After reading some prior posts about clock repair in the W126, I replaced the capacitors for the clock in my '86 560SEL. I tested before I installed on a 12 V battery and it ran fine for 15 minutes before I put back in cluster and installed. Now, the clock will only run for about 5 minutes and then stop. I have attached a 12 volt battery directly to the clock and still only running for about 5 and then stopping. This is the second clock I have installed and both have the same symptoms. I replaced the capacitors on both. Does this sound like a ground or power issue? Or possibly some bad capacitors? I bought the 2 pairs of capacitors from Radio Shack at different times, so would be odd for it to be capacitors. Is the power lead to clock suppose to be on constant power...12V? Any help would be appreciated.

I actually had this same issue on my 300SDL and found that what was actually causing it was the adjuster mechanism wasn't springing back all of the way after adjusting it to the correct time.

I added a bit of grease to the adjuster and it has been fine ever since.

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1998 E320 Wagon

1992 300D 2.5 TURBO

1991 560SEL M119.960

1986 300SDL TURBO

1992 500SL Parts Car

1991 420SEL Parts Car

Great Information! My clock has done this for years. I would reset it three or four times then it would operate normally.
Thanks!

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1951 Buick Special De Luxe
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1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL
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1927 Pierce-Arrow Series 80
1931 Pierce-Arrow Series 43
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