Hello.

I have an 83 FB with the stock radio/cassette out of an 86 T/A. I recently got it back after a long stint in the body shop where I had some electrical accessories installed while the car was being restored.

Anyway, I took her out for her first real road test in nearly 3 years by driving her to work. I noticed that the radio clock setting wasn't right before I set out, so, I set the clock.

I didn't pay much attention to the clock until I left work to come home. I noticed that the clock was either 6 hours fast or slow (no AM or PM on the clock). So, I set the clock again before coming home.

The clock gained approx. 30 minutes in a 40 minute drive meaning that it was 30 minutes fast by the time I got home.

Now, I don't think that I have a flux capacitor (she's a V6). Even if I did, I can't hit 88 in rush hour traffic. Therefore, logic would seem to indicate one of the folliwing:
1. The radio has issues.
2. Since the clock gained time while the car was off, more than 12 volts was reaching the radio.

One thing to note is that I recently installed a brand new Diehard Gold that was classed for a T/A instead of an FB with a V6. I went with the stronger battery to compensate for extra lighting at the front of the car.

Anybody have any experience with their radio clock gaining time?

Thanks much,
Joe

 

After a few beers, yes the clock gains time on me. Sometimes up to 6-hours. ;-) But I don't think over voltage will cause this issue. Most of these cars hit 14v - 15v from time to time. I think maybe your radio might just have gremlins. See if ya can swap out the radio just for testing.

Oh yeah, BTW, the Flux Capacitor Option was ONLY available in 86' TA's. Do to some Government intervention and restrictions, they had to remove it. ;-)

 

I've had problems with aftermarket clock radios not working properly... they were just plain defective. Replace it you should be fine.


Flux capacitors are usually found on higher end vehicles.....

 

Uh, this may sound stupid but, What is a flux capacitor?

Matt

 

ever seen the movie(s) Back to the Future ?

 

A long, long time ago. So they don't even exist huh? O well, I said it was stupid question. Was just curious.

Thanks,

Matt

 

Thank you gentlemen for your replies.

I thought that it might just be a problem with the radio itself. I may replace it, but don't know if I want to put out the money at this time if the only thing not working is the clock.

Besides, I will be turning it over to my daughter soon. She said that the fact that she has to be everywhere before she leaves should compensate for the temporal drift in the clock.

MX265:
Thanks for the update on when the FCO was available. Since the radio was from an 86 T/A, that explains the little FCO tick marks between the equalizer sliders. I thought those tick marks were factory sweet spot settings. I aligned the sliders with the marks to see how it made the radio sound. I looked out the window and saw myself going the other way!

Seriously, thanks guys!

 

Auto clocks such as the one in a radio run from a signal developed by the microprocessor's clock oscillator. They are never really accurate unless the CPU oscillator is temperature compensated such as a TCXO module would be. Do the stations seem to tune a little faster. If so it's way off frequency. Voltage will NOT affect clock accuracy since everything in the radio is regulated down to either 5 or 9 volts. A regulator issue in the radio may cause what you describe, but's it probably not something you are going to want to get involved with. I have 2 daughters driving, I set them back a couple of hours each time they leave and hope for the best. LOL