I would agree the with previous reply. I have 2002 VP and the rev counter (control panel) had been located outside in the cockpit. I had frequent failures. I took the whole unit home, stipped it down and replaced the connections, cleaned it up and now it works fine. It wasn't the rev counter it was the wiring. I have now located it inside!
Good luck.
I have the 2003 and I have also had problems with the rev counter, but they have always been at the other end of the wire the alternator, it connects to the "W" terminal on the Paris Rhone alternator (I think) and this connection has caused me problems, also if the alternator packs up as mine has done several times( its going in the bin this winter) then the revcounter doesnt work so check connections both ends.
Mike