has anyone found a suitable replacement clock?

[ruralandalone]

T he clock in my '86 is pretty much toast, with the display failing.  Should not be a huge deal to make up a new unit from a commercially available plug.  I was just wondering if anyone has done it, or if I will have to start from scratch....

[eaglescout526]

I have a factory clock or a few on stand by if you want to go that route. 
 

Nickintime makes a REM clock combo unit. 

[ruralandalone]

IT is a possibility, but I am a bit leery of 35+ yr old electronics, even if new....

[eaglescout526]

I’ve only heard of a quartz clock failing once and it grew brighter in the display until it just stopped working. 

[Pete M]

yeah, the Quartz version is pretty dang tough.  

 

or you could get a blank panel and insert something different.  maybe a PT Cruiser analog?  for extra style points.  

[boxyjeep]

REM clock!

[ruralandalone]

I confess I have no idea what a "rem clock" is....

[Pete M]

R.E.M.  it's a real-time engine monitor for Renix era Jeeps.  

 

 

  https://nickintimedesign.com/product/rem-clock-panel-v4/

[ruralandalone]

oh.  More info than I can use.  (or understand, I expect)

[Pete M]

no such thing as too much info if the engine starts acting up.  

[ruralandalone]

It is only information if you can use it.  Otherwise it is noise.

Looks like I don't have a clock problem.  It is a wiring problem.  The clock works, but any time the lights are on the display dims out.  Looks like a short somewhere.  Probably going to be a bugger to diagnose.  In addition, my instrument lights won't work.

Oh well, it keeps me out of the bars.

[eaglescout526]

Wait. The display dims? It’s supposed dim when you pull the headlamp switch so it’s not overpowering bright. Course if you know you’re way around the wiring harness you could remove the pin that dims the VFD and it would be normal level brightness all the time. 

[87MJTIM]

My clock previously would go dark.  I thought it was the clock.  I did a dash ground upgrade and the clock now displays bright and clear.

[ruralandalone]

 The instrument lights don't come on, and the clock display disappears entirely, when I turn on the lights.  With the lights off the clock is now clearly visible .   SOMETHING seems to be amiss between the instrument lamp fuse and the lamp bulbs.

[eaglescout526]

Sounds like something is wrong with wiring somewhere. I recommend checking some fuses just to rule those out and the ground upgrade before we condemn the clock. 

[ruralandalone]

I think the clock is fine, and the ground, as tested at the cigarette lighter, seems good.  Fuses are good too.  I have appropriate (variable) power on the downstream side of the instrument lamp fuse, and no lights.

[cruiser54]

CRUISER'S MOSTLY RENIX TIPS

IMPROVING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GROUND

NOVEMBER 17, 2015 SALAD 27 COMMENTS

 

The ground point for the complete instrument cluster on your XJ or MJ is located up under the driver’s side dash. If you lay on your back and look up under there with a flashlight, without wearing a hat, you will see a black wire attached to a shiny piece of metal almost directly above the hood release knob. The screw will have either a ¼” or 5/16″ head on it.

This ground point is responsible for handling the ground circuit for the following items: Dome lamps, seat belt and key warnings, transmission power/comfort switch, wiper switch, headlamp switch and delay module, fog lamp switch, cargo lamp switch, all instrument panel grounds and illumination, power windows and door locks, cruise control dump valve, and a few more things.

The problem is that where the ground point is located does not share good contact with the chassis where the ground should be. The solution is simple:

• Make up a jumper wire with #10 gauge wire about 10″ long. On one end, crimp on a ¼” round wire terminal. On the other end, crimp on a 3/8″ round wire terminal.
•  
• Remove the screw from the existing ground wire and attach the small terminal of your jumper so that the original wire and your new jumper share the same attaching point, one over the other.
•  
• Look above the driver’s side plastic kick panel just forward of the top of the hood release knob. You will see an 8mm stud there. Attach the large terminal end there with a washer and nut over it tightened securely. Use a coating of OxGard at all ground contact surfaces when attaching the screw and nut.

**Special note for Comanche owners: Make your jumper wire 12″ long and attach it on the driver’s side kick panel close to the fusebox on the 8mm stud.**

[ruralandalone]

Thanks for the link.  At this point I REALLY doubt it is a ground issue, but I will certainly double check asap and report back

[cruiser54]

The ground upgrade is worth it on it's own. 

Is there a stereo hacked into your truck? That many times is the source of the problems. 

[ruralandalone]

Well, I would not say "hacked', exactly, but yes.  I do not think I used anything but power and ground leads, though.

[cruiser54]

OK. Unplug the wires and see what happens with your dashlights. 

[ruralandalone]

It will take me a couple of days to get 'er done, but I will do that.

[Eagle]

On 7/11/2022 at 4:24 PM, ruralandalone said:

 The instrument lights don't come on, and the clock display disappears entirely, when I turn on the lights.  With the lights off the clock is now clearly visible .   SOMETHING seems to be amiss between the instrument lamp fuse and the lamp bulbs.

 

As Eaglescout526 posted, have to tried rotating the headlight knob? The dash lights are on a rheostat -- they can be dimmed all the way to full OFF by turning the knob.

[ruralandalone]

yes I have,  and I  have variable voltage at the instrument light  fuse

[ruralandalone]

I removed the radio, and have a good ground.  Now I'm blowing the fuse to the instument lamps..  Definitely a short somewhere.

To be continued