Requesting tips for finding clock problem

[greyrock]

The digital clock in my '98 T4R has been working intermittently for a couple years now, ever since the dealer did a dash replacement after a break-in.

Judging from the fact that its functionality appears to depend on the weather/temperature/humidity/etc, and I can occassionally get it to work by gently pounding on the top of the dashboard, I'm guessing it's a loose connection some place.

So my questions are:

1. How can I access the back of the clock? If that involves taking off the whole dashboard, I think that's beyond my skill level. But if there is a straightforward way to get to it, I'll give it a shot
2. Obviously there is a connection at the back of the clock itself. Where would the other end of the connection (i.e. the power source) be, and how straightforward is it to get to that?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[spinn]

It's fairly easy to pull out the dash (requires removing center console to access front panel). The clock problem is the same issue (very common) that I have. I found this site and plan on sending it to him to fix...as $200+ to the dealer is not goin' to happen.

http://www.subaru-clock.com/

 

[quicksilvr]

The problem is internal inside the clock. Pounding on the dash was an indirect way of vibrating the clock unit. If you just tap the face of the clock with a pen, it works much better. You won't be able to fix the clock yourself unless you do that sort of thing with eletronics for a living. I'd send it to subaru-clock like mentioned above.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

gettin the clock out is very easy.

pull up the e brake, pull the whole cupholder bit up and it comes out.

pull the shifter bezel up, it's out.

then pull the whole center piece out towards you.

it's all snap in clips. the clock is held in with clips.

I would replace the clock, it's common for them to die out. mine used to be intermittent.

I got one out of a traded in 4Runner at my dealership. it was from a 97 with 260k.. yet still the clock worked great.

still does.

 

[Elton H]

mines been broke for awhile i just use the one on my pioneer deck

 

[greyrock]

Wow, thanks for the tips.

I'm going to give it a try, and if I can get it out, I'll send it to subaru-clock as suggested.

Thanks again!

gettin the clock out is very easy.

pull up the e brake, pull the whole cupholder bit up and it comes out.

pull the shifter bezel up, it's out.

then pull the whole center piece out towards you.

it's all snap in clips. the clock is held in with clips.

I would replace the clock, it's common for them to die out. mine used to be intermittent.

I got one out of a traded in 4Runner at my dealership. it was from a 97 with 260k.. yet still the clock worked great.

still does.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

find a part out

find a 3rd gen part out near you....get to know your local junkyards

still they will want too much for it- being just a clock and all.

The bezel comes free but the trim surrounds need at least loosened. There are 2 screws on side of center console trim to remove. Find a thread regarding radio replacement for pics.

I like Ritzy's writeups and pics myself....some folks have found other items to mount in there instead to fill the hole and just eliminate the clock.