Time clock works sometimes, and clock light never does

We now have two '90s Mayfairs, and they both had this problem when we bought them.

The black time clock in the middle of the dash seems to work OK. However, when you start the car, the clock stops and the clock light doesn't come on (we didn't know it lit up until we fixed it!).

I guess this is a well known problem, but in case it isn't, I thought I'd mention what causes it and how to fix it. With both of the cars we had, it was caused by the fact that, when the radio is slid into its slot (directly below the clock), it catches on the earth lead on the bottom of the clock and pushes it off.

So to fix it, all you need to do is remove the radio (!) and then find the earth lead and slot it back on. It may help to tighten the crimp on the connector, so it holds on better. Apart from the fact that the first time you remove the radio, it takes ages to work out how to do it for that radio (but it is worth it, because it won't be the last time you do it) it is a two minute job. As my kids would say 'pips!'.

Eric

Posted: Jul 09, 2007 10:18 AM

Time clock works sometimes, and clock light never does

I've had this problem.  I fitted a new CD player that i got working brilliantly but at the same time managed to make the clock and voltmeter stop working.  I took the CD player out and found the earth wire but couldn't find where it needed to go.  can you clarify where exactly it needs to go?

Cheers!

Posted: Jul 10, 2007 12:34 PM

Time clock works sometimes, and clock light never does

cheers, i'll give it a whirl at the weekend!!

Posted: Jul 11, 2007 12:43 PM

mini clocks,help pls

on a 1988 mini mayfair auto what type of original clocks should my mini have 3 or 2 mine has 3 is that correct anyone pls

Posted: Jun 08, 2013 11:28 AM

Central clock's light wiring

Hello,

my first post, so please be patient...

I have dismantled the central clock (VDO quartz) from the dash of my mini (LHD Cooper 1996 SPi, named "Ofelia") in order to replace the light bulb in it.

The clock has three connections: 1 black wire (ground); 2 purple wire (continuous power to run the clock); 3 green wire (powers the light bulb when lights are turned on).

Now, I couldn't find the correct replacement for the light bulb, so I arranged another bulb, tested it, and connected to the black wire (ground) and the green wire; this last wire should receive power then the lights are switched on.

Unfortunately, the green wire does not receive any power; I came up the wire to it's connector (approx under the steering wheel) and even connecting the light directly to it I can't get any power.

I do not know how to pursuit again the wire, don't know where to look for.

Will anyone help please?

Thank you in advance

Giuliano

Posted: Jan 29, 2014 11:26 PM

Central clock's light wiring

Thanks for posting.

 My wife's mini has no light on her clock either - it doesn;t bother her, but it does bother me. I wondered if you had any advice on fixing the bulb? Presumably it is necessary to remove the dashboard to get at it? Where on the clock is the bulb positioned - I couldn't get at it and replace it through the radio hole just below the clock, could I? If the original bulb can't be sourced, which bulb did you end up using - did it fit and work OK?

Posted: Mar 11, 2014 02:34 PM

3 Piece Wooden Dash (centre clock)

Hello 

Im trying to find a 3 piece wooden dash and im not having much luck. Is there any reason why minispears dont stock them? Or is there anyone out there willing to sell me one? Thanks for the help :)

Jordan 

Posted: Apr 20, 2014 09:26 PM

Clock bulb

I had to remove the dashboard for something else (although I couldn't be bothered to take out the steering column, but even so it was fine, just removing the cowling). While I was there, I had a look at this clock (2 years of being bothered finally got the better of me).

I've attached a photo of the wiring, taken from the stereo cavity, looking upwards. I disconnected the grey earth cable, to see the other wires. The light has the green wire connected, and is at the top of the clock. There is a collar attached to the clock, and the bulb holder slides into it. I'm pretty sure you could just slide it out without taking the dashboard out. If you just feel for the collar, and get a nail behind the top most part, which is the bulb holder, and then slide it out (towards the engine).

I think the bulb is this - http://www.vdo-instruments.com/type-a-9-32-7mm-metal-base-bulb-12v-2w-4-pack.html, if so standard BA7s should do the trick - like https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009K1U3OI or https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00L8T5ONK .

Posted: May 25, 2015 06:25 PM

Smiths magnolia clocks.

Hi all. Could someone offer any pointers please. 

Posted: May 19, 2020 09:29 AM

Center speedo to 3 clocks on the side?

Do any of you mini Gurus out there know how easy it is to convert from a centre speedo to a 3 clock binnacle (late cooper type). I need a new wiring loom as is, so is the easiest way to get the loom for a min with the 3 clock side binnacle? The car was an 84 city, with a large centre speedo. Im guessing the easiest way is the new loom for a later type min, then maybe a longer speedo cable? I really preferred the layout of the 1275 GT my dad used to have as I always found the large centre speedo a bit ugly. Sorry if the ugly statement offended anyone (mereley my opinion). Its gonna have to be something else for the Christmas list!

Posted: Nov 24, 2004 10:01 PM