Actually fixed my clock

Thought I'd post an FYI on fixing the OEM clock that doesn't involve a sketchy oven solder reflow. After tons of research, I found someone in a camery forum talking about a cracked solder connection on a resistor. It was super difficult to spot, even with a magnifying glass, but I noticed a hairline crack as seen in the attached photo. Added a little extra solder and after 6 years, the OEM clock was back in business. Hope it helps someone else on here.

 

Good find, a small crack, .001, is as good as a mile crack.

 

The reason these fail is because lead free was very popular with auto manufacturers at the time, along with biodegradable wire to advertise themselves as a more green company.
(Mercedes is especially guilty)

Lead free solder is more prone to cracking which is why you get a lot of these failures.

 

And that bio friendly wire is like candy to rodents.

 

That makes sense as to why they all fail. Gotta go back and add that good toxic solder back in!

 

I run on leaded not unleaded, like my race bike.

 

The "lead free" solder has caused me some grief in the past, monetarily and labor wise. My old 2001 2500 cummins had the high pressure bosch fuel pump go out. They had internal circuit boards that the solder joints would break from vibration. This was a known problem on such a reliable mechanical engine. Just more money having to be spent trying to comply with the EPA regulations because of the weak lead free solder. Tired of politicians talking on subjects they know nothing about.

 

Freaking awesome man! Good job and thanks for sharing!

 

I just wanted to contribute to this thread, and also to say thanks to the OP for sharing this information. After reading this thread, I was motivated to take my clock apart (has never worked since I bought the truck) and re-melt the solder joints on those big resistors. It took only a second or two on each connection with my soldering iron.

I couldn't see any cracks in the solder, even with the aid of a magnifying glass, but I felt it was worth the shot to "re-wet" the connections just to see what happens.

It works! Awesome!

 

Awesome job, glad the post helped!