Suunto D4 - Strange goings on!

[saulyuk]

Hi there.

I received a Suunto D4 Last June as a birthday present, but over the last couple of weeks there have been some strange goings on! It would seem that at random times of the day the watch/computer will just suddenly reset time to 0:00 and put the date as 04-05-09. I have had a quick search and people have reported problems with the depth reading and temp while on dives, but do not mention the time and date resetting?????

Has anyone else had problems with the D4? I am planning a 3 week trip to Indonesia so don't want to be taking something I can not count on.

Thanks for any help Saul

 

[Karibelle]

Similar problem with my husband's D9 recently. The repair tech said it's likely a battery issue. The battery was changed and there have been no issues since.

 

[aquaregia]

Check the battery?

 

[bleeb]

Similar thing happened with my Vyper when the battery was dying.

You may be able to test this by popping the computer in the fridge for an hour, and seeing if it resets more, since a cold battery has less capacity. Once cold, putting it into dive mode can then increase the power demand even more, which could also trigger a reset (and maybe a reversion to time mode, depending on how the manufacturer designed the firmware).

 

[saulyuk]

Good Idea with the fridge! Thinking about it, it may have reset when I have been out in the cold for long periods, recent weather seeing -13 by me. But as the battery check came back as OK when put into dive mode I assumed it was fine. Thanks for the comments guys will try the fridge idea when I get in.!

 

[Karibelle]

When the D9 started doing this, the "battery OK" still came on... FWIW.

 

[saulyuk]

Right New battery it is. Thanks guys.
Would you recommend getting it done professionally or is it easy to do yourself?

 

[saulyuk]

UPDATE

Well just thought I would update on the dive computer incase anyone is interested in Suunto customer service.
I first phoned Suunto technical centre (UK) after receiving an email off Suunto on-line help (this took about 2 days from emailing problem to receiving reply).
When I phone I explained that the D4 was bought in the states but I have the warranty etc, but I think I must have got the office D**K as he spoke to me like I was stupid to even ask it be fixed under warranty and that I would have to send it back to the States so the shop I bought it from could then send it to Suunto????? This was on Wednesday last week.
Thinking the warranty issue can't be correct I emailed the shop I purchased the watch/computer from and they explained that Suunto would have to fix and pay for repairs if the watch what problematic due to a failure where as the shop would pay for accidental damage like I dropped it.

So armed with this I sent my D4 to Suunto (UK) recorded delivery on Thursday night. Tuesday morning I receive a call saying the D4 all fixed and is being sent back to me recorded delivery. Also all costs would be paid by Suunto under the warranty as it was a modular board inside had come loose.

Must say I was quite impressed with the quick turn around, OK I think I may have been unlucky to get the Office D**K the first time I rang, but Like I say very impressed. They turned it round after a very poor first impression.

Anyway just thought I would share as it can be scary sending expensive items away not knowing if it is going to cost you an arm and a leg!

Saul.