MAN# 650190
POWER RED WIRE
Connect the red wire from the main harness to accessory power from the ignition switch.
***Never connect this to a battery charger alone. It needs to have a 12 volt battery connected to it. Battery chargers have an
unregulated voltage output that will cause the system to not operate properly.
GROUND BLACK WIRE & RING TERMINAL
The black wire is the main ground for the gauge. A poor ground connection can cause improper or erratic operation.
Connect the ground to a good chassis ground directly to battery ground. Also connect the ring terminal on the main harness to one of
the mounting studs after the clamp has been installed before the thumb nut is screwed on to secure the gauge. This provides a
ground for the case of the gauge.
TACHOMETER SIGNAL GRAY WIRE
The gray wire connects to the vehicle tach signal. On point type and pointless distributors connect to the negative side of the
coil. This will sometimes be labeled TACH or DIST. On distributorless ignition systems, connect to the tach output wire or to the
negative wire of one of the coils. On MSD ignition systems connect to the tach output terminal.
For tach signals integrated into a vehicle wiring harness, consult a service manual to determine the color code and location of
the tachometer signal. The tachometer signals from some engine computers require a weak 12 volt pull-up for correct operation of the
gauge. Tie the gray and white/red wires together if this is needed.
The tachometer is adjustable from 1 to 15 cylinder signals and setup is discussed above.
The gauge displays the engine rpmx10 from 300 – 9990 and rpmx100 for 10,000 – 18,000. 2500 rpm would be displayed as
“250” and 11,400 rpm would be displayed as “11.4”. The decimal point indicates the reading has changed from rpmx10 to rpmx100.
The gauge can be set for a slow update, which changes the displayed reading every 1/2 second, or for a fast update, which
changes the displayed reading every 1/8 second. The slow update rate is recommended for most applications since rapidly changing
numbers can be difficult to read.
***The tach may not read properly with dual fire ignitions
FUNCTION SWITCH & HI RPM RECALL GREEN WIRE
The function switch is connected with one wire to a +12 volt source and the other wire to the green wire from the tachometer
harness. The function switch is used for calibration and to recall the highest rpm reached since the last reset. Pressing and releasing
the function switch while the gauge is running will display “HI” and then the current high rpm. This will repeat every 2 seconds.
Holding the function switch for about 2 seconds will reset the high rpm. Pressing and releasing the switch will return the gauge back to
normal operation.
NIGHT DIMMING BLUE WIRE
Your display system has a dimming feature that reduces the display intensity. Normally the system is at full brightness for
daytime viewing. When the blue wire has +12 volts the display intensity will be reduced. Connect this to switch able +12V to enable
this feature. To have the system at full brightness all of the time, leave the blue wire disconnected.
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Please read this before calling Dakota Digital for technical assistance
Problem
Possible cause
Solution
Gauge will not light up
Red wire does not have power.
Black wire is not getting a good ground.
Gauge is damaged.
Connect to a location that has power.
Connect ground to a different location.
Return gauge for repair.
Gauge lights up but does not
read correctly.
Cylinder setting is not set correctly
Loose connection on signal input
Poor ground connection.
Voltage or wiring problem in vehicle
harness.
Failing ignition system component
(more common on points style)
See “TACH SETUP” in manual to change setting.
Check signal input wire (gray wire)
Move gauge ground wire to different ground location.
Check wiring harness for loose/damaged wires and
check wire routing is not close to spark plug wires.
Check or replace ignition system components
Gauge always flashes.
High warning point set too low.
Adjust the high warning points using setup menu.
Gauge will not dim.
Blue wire is not connected correctly.
Check wiring. Blue wire should have 12 volts when
dimming is desired.
Gauge remains dim at all times.
Blue wire is getting power all of the time.
Connect blue wire to +12v through a switch or leave
unconnected.
Gauge will not go into the
SETUP mode.
Switch is not connected properly
Verify correct connection of switch to +12V and
green wire.
Gauge displays “Er1”
Cylinder setting is invalid, 1-15 cylinders
See “TACH SETUP” in manual
Gauge displays “Er2”
Update speed error, slow or fast
See “TACH SETUP” in manual
Gauge displays “Er4”
High RPM warning point error, 2200-14.6k
See “TACH SETUP” in manual
Gauge displays “Er” followed by
a number.
Multiple errors have occurred and the
error numbers have been added.
For “Er3” see solutions for “Er1” and “Er2”
For “Er5” see solutions for “Er1” and “Er4”
For “Er6” see solutions for “Er2” and “Er4”
For “Er7” see solutions for “Er1”, “Er2” and “Er4”
