the clock on my samsung range keeps resetting to 12:00 every time i turn it off.

Diagnosis

The Samsung NE63A6511SS utilizes a volatile memory chip on the main control board to store time and date settings. To maintain this data during power fluctuations or when the unit is switched off at a breaker, the board relies on a small lithium coin-cell backup battery. When this battery reaches the end of its service life or fails due to heat stress from the oven, the internal clock loses its reference voltage. Consequently, every time the power cycle is interrupted, the system reverts to its default factory state of 12:00.

You can confirm this is a battery failure rather than a board malfunction by observing the behavior during a "hard reset." If you flip the circuit breaker for 30 seconds and the clock immediately resets to 12:00 upon power restoration, the backup capacitor or battery is unable to hold a charge. If the clock resets even while the power remains on, you are likely dealing with a more severe intermittent power surge or a failing main PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that requires full replacement.

How to Fix It

Because the backup battery on this specific model is soldered directly to the PCB, you will need a soldering iron, a desoldering pump (solder sucker), and a replacement CR2032 3V Lithium coin cell.

1. Safety First: Completely disconnect the range from the 240V power source. Do not rely on the "Off" switch; pull the plug from the wall or flip the dedicated breaker in your electrical panel.
2. Access the Board: Pull the range away from the wall. Remove the rear access panel by unscrewing the four hex-head screws. Locate the main control board, which is housed in a protective plastic or metal casing.
3. Remove the PCB: Carefully disconnect the wiring harnesses from the board. Label them with masking tape to ensure they return to the correct ports. Unscrew the mounting brackets and slide the board out of its housing.
4. Identify the Battery: Locate the silver coin-cell battery soldered to the board. It is typically held in a small metal clip with two solder points.
5. Desolder: Use the soldering iron to heat the two contact points. Use the desoldering pump to remove the molten solder and gently lift the dead battery out of the circuit.
6. Install New Battery: Place the new CR2032 battery into the clip, ensuring the positive (+) side is facing upward. Solder the contacts firmly, ensuring there are no "bridges" (solder blobs connecting the positive and negative terminals).
7. Reassemble: Slide the board back into the chassis, reconnect the wiring harnesses, and replace the rear panel. Restore power and set the clock.

If That Didn't Work

• Replace the Main Control Board: If a new battery does not solve the issue, the CMOS memory chip itself may be fried. In this case, replacing the entire main PCB (Part # PDK1100001 or equivalent for this series) is the only solution. This involves swapping the entire board rather than attempting component-level repair.
• Check for Voltage Drops: Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the terminal block. If your home is experiencing "brownouts" or voltage sags, the range may be triggering a protective reset. A dedicated 20-amp circuit with stable voltage is required.
• Inspect Wiring Harnesses: Check the ribbon cable connecting the front display panel to the rear control board. If the cable is pinched or has a frayed wire, it can cause intermittent communication failures that mimic a clock reset.
• Perform a Factory Reset: Occasionally, a software glitch in the EEPROM can cause settings to fail. Hold the 'Clock' and 'Timer' buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds (or the specific combination for your firmware version) to clear the temporary cache.

Heads Up

• Heat Management: The rear of the range gets extremely hot. Always allow the unit to cool for at least 30 minutes before touching the control board to avoid burns or electrostatic discharge.
• ESD Warning: Use an anti-static wrist strap when handling the PCB. A single spark of static electricity from your finger can permanently destroy the microprocessor on the board.
• Solder Precision: Be extremely careful not to overheat the board when soldering. Excessive heat can lift the copper pads off the PCB, rendering the board unrepairable.
• Battery Quality: Use a high-brand name battery (Panasonic or Energizer). Cheap generic coin cells often have inconsistent voltage and may fail within months due to the high-heat environment of an oven.