Clock Illuminated, But No Time... Unless I Put Pressure On Face

[thedude2u 1]

All,

 

I'm nearly finished with the restoration of my 205 GTI in the USA. However, I am having a problem with the clock that I was hoping someone could help me sort out. The face of the clock is illuminated in amber, but I cannot see the time. If I put pressure on the lower right hand corner of the clock, the clock will show the time...until I remove the pressure. Then it goes back to a blank amber face. Are these clocks repairable? I have good soldering/electronics skills, but I don't want to waste time trying if it isn't worth the trouble. I will just pick up a replacement from a breakers somewhere.

 

 

Cheers.

 

 

Joe

[Arwing 3 1 Cars]

I've yet to know a 205 with a working clock. Not saying they're all like it, but i think it's fair to say the problem is a common one. Mine also works when pressure is put on it and stays working until i turn off engine. Turn engine on again and it's either reset or just back-lit with no display. My 1996 Citroen clock looks and does exactly the same thing. Only difference is it's back-lit green.

[TooMany2cvs 65]

I used to have regular battles with these on CXs. There's little "edge connectors" transferring current around inside the clock body. Over time, they shrink and lose contact. You could try just slipping a little bit of folded paper inside that corner of the body - if pressing the corner brings it back into contact, you might well find that increases the pressure sufficiently. But it'll only be a temporary fix. There isn't really a _proper_ long-term one, unfortunately.

Edited October 29, 2013 by TooMany2cvs

[Ryan 99]

The connector on the back of the clock puts pressure on the solder joints and over the years the pressure and vibration eventually makes the joins crack. If you open up the clock you can re-solder the 4 connector pins and it should work fine.

[deathbringer929 49 1 Cars]

The connector on the back of the clock puts pressure on the solder joints and over the years the pressure and vibration eventually makes the joins crack. If you open up the clock you can re-solder the 4 connector pins and it should work fine.

yup. worked for mine too. 20 minute job and very satisfying when done

[thedude2u 1]

Performed the recommended fix and I now have a working clock. I cleaned the screen while I had the clock apart. Good as new! Thanks!