2008 John Deere 5103 tachometer and hour meter not working

[wemsit]

I just bought a 2008 John Deere 5103 and the tachometer and hour meter is broken. The fuel level indicator and engine heat indicator both seem to be working but the tach and hour meter don稚. I took the dash off and everything seemed to be connected. The connector to what i believe is the alternator for the tachometer sensor looks decent but on the right side of the tractor there is a mess of cables there were was one cable unconnected to the other on the left side of the engine and I tried connecting them and I have no idea what they do. There is also a random connector in the dash board and a small wire that doesn稚 seem to connect to anything and I cannot find anywhere for them to go so I assume they are if I want to add other stuff?

Anyways here is a pic of the left side where I believe the tach sensor goes and the second pick is on the left side where it looked like some cables were just taped together in a ball with electrical tape. I don稚 know if the wiring is the reason for the tach not working or not. Where should I begin? And how do I figure out where the problem is? Also, would it just be easier to install an aftermarket tach and hour meter and just wire that in? I don稚 mind doing that as long as it痴 accurate and reliable. This is my first tractor so I feel like it痴 important to know that I知 revving the engine properly and what not

Thanks for any insight possible

 

[Quebecguy]

I would begin by buying a shop manual, showing the wiring diagram, at the nearest John Deere dealer.

 

[JD5210]

Consider looking at selectmanuals.com for the tech manual. The tach uses a speed sensor see attachment for its location.

 

[wemsit]

I’m thinking I need to replace the instrument cluster. The bottom of the instrument cluster says it’s john Deere part no: RE 252154 but I cannot find that part number on the John Deere online catalog. Is there another one that will work and fit on my tractor?

 

[Tx Jim]

Part # you posted appears to be good PN. One has to remove space between letters & numerals for correct PN. Loose cluster grounds can cause gauge/lights to be inoperable. ""Good diagnostics"" is normally a lot cheaper than replacing components.

RE252154 Instrument Cluster - ADD 260.79 USD