DaveT Posted December 27, 2014 Share Posted December 27, 2014 Here is my fix for the clocks - Replace the Zener and resistor with a switchmode power supply. The original resistor has to dissipate almost 1 Watt. In an enclosed space, where the sun can heat it to over 120 F ambient. It runs so hot, it oxidizes the solder. The second part, is adding a diode and capacitor to the always on line that keeps the clock keeping time when the car is off. But any glitch in the power can reset it to 1:00. The capacitor holds some power to keep it alive for a short time. The diode stops the energy from the capacitor from going back into the car electric system if you remove the battery, or use the starter. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazyeights Posted December 27, 2014 Share Posted December 27, 2014 Thank you for this! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomRhere Posted December 27, 2014 Share Posted December 27, 2014 Care to fix one for me? Have 4 that I can send you, only need one back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subarusaver Posted December 27, 2014 Share Posted December 27, 2014 Hey Dave I need one fixed also!! Any chance of a how to video for this?That seems to be a little too high tech for me......... Thanks 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveT Posted December 27, 2014 Author Share Posted December 27, 2014 I have to come up with a power supply I can get more of. I could do some, maybe trade for parts or something? Most of mine have the same failure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveT Posted December 27, 2014 Author Share Posted December 27, 2014 With 4, I'm sure at least one will be fixed by doing this mod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
somick Posted December 27, 2014 Share Posted December 27, 2014 Is it possible to replace those parts and use them on the car without modifying? Regards, Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveT Posted December 27, 2014 Author Share Posted December 27, 2014 The problem is caused by the amount of power dissipated in too small of an enclosed space. The common failure is the solder corrode and opens the circuit. You don't need to replace the parts,just re solder. BUT it will just fail again. If a bigger wattage resistor were mounted outside of the clock, it may work indefinitely. The other mod is separate , it just makes the clock more resistant to power glitches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el_freddo Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 I've solved several clock issues simply by resoldering the "dry" joint.Just pull the clock apart and go from there, what needs to be done should be obvious!CheersBennie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robm Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 I pull the resistor right off the board, then solder on some wires at right angles to the ones on the ends of the resistor, then solder it back in so the resistor is way up above the board, on legs. This keeps the heat away from the board, so it doesn't deteriorate again. Works for me here in Canada. Might not work so well where it gets hot. But it will work better, and be a bit easier than wiring in a new power supply. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subarusaver Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 (edited) I pull the resistor right off the board, then solder on some wires at right angles to the ones on the ends of the resistor, then solder it back in so the resistor is way up above the board, on legs. This keeps the heat away from the board, so it doesn't deteriorate again. Works for me here in Canada. Might not work so well where it gets hot. But it will work better, and be a bit easier than wiring in a new power supply. Is There any chance you could post a picture possibly with some instruction? to identify the different parts.? Thanks Edited January 2, 2015 by subarusaver Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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