Bench signal testing & traps
Tacho signal traps — CAS, igniters and why the cluster gets blamed
Tachometers read pulses from the ignition system. When that signal is dirty or wrong, a perfectly good cluster looks broken.
24 October 2026 · 5 min read
Bench signal testing & traps
Tachometers read pulses from the ignition system. When that signal is dirty or wrong, a perfectly good cluster looks broken.
24 October 2026 · 5 min read
Related from the bench
Most analogue-era tachos count pulses derived from the ignition system — from the igniter, the ECU, or a dedicated tach output. The cluster converts pulse frequency to a needle position.
A clean simulated tach signal at known RPM tells us instantly whether the gauge reads accurately across the range. If it passes, the report points you at the car-side source.
Cluster or sender acting up?
Repair quote after your $227 bench diagnostic. You only pay for what actually needs fixing.
Your $227 bench diagnostic covers inspection, signal testing, a report and repair quote — return shipping included.
$227 diagnostic payment credited in full toward your approved repair.
Overwhelmed? Throw in the towel.
2-hr bench session $227 AUD — fixed in the 2 hrs, it's included. If not, 100% credited.