Random Clock Resets

Hi all

Not posted for a long time as car still running well (07 plate 1.4 SX Petrol) but have had a strange problem over the last few weeks.

Every so often, on starting the car, I notice that the clock has gone back to factory default i.e. 1 Jan 2004. Everything else works, and on resetting it, it will sometimes remain up to date for several days. But then, randomly, it goes back to default. The only pattern I have noticed, is that it seems to do it on the coldest mornings. I have tried the computer reset (open window, disconnect batter etc) and although that appeared to fix it (last Saturday) the clock reset this morning (Wednesday) , but as I mentioned it was very cold -1C.

The car starts fine and battery appears to have a full charge, it's just annoying having to keep resetting the clock, and I worry that its the start of a bigger problem.

Any ideas or advice gratefully received.

Hi, I had this issue on an old Toyota. it was caused by a weak battery. Batteries are under a lot of strain in the colder months

you say the battery appears to have a full charge, have you checked it with a multi meter when cranking?

I would go with Mike187 as an opening suggestion. A weak battery or poor battery connections will upset all sorts of things.

Did you notice when the clock actually reset, was it when the ignition was turned on or when the engine was cranked?

Missing Lincs wrote: ↑Thu Jan 31, 2019 9:48 am poor battery connections will upset all sorts of things.

The C3 battery connections.


The Negative is nut and bolt clamp while the Positive is a quick release lift off clamp.



The battery terminal and connection cleaning tool:

Cheap and cheerful, here, on Amazon

Thanks for the replies. It certainly seems like the battery/cold weather (the clock is reset as soon ignition is on ie before cranking) so I will get it checked properly and if necessary buy a new one.

Just a quick update as it has been several weeks since the original post.

New battery has been in place for 4 weeks and the problem has not returned.

Problem solved!