Sprinter Carib (1996) electrical woes - any experience?

[Levin_it]

My Carib I just purchased from the Auctions had some electrical issues relating to the inside dash board I didn't notice (silly me).



1) The clock doesn't work.
I checked for fuses etc but finding nothing I used a voltmeter directly on the cables. There is power, alas, there is power. So I conclude the actual clock is stuffed. I called parts connection and the guy reckons its a common issue for Carib clocks to die. My resolution for this is to simply but another one second hand. Easy enough.

2) The heater controls default towards hot, despite being set to cold.
My dad pointed out the heating issue as he overheats easier than I. After a "bugger, its a major" belief, I discovered its just the switch rail which has a poor connection which causes this issue. By putting vertical pressure on the switch, you hear the heating system switch between warm and cold. If I place a cardboard packed of californian sundried raisins (or other wedging type materials) I can get the 'bite' on the cold setting rail to correctly blow cold air. Apart from buying a second hand one, are these heat controls fixable, or worth getting repaired? I was quoted $95 plus gst for a second hand one - would it be worth it giving it to an auto electrician or similar to fix it? Again, apparently a common Carib issue.

If anyone has some experience that they may offer some advice, I would much appreciate it!

[RobertC]

sounds like what was happening in my levin. Pull apart the controller. (the bit with the buttons and sliders. and on the circuit board there are probably some dry soldier joints. So just go over the whole board with the soldering iron and add a bit more soldier to each of the joints.

This is what dry soldier looks like.

[Levin_it]

The dry one being the second from the left in focus? yea I can see how that's uncool. Did you re soldier your circuits and fix the issue or is this what you are currently doing?

Cheers

[matt dunn]

My bet would be the clock issue is also dry solder joints.

With the clock pluged in and the key on acc,
put a bit of sideways pressure on the plug and see if it comes on,


or pull it part and have a look.

[RobertC]

The dry one being the second from the left in focus? yea I can see how that's uncool. Did you re soldier your circuits and fix the issue or is this what you are currently doing?

Cheers

Yea the 2nd from the left.
Yes I re-soldiered the connections which fixed the problem. Initially I didn't re-soldier all the connections and the fault was intermittent. So did all the connections and its been perfect ever since.

[Dopamean]

Theres a guy on trademe whom will fix the clock for $35.
The heater issue will be related to the controller most likely a common issue.