Proven Car Clock Resetting Solutions

A car clock resetting itself can be a minor annoyance. Often, it’s a simple fix related to the battery or a loose connection. This guide provides easy, proven solutions to get your car clock running accurately again, saving you a trip to the mechanic.

Have you ever noticed your car clock displaying the wrong time, or even 12:00 again after a power interruption? It’s a common, often frustrating, issue that many drivers face. Whether it’s due to a dead battery, a power surge, or simply needing to adjust for daylight saving time, knowing how to reset your car clock is a handy skill. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons why your car clock might be resetting and, more importantly, how to fix it yourself. Let’s get your time back on track!

Why Does My Car Clock Keep Resetting?

It’s more than just an inconvenient flashing 12:00. A car clock that constantly resets itself can be a symptom of a few different underlying issues. Understanding these common culprits is the first step to a straightforward fix.

The Usual Suspects for a Resetting Car Clock

Dead or Weak Battery: This is the most frequent reason. Car clocks, like car radios and other electronics, draw a small amount of power even when the car is off to maintain their settings and memory. If the main car battery is old, weak, or has a poor connection, it might not have enough consistent power to keep the clock’s internal memory alive. When the battery voltage drops too low, especially during starts or when other accessories are used, the clock can reset.
Battery Terminal Connections: Even a healthy battery can cause clock issues if its terminals aren’t clean and tight. Corrosion on the battery terminals can prevent a steady flow of power. Loose cable connections mean inconsistent voltage, which can easily trigger a clock reset.
Blown Fuse: Cars have a fuse for almost every electrical component, including the clock or the radio/accessory power that supplies it. If the fuse related to your clock or its power source blows, it will interrupt the power supply, causing the clock to reset whenever power is lost and restored.
Alternator Issues: While less common for just a clock reset, a failing alternator might not be sufficiently charging the battery. This leads to the battery draining faster, creating the same low-voltage conditions that cause the clock to reset.
Aftermarket Alarm Systems or Electronics: If you have aftermarket accessories like car alarms, stereos, or remote starters installed, their wiring can sometimes interfere with the car’s original electrical system, potentially causing power fluctuations that affect the clock.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) Changes: Of course, sometimes the clock just needs to be manually adjusted for DST or other time changes. This isn’t a fault, but a necessary manual update.

Simple Solutions to Fix Your Car Clock

Don’t worry if your car clock is acting up – most of the time, the solution is surprisingly simple and can be done by anyone. We’ll start with the easiest fixes and move towards slightly more involved ones.

1. Manual Time Adjustment: The Obvious First Step

Before diving into anything technical, let’s make sure the clock isn’t just out of sync.

Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Every car is different. Your owner’s manual is the best place to find the exact procedure for your specific make and model. Look for sections on “Instrument Panel,” “Clock,” or “Infotainment System.”
Common Adjustment Methods:
Buttons: Many cars have dedicated buttons on the dashboard or radio for setting the clock. You might need to press and hold a “Clock,” “Set,” “Adjust,” or “Hour/Minute” button.
Radio/Infotainment System: Modern cars often control the clock through the touchscreen or audio system menu. Navigate through settings like “System,” “Display,” “General,” or “Date & Time” to find the adjustment options.
Steering Wheel Controls: Some vehicles allow clock adjustments via buttons on the steering wheel, often accessed through the trip computer or information display.

2. Checking and Cleaning Battery Terminals

A weak connection can be just as problematic as a weak battery. This is a crucial step if your clock resets after the car has been sitting for a while or after minor bumps.

What You’ll Need:
Wrench (usually 10mm or 13mm for battery terminals)
Wire brush or battery terminal cleaner
Rag or paper towels
Battery terminal protector spray (optional)
Steps:
1. Safety First: Ensure your car is turned off and the key is out of the ignition.
2. Locate Battery: Open the hood and find your car battery.
3. Disconnect: Loosen the nut on the negative (black, ‘-‘) terminal first, then lift the cable off. Next, do the same for the positive (red, ‘+’) terminal. It’s vital to disconnect the negative terminal first to prevent accidental short circuits.
4. Inspect Terminals: Look for any white, blueish, or greenish powdery or crusty buildup (corrosion) on the battery posts and cable clamps.
5. Clean:
Use a wire brush or a dedicated battery terminal cleaner to scrub away any corrosion from both the battery posts and the inside of the cable clamps. A baking soda and water paste can also be used to neutralize acid buildup.
Wipe away any residue with a rag.
6. Reconnect: Reattach the positive (red, ‘+’) cable to the positive terminal first, and tighten it securely. Then, reconnect the negative (black, ‘-‘) cable to the negative terminal and tighten it.
7. Protect (Optional): Apply a thin layer of battery terminal protector spray or dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.
8. Test: Start your car and see if the clock holds its time.

3. Checking Related Fuses

A blown fuse is a very common issue for electronic problems in cars.

What You’ll Need:
Your car’s owner’s manual
A fuse puller (often found in the fuse box) or needle-nose pliers
Replacement fuse(s) of the correct amperage (check your manual!)
Steps:
1. Locate Fuse Box(es): Your car typically has at least one fuse box, often located under the dashboard on the driver’s side, or in the engine bay. Your owner’s manual will show you their exact locations.
2. Identify the Fuse: Consult your owner’s manual’s fuse diagram. Look for fuses labeled “Clock,” “Radio,” “Audio,” “Accessory,” “Cigar Lighter,” or “Memory.” The clock might be on a circuit shared with other components.
3. Inspect Fuse: Most fuse boxes have a small diagram or a tool to help you pull out a specific fuse. Carefully pull out the suspected fuse. Hold it up to the light and look at the metal filament inside. If the filament is broken or looks burnt, the fuse is blown.
4. Replace Blown Fuse: If you find a bad fuse, replace it with a new one of the exact same amperage rating. Using a higher amperage fuse can damage the electrical system. The amperage is usually printed on the top of the fuse.
5. Test: Start your car and set the clock. See if it stays set.

