Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Description and Operation: Tachometer
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the engine speed based on the information from the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM converts the data from the engine speed sensor to a 2 pulses/engine revolution signal. The IPC uses the engine speed signal circuit (2 pulses/engine revolution) from the PCM in order to calculate the engine speed. If the IPC detects a malfunction in the engine speed signal circuit, the IPC uses the class 2 message from the PCM indicating the engine speed.