wires,
defective ignition capacitor, or arcing distributor cap may cause erratic
readings on your tachomter. To insure steady, accurate readings, make
necessary adjustments to your ignition.
Use 12 volt 2 watt bulb (Model 3217) as a replacement bulb for night
lighting.
 SHIFT-LITE COVERImportant: The 2309 Tachometer Shift-Lite is designed for maximum
brightness during daylight use. This may be too bright for night
driving. A yellow bulb cover is included to reduce the brightness for
night driving.
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Mounting the Autgage Tachometer to my steering column was fairly easy.
I didn't want to drill holes in the column so I chose to use a large hose
clamp, which I first painted black and wrapped with a layer of electrical
tape to minimize slipping and scratches in the freshly painted steering
column. |
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| Otherwise mounting can be done using the mounting screw provided with
the Autogage tach. When selecting a mounting location for the tach
base, make sure the tachometer
can be adjusted to the proper position for best visibility. To get to the
screw holes you'll need to separate the base from the tach and mount the
base first. |
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| On models 2300, 2301, 2303, and 2304, the washer and nut are mounted on
the opposite side of where the screw is inserted. |
| On models 2302 & 2309, the lock washer and washer are on the head
end of the screw then slide into the tach and tightened into
preinstalled nut on other side. |
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| DIAL ROTATION The dial can be rotated for optimum legibility. Loosen the screw at the
center back of the cup, turn the bezel, then retighten the screw. Rotate
dial no more than 180 degrees in either direction. If binding is felt,
remove cup and reposition wires.
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