Identifying Fuse Amperage

Most automotive fuses are color-coded and have their amperage printed on top. This helps ensure you replace them with the correct rating.

Note: These colors and amperage ratings are standard for many European and American vehicles, but always verify with your owner’s manual or the fuse itself.

4. Testing the Car Battery:

If cleaning terminals and checking fuses doesn’t work, the battery itself might be the problem. A weak battery can’t provide consistent power.

What You’ll Need:
Battery tester (available at auto parts stores, or borrow one)
Safety glasses and gloves
Understanding Battery Voltage: A healthy car battery should typically read around 12.6 volts when fully charged and the engine is off. While the engine is running, the alternator should be charging the battery, and the voltage should be higher, typically between 13.7 and 14.7 volts.
Steps:
1. Ensure Safety: Turn off the engine and remove the key. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
2. Connect Tester: Follow the instructions for your specific battery tester. Usually, it involves connecting the red clamp to the positive (+) battery terminal and the black clamp to the negative (-) battery terminal.
3. Perform Test: Many testers have different modes (e.g., “load test,” “voltage test”). A simple voltage test is a good start. If the voltage is consistently low (below 12 volts when the car has been off for a few hours) or the tester indicates a weak battery or a failing cell, it’s time for a new battery.
4. Replace Battery (if needed): If your battery is failing, it’s best to replace it. Most auto parts stores offer battery testing and replacement services, often for free if you plan to buy a battery from them. You can find reliable guides on proper battery replacement at resources like AAA’s car battery replacement guide.

5. Checking Alternator Output

If your battery is healthy but the clock still resets, the alternator might not be keeping the battery charged.

What You’ll Need:
A voltmeter (can be part of a battery tester or a standalone tool)
Safety glasses and gloves
Steps:
1. Start the Car: With the engine running, safely connect the voltmeter (red to positive, black to negative).
2. Check Voltage While Running: Note the voltage reading. It should be in the range of 13.7 to 14.7 volts.
3. Add Load: Turn on headlights, radio, and the blower fan to maximum. The voltage should remain relatively stable, perhaps dropping slightly but staying above 13 volts.
4. Interpret Results: If the voltage drops significantly (below 13 volts) with accessories on, or if it’s consistently below 13.7 volts while running, your alternator may be failing. This is a more complex issue and might require professional diagnosis. You can learn more about how car alternators work on sites like HowStuffWorks.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many car clock issues are easy DIY fixes, there are times when you should call in the experts.

Persistent Problems: If you’ve tried these solutions and your car clock still resets, there might be a more complex electrical issue.
Complex Wiring: If your car has an intricate aftermarket alarm or an older, complex wiring system, it’s best left to a professional auto electrician.
Alternator or Electrical System Faults: If you suspect your alternator or another part of your car’s charging system is failing, it’s a critical repair that needs immediate attention from a mechanic.
* Uncomfortable with DIY: If you’re not comfortable working with car batteries or electrical components, it’s always safer to have a qualified mechanic diagnose and fix the problem.

FAQ: Your Car Clock Questions Answered

Q1: Why does my car clock reset to 12:00 every time I start the car?
A1: This usually means the clock is losing its memory. The most common reasons are a weak or dead car battery, loose battery terminal connections, or a blown fuse for the clock or radio circuit. Start by checking these simple things.

Q2: Can I just ignore the clock resetting?
A2: While you can manually reset it each time, a constantly resetting clock can indicate a deeper electrical issue, like a failing battery or alternator, which could affect other car functions eventually. It’s best to address the root cause.

Q3: How do I know if my car battery is bad?
A3: Signs include slow engine cranking, dim headlights, warning lights on the dashboard, and electronics (like the clock) resetting. Using a battery tester will give you the most accurate reading of its health.

Q4: What happens if I use a fuse with the wrong amperage?
A4: Always use a fuse with the exact same amperage rating as the original. If you use a higher amperage fuse, it can overload the circuit and potentially cause damage to wiring or other components, leading to a fire hazard. A lower amperage fuse will blow immediately.

Q5: I just replaced my battery, and now the clock is resetting. What’s wrong?
A5: Double-check that the battery terminals are clean and the cables are tightened securely onto the new battery. Also, ensure the correct battery type was installed. If those are fine, it might be a coincidence and the original issue (or a new one) persists.

Q6: My car clock is digital and part of the infotainment system. Can I still reset it easily?
A6: Yes, often these are managed through the car’s settings menu on the touchscreen. Consult your owner’s manual for the specific navigation steps. If the system itself is glitching, a software update or reset might be needed by a dealer.

Q7: How often should I check my battery terminals for corrosion?**
A7: It’s a good idea to check your battery terminals at least once a year, or whenever you notice any signs of electrical issues. Cleaning them proactively can prevent many common problems.

Conclusion

Dealing with a car clock that keeps resetting doesn’t have to be a headache. By following these straightforward steps, you can often resolve the issue yourself and get your car’s timepiece back to reflecting the correct time. Remember to always prioritize safety, especially when working with your car’s battery and electrical system. Start with the simplest checks like manual adjustment and terminal cleaning, and move on to fuses and battery testing if needed. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic. Keeping your car’s systems in order, even the small ones like the clock, contributes to a smoother and more reliable driving experience. Happy driving!