Auto Meter 1290 User Manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

TACH/SPEEDO COMBO

2650-1175-00 Rev. B

QUESTIONS:

If after completely reading these instructions you have questions regarding the operation or installation of your instrument(s),

please contact Auto Meter Technical Service at 815-899-0801.

You may also email us at [e-mail].

Additional information can also be found at http://www.autometer.com/tech_faq.aspx

General Information

The electronic speedometer in this instrument utilizes a single LCD to display odometer and two trip odometer mileages. Press the Trip/Reset button on the dial
window to cycle between odometer, Trip 1, and Trip 2 displays on the LCD. Pressing and holding the Trip/Reset button for more than 2 seconds while viewing
either Trip display will reset the trip currently being displayed. The odometer cannot be reset.

NOTE: The odometer on the speedometer portion of this instrument will show some mileage less than 5 miles (8km). This is a result of factory testing to en­sure optimum quality.

TIP: Auto Meter always recommends performing the calibration process for best speedometer accuracy.

Speedometer Senders:

The electronic speedometer in this instrument is designed to operate with an electrical speed sender. The speed sender signal range must be between 500
and 400,000 pulses/mile (310 and 248,500 pulses/km). Any speed sender or electronic module that meets the following two conditions can be used:

1. Pulse rate generated is proportional to vehicle speed.

2. Output voltage within the ranges listed below:
a. Hall effect sender, 3 wire (5 to 16V)
b. Sine wave generator, 2-wire (1.4 VAC min.)
c. 5v Square Wave (CMOS)

Recommended – Auto Meter Hall effect sender, 3 wire, 16 pulses/revolution
5291 Standard 7/8” – 18 Thread
5292 Ford, plug in

Installation Tips

1. A 12 V power source MUST be used to power this tachometer. A 12V motorcycle battery is a good alternative for cars without batteries.
A battery with minimum 5 amp hour rating is recommended.

2. Wherever possible, solder wire connections and avoid crimp-type connectors. This will minimize loose connections that could cause problems later.

3. Make sure you have a good ground to engine and battery negative terminal.

4. Wire installations should be neat and tied down to prevent tugging and fraying of wires at connections.

Trouble Shooting

If your tach/speedo does not function properly after installation check the following:

1. Are all electrical connections correct and tight?

2. If neither the tach/speedo nor dial light work, check ground and
12V power connections.

3. Disregard tach/speedo readings that occur before engine is started.

4. If problems persist try the tach/speedo on another vehicle with the same ignition.

5. For changes in ignition type, contact a service representative from Auto Meter.

6. Ignition manufacturers recommend that the ignition and coil be matched according to criteria which they establish (often that the ignition and coil be
products of the same company). If they are mismatched, minor malfunctions may occur,showing as erratic readings on the tach. Mismatching
coil and ignition types are often the cause of incorrect tach performance.

Wiring

SPEED

White

Grommet

7/8-18 thread

Remove cap for cruise

control cable, otherwise

leave cap installed.

On 5291 and 5292 Sender

Transmission

take-off

GND

FUSE

(SEE CAUTION)

Red

Black

3-Wire Sender

12V

IGNITION

SWITCH

Back of

speedometer

Drive Key

.104 sq x .104 sq

GND
12V DASH
LIGHTING

GND

+12V

GND

TACH

LAMP

VSS

+12V

Good Engine Ground

Grommet

SPEED

GND

+12V

GND

TACH

LAMP

VSS

+12V

(OR)

Electronic Ignition

Tach

Terminal

(OR)

Early Model

Ignition

CAUTION!

As a safety precaution, the power wire to this product should be fused before
connecting it to the positive (+) side of the 12 VDC battery. We recommend using a
1 Amp fuse.

Auto Meter Hall-Effect senders (Square Wave)

- Models 5291 (standard 7/8-18 thread) & 5292
(Ford Plug in Sensor), 3 wire sender, cruise.

Use 20 AWG stranded or
heavier wire for hook-up

WARNING

Warranty will be void if

connected to coil when using

an aftermarket ignition box

such as, but not limited to

products from the following

manufacturers: MSD, Crane,

Jacobs, Mallory, Holley, Etc..

Prior to installation of your

tachometer, check with the

ignition box manufacturer for

recommended tachometer

signal location.

Most OEM style or Factory Installed,

2 wire senders (Sine Wave)

Use 20 AWG
stranded or heavier
wire for hook-up

IMPORTANT

When using most OEM/factory installed
(2 wire) senders, you must calibrate the

speedometer before it will function properly.

GND

Mounting

1. Mount a 33⁄8" tach/speedo in a 33⁄8" dia. hole
and a 5" tach/speedo in a 45⁄8" dia. hole in the
dashboard. (be careful not to make the
hole too large.)

2. Cut a 3⁄8" dia. hole in the firewall for the
tach/speedo wires. Place a rubber grommet in
the hole and route the connector wires through
the grommet to the engine compartment.

3. Connect the tach/speedo wires as shown in the
wiring section.

4. Secure the tach/speedo to the dashboard using
the provided bracket, and hardware.

HI

LO

Sine

Wave

2 Wire

Sender

IF NO
COMPUTER

3¾"

OR

Sine

Wave

2 Wire

Sender

V.S.S.

33/8" Models

IF COMPUTER
CONTROLLED
TAP ONTO
HI-SIDE V.S.S.
SIGNAL

HI

LO

COMPUTER

1

2

/8"

PCM,
ECM,

VSS to ECM
(see Note)

Can use to power a 3 wire speed
sensor or another gauge

NOTE: The speedometer signal output terminal (VSS) produces

a +5 volt DC Square wave signal. This signal may be
able to be used as a VSS signal with some OEM and
aftermarket ECM’s and cruise control units.

11

3

/32"

5" Models

23⁄8"

415⁄16"

419⁄32"