Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Description and Operation: Tachometer
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003 GMC Envoy XL, 2003 GMC Envoy, and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The IPC displays the engine speed based on the information from the 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.