Clock Question: Temperature

[Helios59]

So here's one I haven't seen answered before.

My clock works just fine, but only if the air temperature stays above 45 F or so. Below that it stops.

What the heck is going on here?

TIA

...and here's a photo because we all like that.

[ganun]

Gee, the clock is one of those things that made the top of the list of a recent "poll" here on the forum of "Things that you are amazed at that still work on your car" .
On my 87 it hold perfect time, ...
I would venture to say that its always getting power, if not check the fuses..... if it is, it must be something in the clock.
You can pull it out, check for power when its cold out. Which should be OK.
If you`re brave try opening up the can, and take a look but best advice is to send it to North Hollywood speedo.

[SpyderMike]

In my 1985, the 30 year old capacitors started to go - as expected. They dry out. It is a simple fix if you have a soldering iron. My guess is that your caps are on their way.

Here is a nice thread:

VDO Clock Crystal Info?

The other thing is that solder joints can crack and create opens in the circuitry. Again, you would nee a soldering iron to reflow the solder. I would recommend changing the caps if youa re in there.

[Dave Colangelo]

Reflowing the solder may help as well replacing come of the old caps. You can oder them cheap from a place like Digikey.com (or the like there of). The other thing that could be an issue is the crystal but Im not sure how to actually replace those or test them.

Depending on where you are in MD (if its close ish to Philly) I have a soldering iron and other electrical test stuff you are welcome to have access too if you want to make the drive. Just make sure you get here on time

Regards
Dave

[86 911 Targa]

^^^^^
Replace these.

Good luck,

Gerry