My 1978 series 1 rx7 has the Jeco analog clock rather than the more common quartz digital clock built into the instrument cluster.

So basically my issue is that the clock will sometimes start working for few minutes then stop and will not work for a few days, Going forwards how I would i be able to fix this and how hard would it be
to take the instrument cluster out and give to someone that can service/repair analog clocks??

 

In the U.S. in 1979 only the Limited edition got the digital clock and all others go the analog clock. It might be easier to just get an analog clock for the U.S. since they were common.

 

It's not hard to remove the cluster. A couple screws on the trim ring and a couple more for the cluster itself. Then there is the harness connector to unplug from under the dash and disconnect the speedo cable. It comes out through the front and is easier with the steering wheel removed, but I've done it with the wheel still in place. Even getting inside the cluster to remove the clock itself is pretty straight forward.

Not sure how easy it may be to find anyone who can repair it. Maybe it's just an intermittent contact issue with the clock getting power? You might be able to find a clock by itself or a cluster being parted out, but a its a lot more common to find whole clusters for sale. Like KC said, analog clocks were common in the US.

 

Heads-up there is a gizmo ("regulator") on the rear of the cluster (its the only one, so not hard to miss), attached to the circuit board, that controls the clock. So be sure you know WHICH has actually failed before you swap in parts...

Stu Aull
80GS
AZ

 

Cheers for the heads up im guessing i just need to see if im getting power in and power out of the "gizmo" (regulator) and if i am it is working correctly?

 

Hey so I have taken your advice and got all the screws out to remove the cluster, im at the point to disconnect the harness. I just want to ask how the spedo cable is connected to the dash (retained) not to sure how to remove it?

 

The harness unplugs, the cable has a collar that unscrews from the back of the cluster. The other end of the cable runs through the firewall and down to the tranny. What Stu says makes sense, but if its a "regulator" it may have 12 volts going in and a reduced amount going to the clock. Never saw a test of the unit but there probably is a description somewhere. You have to dig through the manuals. A test may not be as straight forward as power going in and coming out. Often times these types of checks are measuring resistance or for identified amounts of amps or volts. Your best bet it probably to source a different cluster (preferably working if known) and either change out the whole thing or swap in components. Aren't old cars fun!