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Casio G-shocks are fun and affordable digital watches that pack a surprising amount of useful features. World time, stopwatch, timer, tide-graph, and moon phase are just a few of the things an ordinary G-shock is capable of. What’s even better, most G-Shock owners aren’t even aware of some of their watches have hidden and secret capabilities.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the lesser known Casio G-shock secret features along with some interesting diagnostic modes that can help you discover functionality and even find potential problems.
See also: Our Complete G-Shock “Master of G” Collector’s Guide.
LCD Display Test
Casio G-Shock LCD Display Test Mode
Just like a car’s dashboard, most Casio G-Shock models have an LCD test that will illuminate every possible segment of the LCD display. This can help you determine if there is any damage to a particular display function that might prevent you from knowing if it’s activated or not. This is also a neat way to see all of the hidden display features embedded in your watch.
To access LCD diagnostic mode:
- In timekeeping mode, press buttons (A), (C) and (D) simultaneously
- All segments of the LCD display will activate
- Press (D) to cycle through display test modes
- Last screen will show Casio module number
- Press any button to return to normal
Tilt Sensor Test Screen
Casio G-Shock Tilt Sensor Diagnostic Mode
All Casio models with the auto-illumination feature use a basic tilt sensor to determine the position of the watch face. If you’re having problems with your Auto-EL, you may have a faulty tilt sensor. Luckily, Casio engineers have built in a tilt-sensor diagnostic mode that you can use to diagnose potential problems.
To access the tilt-sensor diagnostic screen:
- In timekeeping mode, press buttons (A), (B) and (C) simultaneously
- The screen will display TLT
- The display will show ‘8888’ when the sensor is activated
- Press any button to return to normal
Our 4 Favorite G-Shocks
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The G-Shock 5610 Solar Atomic
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The G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400
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The G-Shock G-Rescue 7900B
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The G-Shock Mudman
$121.99
Solar Panel Test
Casio G-Shock Solar Sensor Diagnostic Mode
G-Shock models with the “tough solar” designation use special batteries and an array of small solar panels to stay charged. If you’re having problems charging your watch even when it’s exposed to direct sunlight, you may have damaged your solar panels. To test if your solar panels are functional, you can use the built in solar diagnostic mode.
To access the solar diagnostic screen:
- In timekeeping mode, press buttons (A), (B) and (D) simultaneously
- The screen will display SLR
- The display will show ‘8888’ when the solar cell is receiving light
- Press any button to return to normal
If the battery is completely charged, the solar panels may not accept additional sunlight.
Power Saving Mode
Casio G-Shock Power Saving Mode
Another great feature buried in the Casio G-Shock manual is the ability to automatically conserve power when not in use. The power-saving feature will automatically turn off the display after 60-70 minutes of inactivity. In this sleep mode, all other functions of the watch (including alarm and radio sync) remain active. After 6 or 7 days of inactivity, the watch will go into “deep sleep” mode which turns off auto-receive, beeps and tones, illumination, and display.
To turn on power saving mode:
- In time-keeping mode, hold down button (A) until the city code starts to flash
- Press (C) nine times until power settings screen appears (will display PS)
- Press (D) to toggle on or off
- Press (A) again to set and exit
Auto-Illuminator
G-Shock Auto Illuminator Mode Activated
This is probably one of the better-known hidden features of the Casio G-Shock, but still one that many people don’t realize exists. Most G-Shocks with the backlight illumination feature actually have an “auto-illumination” mode, a nifty feature that automatically illuminates the watch when it is tilted towards your face 15 degrees. Although this feature is known to drain your battery faster, it’s smart enough to disable itself if the watch falls below full charge. Additionally, the feature will only remain active for six hours before needing to be re-activated manually.
To turn on auto-illumination:
- Hold down button (B) for 3 seconds
- The wording “A. El” will appear on the dial if successful
- Hold down button (B) for 3 seconds to manually disable, otherwise it will self-disable after 6 hours.
