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-   -   How to wire a car clock? (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/technical-stuff/102674-how-wire-car-clock.html)

I've purchased a car clock for use with my Alto. It had initially been connected to the cigarette lighter terminal & used to turn on on key on. However, the problem is, it loses the time every time the car is switched off. I suspect it doesn't have a backup battery to keep time.

Can anyone guide me as to where I can find an always on +(Positive) terminal inside the Alto's cabin to wire up the clock.

(Mods: Please move if in wrong section)

if you are new to DIY please get professional help. As these clocks uses one direct battery +ive line. If you don't know what you are doing you may end up blowing the wiring or your clock.

You can get the direct +ve terminal either in Combination Switch (for Head Lamp) or from the Ignition Switch.
You can give yourself a try in finding them, subject to availability of some extra fuse (may blow fuses if shorted)

Best of luck.

Try hooking it up with the constant +ve and switched +ve from the car stereo wiring.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention about the stereo wiring.

I had the same idea but, an auto electrician told me that wire needs to be cut for this. I did not want a jugaad so put this off. I was also thinking of making connections directly to the Fuse box under dash.

The problem is that I don't have a stereo installed & therefore no wiring harness for it.

Yes, and now it has. I'll let it enjoy the juicy veggie.


Meanwhile, I decided to do a DIY on the clock itself. I opened it up and measured the voltage across the Zener diode inside(when operating from car battery). Found it to be 0.34V for time circuit & 1.38V for backlighting. I bypassed the 750ohm resistor in the time circuit & added an AG13 button cell (1.5 Volts) with a holder.

Now, I connected the backlighting circuit with an additional wire to the lighter socket. Now, the clock always stays on & the backlight comes on on IGN.

Thanks everyone for the responses.

don't fiddle with the fusebox.

@justcause - Of all the people I know/interact with, I believe you are only the second person (after my dad) who does not have a stereo in the car! Any particular reason - if I may ask?

Primarily, I'm concerned about the security of the system since I usually have to park in bylanes & secluded spots. Even the apartment parking is vulnerable to HU thefts.

Yes, it seems against the grain nowadays with the advent of affordable solutions. I think I just got used to not having a stereo from day one.