• From: B.C.Canada
  • Registered: 2005-01-26
  • Posts: 2,585

Topic: VDO tach wiring

I picked up a used VDO tach and it has one more terminal than I expected. There is 12+, ground and G & W plus the bulb connections. Which of G & W is the signal terminal from the coil and what the heck is the other one.

It also has no visible dip switches so I assume it's for a 4 cylinder.

jim

'71 SB(DD only 79K(now 84K miles) & '78 FI Westy (project)
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915
  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,318

Re: VDO tach wiring

Jim,

I know how you like lots of diagrams & stuff. wink  I'm not sure if the VDO tach. you purchased came with any instructions with it...but here's a link with a whole bunch of instructions for many VDO gauges:

http://www.egauges.com/Inst_PDF.asp

I think this one seems to be the most appropriate for you:

http://www.egauges.com/pdf/vdo/0-515-012-044.pdf

It doesn't explain what the "G" & "W" terminals mean...but maybe one of the instructions has the same number of terminals...but labeled differently than "G & W" with the same functionality.  This instruction does seem to explain how to set the dip switches for a 4 cylinder engine.

Hope this helps,

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • From: B.C.Canada
  • Registered: 2005-01-26
  • Posts: 2,585

Re: VDO tach wiring

I may have been ripped off! I bought the tach at a VW show and swap meet so you would think it's the appropriate tach for a 4 cylinder VW engine. However when I Google the numbers on it I get results for a marine tach and further reading reveals they do have a two wire rev counter.

Anyone need a marine tach? $20 (or can I used it somehow?)

jim

'71 SB(DD only 79K(now 84K miles) & '78 FI Westy (project)
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915
  • From: Portage, Indiana
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 454

Re: VDO tach wiring

How old is this tach? Most of them have two jumper loops on the back, you can cut either one or both of them for 4, 6, or 8 cyl. use. Also, I'll have to look to be sure, but I want to say that G is the signal and W is for the gauge light.