Computer/Clock Resets by itself

alvinho · 01-11-2008, 06:36 PM

Hello everyone,
This morning, when I tried to start my car (Grand Cherokee 1997), the Computer apparently reseted by itself and the date/clock went back to jan/01 12AM. I tried to start it again but It wouldn't work.

I checked the battery, and it was fully charged, the temperature warm (70f), and I dind't hear any strange noise coming from it...

So, a few minutes later I tried again, but this time I gently pumped the gas pedal.This time the car finally started, but I had to keep holding the gas pedal for a while so it wouldn't die.

After a few minutes, it started to work again and I dind't have the start problem for the rest of the day (I turned it on and off several times during the day). However, this evening, When I tried to start the car, it worked, but the Date/Clock has been reseted again.
Does anyone have a clue of whats happening?
Thanks
Alvaro

**platinum5.9** · 01-11-2008, 06:55 PM

are you talking about the VIC below the heater controls? That tells when a door is ajar and such? If so..my friend had a simular problem and it was the battery getting low, not low enough to not start or anything, but just below a certain amount of voltage that it would cause that to reset, I had a simular problem in my 95 limited. It started by it resetting here and there, then it would go black completely, then work but be reset, basically whatever it felt like doing. I'd so double check your battery, if it keeps happening or gets worse like mine did then it may be the VIC itself that needs to be replaced, not really a big deal and can usually be found on ebay for a decent price, just make sure you get it for the right year. 93-95 was different then 96-98, or else I'd be able to sell you one I have, but its for a 95, one of the parts I kept from it after I rolled it.

greasefingers · 01-11-2008, 07:04 PM

Exactly how did you check the battery?

I would start by removing the battery cables and clean them and the posts.

driabyor · 01-11-2008, 07:11 PM

I thought someone here took it apart and resolder some wires inside the vic..

greasefingers · 01-11-2008, 07:22 PM

Note: a common mistake is to place a voltmeter on the battery when the engine is running, and think that you are measuring the battery voltage. You are not measuring the battery but instead are measuring the output of the alt.

Charging voltage. With the engine running steadily, A reading between 13.2 volts and 14.8 volts indicates a good alternator! A reading of less than 13.2 volts is a sign of a bad alternator or voltage regulator; a reading of more than 15.6 volts is a sign of a bad voltage regulator

Colorado 5.9 · 01-12-2008, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greasefingers

Exactly how did you check the battery?

I would start by removing the battery cables and clean them and the posts.

X2.................

**Virmagicus** · 01-12-2008, 04:25 AM

X3........... I remember one time running out with the shotgun because my alarm was going off. Looking around like WTF. Shrugged shoulders went back inside after re-arming (the security)

Fell back asleep , and guess what happened next ?

**PlatinumZJ** · 01-12-2008, 09:16 AM

the clock resets when the battery, alt, or charging system starts to fail. Typically, its the battery. second most common problem is corroded or loose cables. Clean the connections, check the cables for corrosion. have the battery and alt checked by Sears, Autozone, or similar place. if all that is OK check for a electronic device that isnt turning off or shorted.

EVIL ZJ · 01-12-2008, 09:23 AM

It will re-set it self if Battery voltage drops below like 9.6 - when you hit start all the power is "GO"ing to the starter & when voltage comes back up you have to set your clock...

CrazyDrivinJoe · 01-14-2008, 09:22 AM

Mine has been doing this same problem for years i jus ignore the thing i have thought about takin it out but it does have some usefulness like overheating but i see that on my gauge. I had a 4 wheel drive problem also i might still i forget its jus pointless to fix you prob will get one that will break again they took the VIC out because they had these problems in 96 i think and changed it and then completely gone in 99. There is a reason for it and it was because they were terrible and pointlessand cool looking for back when the ZJ first came out