Clock resets after 2 minutes

[Markww]

Hi on my 2013 hilux the clock resets roughly 2 minutes after starting the engine.
The clock also resets when switching on headlight or highbeam. Same it will reset when pressing the horn.
I Changed the battery and cleaned all terminals and grounds.
Checked the 7.5 amp dome and is ok. fuse
With engine running the battery is charging with 13.75 and with head light on 13.5v, I do not see any notice dip in voltage during any of the above action.
After the clock resets it self I noticed the last 2 digits on the clock dim a slight flickering. Dome light stays constant.

Any suggestions ?
Thank you

[Rob_Wood]

Is the clock a genuine Toyota dash clock? or is it in built in the stereo display? or is it an aftermarket unit? Any pics you have might also be helpful.

[Markww]

Hi rob, thank you for your reply. It's a genuine dash clock. No issues with radio display, radio does not loose its stations

[Gipsy]

Sounds like the clock lost its marbles, unless you're in despair, ignore it. Maybe there's a heavy load from an accessory on the instrument circuit? Anything tapped in? Radio is probably on a separate circuit/fuse.

[Markww]

Thank you for your reply, do you know what else runs of that 7.5 dome fuse besides the clock and interior lights.
I have no other accessories tied in the same circuit. But I think you are right the clock is toast. But the strange thing it happens only in the first few minutes after Start up and OK for the rest of the trip until next Start up. Thinking about removing unbolting all additional accessories connected to the batteries such as driving lights etc hoping find a later added on item that could cause a power draw at start up. Although my multimeter does not show any dip in voltage. (Unless its a fast dip a multimeter can not detect)

Thank you

[Markww]

Update, removed all power to accessories no change
Clock still resets on its own after roughly 1-2 minutes and resets when switching on lights see video
https://youtu.be/53CUe3TjjVw


After clock resets I am unable to adjust time see video below
https://youtu.be/Irgg_GG1wxo

Is the clock toast or do you think I have a short somewhere

Thank you

[Gipsy]

Toast. Methinks

[Rob_Wood]

I was thinking along different lines until I saw the video. That's just weird, and yeah, likely the clock. Before you spend money on anew one, I'd like to test the power supply to the clock isn't the issue. Basic digital multimeter might not be fast enough to acknowledge a tiny flick in Power Supply continuity. Realising you might not have immediate access to a recording CRO, I'm not sure how you'd check for such a flick. The other thing is, you say that after the initial reset, it's all good, devils advocate, have you actually monitored on video what happens after the initial flick?

[Markww]

Hi no I don't have access to other instruments then a multi meter. After the clock resets I wait for a minute or 2 and then I am able to set time again. It just seems to reset after an initial big power draw , almost looks like the alternator can not keep up for that split second. But then the battery should buffer for that right? Once it resets once I can drive for hours with the clock holding time .

[Rob_Wood]

Hi no I don't have access to other instruments then a multi meter. After the clock resets I wait for a minute or 2 and then I am able to set time again. It just seems to reset after an initial big power draw , almost looks like the alternator can not keep up for that split second. But then the battery should buffer for that right? Once it resets once I can drive for hours with the clock holding time .

Starter current (like you say) should NOT drag the battery down enough to drop the clock out unless the battery is in really bad shape, but in that case.the engine probably wouldn't turn over. All I can suggest is to plug in the new clock and test it before you pull the dash apart for the install. Just one last test to be certain.

[dave g]

have a word with a auto sparky before you buy a clock he can check things out first

[Rob_Wood]

have a word with a auto sparky before you buy a clock he can check things out first

Agreed, certainly can't hurt to get it all checked.

[Markww]

Thank you for your reply, I'll drive past the toyota dealer next week and see what they say. Most of the local auto sparky's here don't even know what an oscilloscope or multi meter is. All they know / have is the old home mare test light.

The dealer here will most probably turn it into a parts cannon.

Will update the post once I have found a solution.