fitting analogue clock....help please

Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:56 pm

hi again guys
i have a 1991 e30.i want to change the clock from digital to analogue and have got myself a really good mint one from here with electrical leads included.
i have removed the old clock and cut the wires ready for the new one.the new clock has only 4 wires while the old digital clock had something like 12.only 2 of the 4 wires on the analogue clock colour match the exsisting wires so i have 2 more wires to connect and lots to choose from!!!!!!!!!!!
what should i do?
i went to my local and very helpful e30 garage who could not really help and just suggested that i put a digital back in.but i really like the old skool look and dont want to give in so easy.
i am a total novice when it comes to electrics but would REALLY appreciate and some and straight forward advice on how to connect it up.i am sure the new analogue only needs a power supply to it and it will be fine
thanks again guys for any help
cheers
nick

Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:59 pm

I'd say your local E30 garage is piss poor.

Sounds like you are replacing an OBC with a standard analogue clock. The wiring for which and plug will be tucked up in the original loom.

Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:02 pm

hi chris
how will i find the original loom wiring? where will it be and what will it look like??
i so dont know what i am talking about!!!!!!!!!
lol
cheers
nick

Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:03 pm

It's a flat, black plastic plug.

Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:08 pm

will i get to it by taking out the radio?

Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:10 pm

Yep - If you're still stuck tomorrow I'll send a photo if you remind me.

Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:30 pm

you are a star chris,thanks so much
a photo would be very helpful.ss if i find this feed then it should just plug straight in to the back of the analogue clock and i can leave the other leads from the old clock alone?
please try to send a pic and i will try to sort this tomorrow after work
all for a bloody analogue clock!
it will look better though!
cheers again
nick

Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:45 pm

Off topic, but Nick, I admire your attitude towards your retro car very much. Perfect example of why E30s are so emotive and still loved by so many.

Are they part of the past???? Or the start of an old future????

Hope you get your clock sorted, and I know that with Chris W's help you will

Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:58 pm

As Chris has said,you are looking for a flat plug with 4 wires attached.2 to run the clock,one for the internal light,and an earth.The plug is part of the dash switch loom,it should be close to the plug feeding the heater.

Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:00 pm

thanks
i love the e30 shape and always have done since a kid.i can remember admiring my uncle's light green e21 perhaps 30years ago!
i am so pleased to have an untouched 316 and hope that i can maintain and improve its condition while still using it as an everyday car.i think they will hold greater value in the future but that is not what its about for me.i want to be able to drive a car everyday that you dont see too many of and that makes me genuinely feel better after i have driven.
may sound a bit over the top but thats what its about for me and this forum is totally addictive!
cheers again
nick

Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:15 pm

The plug is part of a standard dash loom

Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:17 pm

hi guys
this is a pain in the arse!
i have found the spare feed for the analogue clock now and it just where you said it would be...thanks guys
now the bloody clock does not work anyway! the wires are all connected but its not working.any ideas? before i give up and have a nice looking clock that does not work!
cheers
nick

Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:09 pm

Bummer.

I know its extra expenditure, but I'm sure that someone has some for sale at the moment....

Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:13 pm

I've got one you can have, part no on back is 1376903 out of f reg 318, worked ok when i took it out. In bedford if you want it mate.

Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:14 pm

Check for power (connect a 12 volt bulb) between the red/green and brown wires of your newly found connector.
Does the bulb light?

Fri May 01, 2009 9:34 pm

thanks for all your help
i have put it all back with new clock not working at the moment and i will try again when i new found patients!
it all looks great now apart from the clock not working and also the rev counter now!
was it all worth it?? i also have no skin on my knuckles from connecting up wires behind the sharp plastic fascia
oh well!
cheers
nick

Fri May 01, 2009 11:36 pm

You should try working on a french car

Sun May 03, 2009 12:22 am

nickscott wrote:the clock not working and also the rev counter now!

Sounds like you have blown a fuse - I'd check them all before doing anything more difficult!!

Does the clock light up with the lights?

G.

Sun May 03, 2009 10:00 am

no
the clock does not light up so i figure i will check fuses and after that just accept that i have a nice looking clock that does not work and who needs a rev counter anyway! lol
there are other things now that i want to try and improve
thanks again guys for all you help
i am sure i will be back asking stupid questions soon!
cheers
nick

Sun May 03, 2009 11:28 am

The lighting up part of the clock, including its connections, are completely seperate from the clock itself. Grey/red and brown/white are the illumination wires.
Something very strange here, if neither the clock or its illumination works!

Sun May 03, 2009 6:26 pm

i wish i lived just round the corner from brianmooore!

Sun May 03, 2009 9:27 pm

how do i know what fuses might be worth checking????

Sun May 03, 2009 9:50 pm

Fuse for the clock itself is 21 (7.5A), but this also supplies the interior lights and the boot light.
The illumination of the clock is on fuse 23 (7.5A), along with the other instrument lights, the RH sidelights and the number plate light.

Sun May 03, 2009 10:02 pm

thankyou very much
what ever the outcome of checking the fuses,this is the end of this saga now! and on to the next one.lol
cheers