Date: Tue, 16 May 2006 22:53:14 EDT
Reply-To: DanielCRoberts@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: -- Dan Roberts <DanielCRoberts@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: persistant clock problem resolved
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Howard:
This is to report how I used your suggestions to fix a frustrating problem
with my clock.
You and several other List members responded to my plea. (See below.) To
briefly summarize, my clock stopped working after I had a switch installed to
allow me to run my radio, CD and satallite radio off a secondary battery.
Unfortunately, after the switch was installed, my clock no longer worked.
I followed your instructions and determined that power to the clock had been
cut. However, I was not able to determine where the cut occurred.
Consequently, I resorted to an alternative you and others suggested. I ran a patch from
the wire that controls the clock to a wire that becomes hot when the key is
turned on.
The key hot wire I used was in an open position on my instrument cluster. On
my 1989 Vanagon Camper instrument cluster, this is the position just below
the emergency light switch and the rear defroster switch. Behind the blank
plastic I found a female plug with one hot key wire. I spliced that wire into
the number 5 wire on the multi-pin connector for the instrument panel. As you
explained, that wire and pin control the clock.
I am very pleased to report that this fix was successful! The clock works!
The solution I used is not the first alternative you suggested but, since I
was unable to identify where the power had been cut, this fix was the next
best route.
I am grateful to you and the several other List members who took the time to
offer their suggestions. Thank you, one and all. I hope that I can return the
favor.
Dan Roberts
1989 4 speed camper with a Boston Bob rebuild
In a message dated 5/5/2006 3:47:56 P.M. Central Standard Time,
raceingcajun47@bellsouth.net writes:
Hello Dan,
I'm shooting in the dark here without seeing the van, but here goes.
The power to the clock comes from the same fuse as the radio (S-3, its a
15 amp) so depending on where they cut the feed to your radio, they must
have interrupted the power to the clock. The light for the clock is tied
into the dash light circuit, and you say the clock light works, so no
problem there. Also the idiot lights have a common ground (oil, alt, etc) so
if there working then the ground to the clock is also good.
To check for power to the clock you will have to pull the instrument
cluster. Find the 14 wire multi-pin connector at the instrument assemble.
Check connector plug number "T 14 - pin number 5", you should have power
there when the key is on. If there is power, your clock is the problem, if
no power then the circuit is interrupted some where between "T 14 - pin #5"
and fuse # S - 3.
A quick fix may be to run a patch wire from "T 14, pin #5, to a key hot
connection on your fuse box.
Did the radio shop disconnect your clock? If the above check shows you
have "NO" power to the clock feed at "T 14, pin #5, with the key on. Then
the answer is yes!
Feel free to show this to the radio shop if they give you a hard time.
Also it is your decision as to rather you want to run a patch, or fix it
right, by have them pulling a bunch of components looking for the power
break. They most likely don't have a wiring diagram and were shooting blind,
and going on somewhat limited Volkswagen experience! By the way, I will be
glad to sell them a "copy" of the wiring diagram for $25.00.
Good luck, let me know how it comes out. Don't worry about making
request for help, that is why I subscribe to this list. Keeps my old retired
mind busy, and out of trouble! ;-)
Howard
ASE Master Technician, Master Registered Volkswagen Technician.
With 30 plus years Volkswagen Dealership experience
----- Original Message -----
From: "-- Dan Roberts" <DanielCRoberts@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, May 05, 2006 12:34 AM
Subject: clock problem - persistant
> I previously wrote to the List about this problem and said it would be my
> last request, but I received no responses so want to try once more. If
it's detail I'm lacking please let me know.
>
> Brief history:
> I had a local radio installation shop do some minor electrical work on my
> 1989 Camper Vanagon. They installed a switch which allows me to turn
on/off the radio/cd/cigarette lighter/XM radio--separately from my ignition. I
also
had all of this equipment run off my secondary deep cycle battery.
Consequently, I can run these options at night while I'm reading, sleeping, etc.
without worry
that the primary battery may run down. (I also used an isolator when I
installed
the second battery.)
Unfortunately, the repair person somehow disconnected my clock while
doing this repair, or otherwise damaged the connections. I tried installing
another known reliable clock and it too failed to function. Incidentally,
the repair guy refused to accept responsibility for this problem. He argued
the matter was a coincidence and I had a faulty clock.
The light behind the clock does work. However, I am at a loss as to what
may account for the clocks failure to run --- or even appear in the clock
window. The clock is still present in its correct position but cannot be
seen. If you look at the dash opening intended for the clock, what you see
is an
illuminated green but blank space.
>
You have helped me through many problems and I hope you can help me solve
this one. BTW, I have researched past postings regarding clock problems
without success in solving this problem.
>
Please consider your experiences repairing clock problems and their
possible relevance to this situation. Any and all suggestions will be much
appreciated. Someone out there knows what to do or check that will make
the difference.
>
> Regards,
> Dan Roberts
>
>
> --
> >
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