03 Corolla S Digital clock problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

98tercel_girlie · 02-28-2005, 08:07 PM

So mom's got an 03 corolla S and few weeks ago, the digital clock stopped working. I thought it was probably a little light in the back pannel that just burnt since we can't see the time at all, mom took the car in for its 68K mileage checkup and the guys at the dealer told her it cannot be fixed unless she was ready to pay over $500 for a whole new pannel. This doesn't make much sense to me, how come the light behind the pannel (what I am assuming it is) can't be replaced?? Any idea where she could get it fixed??

If anybody can shed some light on this problem, it's not a big issue but it's just really annoying to see a blank space where the time should be!

Nat

phil · 02-28-2005, 08:45 PM

If your car is a 03, isn't the warranty good until 2006?

98tercel_girlie · 02-28-2005, 09:01 PM

^^ They said it's not covered under warranty as it is a ''normal usage'' part. Yeah, I don't get it either but I already had a fight with that same dealer for my car last summer, I really don't want to have another one for that.

Any help??

NRM · 02-28-2005, 11:39 PM

Check your fuses yet?

Bring it to another dealership. A clock is a clock. My trunk was misaligned and they fixed it, and I use the damn thing everyday. I don't know how much you could do to a clock to break it.

There should be like 10-20 LEDs powering your clock. It'd make sense if one of them were out, but all of them is a pretty big thing. Check your fuses just to be sure.

Raddman · 03-01-2005, 12:05 AM

You don't really need to replace the whole panel...I have a 03-S also and the first time I drove it from the dealers I went to set the time and the whole clock fell in...I took it back to the dealer and it took about 15 minutes to pop it back in...Then after my warranty ran out(its 36 months-36,000K here in the USA)a bulb blew out in back of my climate control..my friend sent me complete pictured instructions on how to change the bulbs from a website(the guy wanted to change the dash lights to blue)...it was simply just a few screws and the panel lifted right out, looking at the back of the panel the clock was very easy to get at and just pops out to the back and just a few push in wires going to it. once you see the clock make sure all the wires are connected, one might be loose or there just might be a fuse for it to check. just take it out and have the Toyota parts guy check what kind of bulb it takes... hint(I had to go to the dealer to get a replacement bulb because no parts store carried them...just a $1 each..bet they will be glad to replace(meaning put the bulb in) for free if you bring the clock in, no big thing..once you replace the clock don't put the panel back on(be careful of the drawers they have springs on them that can pop off)till you see if the clock lights up/ works, also put a towel over your space where your shifter panel was(have to take that off first)so no screws fall in because you'll never find them...just might be the clock itself...If I can find the instructions I will post them here for you, hope this helps, Radd Guy...

98tercel_girlie · 03-01-2005, 01:05 PM

^^ Thanks alot Radd, I talked to my mom today and asked her specifically what the dealer told her about the clock and they told her it cannot be fixed without bying a whole new pannel, which as I said doesn't make sense. No matter what, it should be covered under warranty. I'm not sure I understand exactly your explanations (I don't know much about cars but i'll try to figure out how to take the clock out). I'll also call a few other toyota dealers to see what they will say!

Thanks alot for the help
Nat

Raddman · 03-01-2005, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98tercel_girlie

^^ Thanks alot Radd, I talked to my mom today and asked her specifically what the dealer told her about the clock and they told her it cannot be fixed without bying a whole new pannel, which as I said doesn't make sense. No matter what, it should be covered under warranty. I'm not sure I understand exactly your explanations (I don't know much about cars but i'll try to figure out how to take the clock out). I'll also call a few other toyota dealers to see what they will say!

Thanks alot for the help
Nat

Your welcome for the help...If your car is under warranty why take the clock out

let them do all the work...And if they want to replace the whole panel at no charge to you go ahead and let them, as long as its free to you and it makes them happy its their unnecessary expense

take care...Radd Guy

__________________________________________________ _________________________________
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phil · 03-01-2005, 08:30 PM

Try calling their 1-888-TOYOTA-8 (1-888-869-6828) number, also e-mail to their head office and complaint.
Doesn't hurt to try, maybe you'll get a brand new clock for FREE.

***REN69*** · 03-01-2005, 09:16 PM

Woah.. talk about fit and finish.. all these North american made Toyotas seem to be having some Domestic car problems..

might as well buy a GM or Chrysler now.

98tercel_girlie · 03-01-2005, 10:34 PM

Phil: I was thinking the exact same thing, i'm calling the 1888 number tomorrow to see where this is going. No way in hell it cannot be replaced under warranty, it's not like my mom abused the damn clock!!

REN69:

at your sig, let your backbone sliiide!! Gawd I wish I had folks like that!