Big Dave

Is the digital clock on a 85S supposed to be illuminated? I haven't been able to see what time it is in my car at night since I purchased it.

If it IS supposed to be illuminated with the headlights on, how can I check to see of the light is burned out? Where is it?

Incendier

Yep, sure is. There is a socket in the back of the clock for the bulb + its grounding assembly (both are required; bulb alone can be replaced, but if its missing the surround, no workee.)

Blue wire (switched +, teed to the cigarette lighter light, if I remember) connects to the hot lead, and the assembly for the bulb grounds itself to the frame of the socket.

I replaced mine by just removing the center counsole surround to which the clock is attached. Suppose you could get to it on your back by removing the counsole side covers, as well.

Good luck,

James

Big Dave

Any idea what type of light bulb is needed? I don't want to have to pull the center console up twice.

You mentioned the cigarette lighter...is that supposed to be illuminated as well?

Incendier

Dunno what bulb, but a quick call to 928 Int'l. or 928 Specialists will do it. I got mine from Mark @ 928 Int'l. Guessing here, but I think it's a 1.2w 12v bulb.

I would give a shot to just reaching behind the counsole and removing the socket; I believe it just turns about a 1/4 turn and pulls out with the bulb.

On my cigarette lighter, there is a round spot above the lighter that illuminates at night. If they are both non-functional, (and if I'm right by the grace of God), the connections are one and the same, and maybe the blue wire has taken leave of its connections.

For me, a bad PO stereo install knocked it loose. Worth a look.

Hey...why the hell don't I just run out to the car...be right back.

James

Incendier

Dave:

Awright, I was right. It's the very (very!) small, all-glass 1.2W 12V bulb, the same as illuminates the ***** on the pod.

And the holder for the bulb just pulls out.

May I add my 2 cents for the go-through-the-side method? I just proved it's easy

James

Big Dave

James:

Thanks for the lightning quick response. I will go through the sides soon. I'll take some time to re-adhere the carpet on those side panels while I'm at it.

But first, I have to swing by my local Porsche garage to buy the bulb. No sense in ordering it over the Net for a $1.00 part.

THANKS!

Incendier

No problem. Actually, I got the rest of my instrument bulbs at Pep Boys; I only got the clock bulb from Mark because that's where I got the clock.

I did forget to pick up the press-on racing stripes while I was at Pep Boys, though...dammit.

James

Thom1

If this is the same as the numerous tiny pod bulbs, my local Porsche dealer could not find a part number. The BMW guys had the right bulb. They have been working fine for over 2 years. BTW, I gave Mark that part number a couple of years ago. By now, they could have found a Porsche number. VW interchangeability would be even better. BMW packaging numbers:
12v 1.2w
w2x4.6d
07 50 9 063 579

Austin928

I'm putting my consol back in, and have a question regarding the digital clock wiring. It looks like there are 4 wires to the digital clock: positive, ground, and 2 blue/black's. It also looks like the back of the digital clock has 4 places to connect wires to, so 4 and 4 match up. I've got the positive and ground hooked up, but I can't tell which blue/black wire goes to which prong on the clock (there's a long and a short one.) Does anyone know? Should I even be hooking both of the up to the back? If not, I still need to know which one goes where. Thanks!

-Austin <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

bergstsm

Dave,

I bet I have a bulb that will fit.

Just need to come over and look at my spare clocks, or pull yours match it up. FREE!

John D.

Dozman

Hey Shawn,

Last night you didn't sign out. Sorry didn't notice it.

Dave previous message was from me about lights.

John D.

JE928Sx4.

Big Dave,

Did you check all the fuses? That was the problem with mine. But then there were some other lights out as well.

Regards,

Kevin in Atlanta

The clock is held in place with a soft vinyl surround that runs down around the shifter. If you spread the cosole edges you should be able to remove the surround with the clock attached. Did this a couple of times to upgrade my digital to analog looking clock. The lamp is on a connector that slides into the back of the clock. Another wire on the back of the clock runs to ground. If the lighter's white light works then I'd suspect the bulb.

Alternatively, you can pull the ashtray and reach in from the back.

You decide.

Dan Bise

As you might guess, your local VW dealer has lots of bulbs and such that we need, including all manner of strange Audi plastic hoo has and rubber plugs that adorn our sharks. They appear to run software very similar to our PET, by the way.

Sprint past the over-eager service department "greeter" to the parts counter and have fun. Wear a Porsche shirt with lots of grease on it and fondle the beetle plush toys with your grubby hands as if you might buy one.

Check first to make sure your odd part is something the Big Three don't normally carry - support our 928 vendors!

Dan
Pasadena, CA
'83S

Big Dave

Thanks for all the offers of help.....but I posted that message back in October. My clock is illuminated now......along with my central panel shift numbers.

John and Shawn.....you guys knew that, right? Or were you so awe-struck by my radio that you didn't notice?