Digital Clock Stuck at 1:00

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528i-1981
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Digital Clock Stuck at 1:00

Post by 528i-1981 »

The battery was disconnected for awhile and now the clock is stuck at 1:00 and unresponsive. Other boards (E21) report this problem and suggest pulling the fuse multiple times. Sounds unscientific. Others suggest disconnecting the battery negative terminal and touching it to the positive terminal to ground out lingering charges throughout the system. Maybe. Lastly, the hazard switch has been noted on this board (and others) as a culprit. The clock is working, but it just won’t keep time (although it is correct twice per day).

Any other suggestions? I’ll post a solution so it will be in the FF knowledge base.
(oo=00=oo) Eric
1981 528i Manual
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528i-1981
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Re: Digital Clock Stuck at 1:00

Post by 528i-1981 »

Solved.

I pulled the fuse in and out multiple times to no avail. I also fiddled with the hazard switch and it was working fine and did not affect the clock's situation.

I disconnected and reconnected the negative lead a few times, but the clock remained stuck and unresponsive.

I then connected the (disconnected) negative lead to the positive terminal (with the positive lead still connected) and presto, when I reconnected the negative terminal the clock had awoken form it's stupor, responded and is now keeping time.

-Eric
(oo=00=oo) Eric
1981 528i Manual
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Supreem
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Re: Digital Clock Stuck at 1:00

Post by Supreem »

Hi,

I came here to ask this exact question, and it's atop of the page. Awesome!
So what you're saying is to disconnect the negative lead from the battery, let it touch the positive end of the battery, reconnect the negative lead and things should be fine?
I am really bad at electronics and have no idea what this does in electrical terms, that's why I'm asking what is essentially pretty clear in your previous post.

Thank you!
'80 528i
Manual OD gearbox
16" Mahle BBS RA
BBS front spoiler
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528i-1981
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Feb 07, 2018 5:50 am
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Re: Digital Clock Stuck at 1:00

Post by 528i-1981 »

This is what worked for me, yes. It would be great to have a second data point.
(oo=00=oo) Eric
1981 528i Manual
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Supreem
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Location: Ghent, Belgium

Re: Digital Clock Stuck at 1:00

Post by Supreem »

Verified. Worked like a charm!
'80 528i
Manual OD gearbox
16" Mahle BBS RA
BBS front spoiler
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maybeillbuyit
Posts: 333
Joined: Mon Feb 17, 2014 12:26 am
Location: Vancouver BC

Re: Digital Clock Stuck at 1:00

Post by maybeillbuyit »

Very odd fix, glad it works
1977 530i another project
1979 635csi Euro "project"
1987 635csi
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