The clock in my 1991 Accord Lx will not keep time and comes on every now and then. I read something a while back about a bad ground but can't remember where. Any ideas on this?

 

My Subaru clock was intermittent, and I removed the circuit board for a close look w/ magnifying glass. Others had reported problems w/ solder connections. Some surface mount resistors had cracked or broken solder joints. They are small and tricky to resolder, but can be done w/ a 25 watt pencil soldering iron and rosin-core electrical solder. This fixed my problem.

Bad ground is possible, but most likely the connector carries ground w/ a dedicated wire from a body ground point, so you would have to trace the ground wire back to it's ground point to clean/retighten.

A used part may be easier/cheaper. Check car-part.com for a part near you.

good luck

 

junk yard item, 5.00.
Frank Allen

 

Thanks for the replies. I tried a different clock from another 91 accord and had the same problem. I can't remember where but I remember reading something about a relay or a box of some kind under the dash that will cause this. I don't have a harness diagram or a helms to trace the wires.

 

This result suggests the male connector to the clock probably has a damaged or weak connection pin, most likely the D pin (lower left pin when looking at connector w/ latch to top). The leads to the clock are always-on power D(time memory), switched power C (display), ground B, and lights-on signal A.

Damaged wire or poor ground are also possible, but probably less likely that a bad connector.

Pins arrangement looking at connector w/ latch to top:
C B
D A

You may have to find a new connector to splice/replace existing connector. I believe Honda can supply replacement connectors.

good luck