Stupid clock

[kustomkid54]

Just bought a 1998 GTX. The clock wants great, the it's gone. I know this happens a lot because my 1998 GTP does the same thing. I also had 2 other Grand Prixs (Both 1997, GT and GTP) ALL four cars have the trouble. Works great for a week to 10 days, then there gone. Get the flashing leds with lines. Then it comes back on. May stay out for as long as 5 to 6 days.
Called the dealer, they say take it out and bring it in. When we have enough we send them in. I asked how mant does it take before you send them in. Their reply was 50! I asked how long it takes. They said every other week.
Seeing that this is the same radio for MOST GMs with a CD player. Why isn't there a recall on them. I know it's the compassitor. But they want $135.00 to fix.
Anyone else with this problum? Let me know.
Thanks, Jim

[Phoenix69]

So thats what that is...i just bought a 97 prix, and the clock on start up it seems every other time gets all crazy, then after a minute or two works fine until i turn off the car... Any reccomendations? How long do i have until its dead?

[kustomkid54]

It seems to get faster on how long it takes to happen. And last longer when it does.
My 97 GT was out for a month. Then one day on the way to work, it came back. Lasted two days!!! Then it went out and never came back.
I have a standing order at all the bone yards in the area. When a 1997 thur 2002 come in, they call. Haven't got a good radio yet.
If it just started, you more then likely have 4 or five months before it dies. CD, and radio will still work.
Just think GM should recall them if it's that many cars have this trouble.

[98whitegpgt]

i think that my moms 97 gpse has this problem. when you go in there and start it up after its been in the sun for a while the clock just comes on in literely pieces, it takes about 1-2 minutes for the whole clock to appear. and hey lets see some pics of that GTX!!!

[kustomkid54]

The GTX is in being painted. As soon as I get it back, I'll post some pictures.
You know living in Florida has another thing about it. If the sun has anything to do with the life of the radio, I'm moving. Having two black cars, and most of the days they are parked in the sun. That stinks.

[Phoenix69]

Is it a sure thing, will my clock for sure die? Is there no chance for it?

[kustomkid54]

If you pull it, take it to GM, they will fix it. For a $135.00. It sure seems to happen a lot. Trying to find some one to write and see why they haven't recalled them. But it hard to get them to act if it's not brakes or some other safety item.

[BIG-L]

Glad you found another car,and thats cool you got a GTX,is it a GT or GTP???

Well I think I might be able to help you out on the clock light problem.
Lots of others have had the same problem. The little bulb is in a socket that contacts a solder pad on the circuit board. That contact point get's oxidized. Just remove the bulb and try cleaning the contact area With a pencil eraser and it should be good as new.Using a flat blade screwdriver, rotate the bulb base 90° anti-clockwise and the bulb will lift straight out.
There's a slight chance that bulb's burnt out, but I'd bet money on it being the contact,also make sure you re-seat the ribbion cables and that the contacts are clean.

To remove the radio, you'll have to remove the instrument panel bezel. You don't have to take the entire radio apart, just the top panel I believe. The whole repair take's about 45 minutes.

Also while your in there you may want to replace the bulb.Thanks to BINB for the write up and pics.

Start by removing the radio from your car. Once you have it in your possession, there are 8 plastic tabs that hold the front bezel to the metal chassis. Pry them gently with a screwdriver, but be careful not to break them off.

Pull the faceplate with the circuit boards attached forward just enough to disconnect the two ribbon cables. The cables will pull straight out by grasping the plastic connector and wiggling it a little bit from side-to-side to loosen them.



Here is a pic of the circuit board and the bulb is located on the bottom.Using a flat blade screwdriver, rotate the bulb base 90° anti-clockwise and the bulb will lift straight out


Here is the factory bulb. The glass needs to be removed from the base, and a new bulb soldered in it's place. A suitable replacement can be found at your local Radio Shack store.

Acceptable part numbers are:

272-1154
272-1141
272-1092



Hope this helps your fix and save your self some time and money.Since you would have to pull it out and send it in to get fixed,you may as well take a look first and see if this will work for you.....good luck and let me know how it goes.......~Larry~

[kustomkid54]

Thanks Big L. As always, the information is great.

[BIG-L]

Hope that works out ok for you...and you didnt answer my question ...is the GTX a GT or GTP......Thanks Larry

It rained all night long and look what happened to my car.

[kustomkid54]

Hi Larry,
Sent you an email. But it's a GTX.
If the front tires were the large ones, therain job would work out well. But I like it better the old way. You still have a nice car

[BIG-L]

Sent you an email.

YGM

~Larry~

[kustomkid54]

NOW that's better. Lookin good.

[lineguy]

Does anyone know what would cause my clock to run slow. It will lose about 10 mins every week. that and the display will go crazy once in awhile.
It is a cd player in a 2000 GT

[kustomkid54]

Mine does the crazy thing. LEDs normally only run slow if they don't have enough power going to them. But with that radio, the mouse might died.