4 ms·
I'm sure many factors go into the life span of a capacitor. The fix for old VW dashboard clocks (at least in our '81 Vanagon): replace the two capacitors. Now,
by mikestew 8y ago
I'm sure many factors go into the life span of a capacitor. The fix for old VW dashboard clocks (at least in our '81 Vanagon): replace the two capacitors. Now, our VW is 37 years old, but it seems to me a clock should be a pretty low-stress environment. Or maybe I'm wrong, I dunno. Why are 40 year old computers still running on original caps, but a 12VDC clock fails in about the same timespan?
- jackhack 8y agoAuto power environments are actually very rough -- 30% (or more!) swings in V+ a nominal 12V system, noise injected by the points opening/closing and the 30,000V coil generating a spark, the old mechanical-switch voltage regulators causing a giant surge, etc. Honestly, it's kind of amazing anything lasts in that world. I go through an in-dash CD player every few years. (source: restored loads of aircooled VWs over the years.)
- vonseel 8y agoI go through an in-dash CD player every few years. Time to splurge on an aux input for your phone?
- neuralRiot 8y agoDon't forget temperatures that can esily go from -20 to 140f, condensation, dust, vibration, chemicals.