Unfortunately, not all Casio watches have access to these hidden or secret features. The only way to know if your watch can do the above is to test it yourself.
We hope you enjoyed this quick tutorial on accessing secret and hidden features inside your Casio G-shock, please post any secret or hidden functions we may have missed in the comments below!
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Comments 33
Hi
I own CASIO’S (G-Shock mostly) from 1983 and it’s the first time to know about these diagnostic tricks.Very important and helpfull.Thanks.
I made the “Tilt Sensor Test Sceen” to one of my recent G-Shocks (GW-5510-1) and 8888 never appeared.I know that the AUTO-EL doesn’t work from a moment and after, but I wanted to make the test anyway.
All other tests OK.Any idea about the Tilt Sensor not working??
I try to find new module to replace it but I can’t find a seller.
Any help will be much appreciated.
Author
Hmm, that’s a tough one. If your watch is from 1983, you’ve got an original model. Not only is it 34 years old, but it was the first generation G-shock. It’s likely the tilt sensor just no longer works, which would also cause the Auto-EL not to work. I’m not sure you can fix that without replacing the entire module, so I would just live with it as a quirk of a really unique vintage digital watch.
Great little article. Thank you. Best regards from Canberra, Australia.
Very informative article Mike. Thanks very much.
Great little article
Great Info….to all G shock Lovers….
Hi I have just taken delivery of Protrek PWR3500. The battery was dead on arrival. One day later after charging, the time now shows BUT some of the LCD segments are not showing on all displays….I tried the LCD test above but doesnt seem to work for the Protrek.
Do you know if there is a similar test for the Protrek? Does it just need more charging because it arrived dead or does this sound like it is a definite display problem…I will need to return it to the supplier if it is a problem.
Author
Yeah these tests don’t work on the Protreks. Honestly, it sounds like you just got a faulty display (especially if it’s new). I would return it and get a functioning one.
Hi just received my G-Shock GX-56BB-1DR…the module no. is 3221 which is written on the paper casing (box) on the owner’s manual booklet and also stamped on the st.steel back but when I check on the watch itself (pressing buttons A+C+D then D) the module no displayed was 3179….can you kindly comment on this…Thank you very much
Hi Amir
I know it’s been 2 years since you posted this but just curious.
I just purchased a frogman and did the same think checked for the module and same think. Module 3184 is on the watch the instructions but when I do the acd test it comes up as module 3193. Did you get an answer elsewhere for your question you posted above. I would appreciate if you did and let me know
Thank you
hi bro, mine is the same too, seems that it is still original base on other forum and articles.
As I was testing these features I held down ‘C’ by accident and the sound feature stopped working. Held it again and started again. Great to find all these extra little tricks. Probably sounds like a dinosaur these days with the new fitbits etc. but I like the usability of the G-Shock
Hi. My 3405 (?)
Has suddenly stopped it’s auto resetting of the time and date like it has been since the beginning. Nothing had changed as far as my location of where I am sleeping, etc. It would change every night, sometimes skipping a night or two, randomly between 1:05 and 3:05 am….. I checked to see if the feature was still on. I even shut it then put it back on. Any thoughts??
Wow its been 3 years i didnt know that my watch can do auto-illumination on G7900A
Thanks
Casio knowingly sold 1000’s of watches (gw7900) among others, that had defective micro-switches, causing the auto light feature inoperative.
So what if you can diagnose it? Casio has, and will continue to, refuse to honor the warranty on those watches.
After telling me that it would be covered under warranty and to send it in for repair at MY expense, they held my watch hostage and demanded I pay for the repair and return shipping.
I told them to stick their piece of junk up their arse.
I will never buy another Casio product.
Who cares about auto illumination…. Just press the light button, lazy.
hi. i have g-shock ga 1100 serie and when i do press buttons (A), (B) ,(C) and (D) simultaneously the all of hand turn to 12 o’clock and lcd just showing 1 00 . It can be said that this is the same as power saving in this models?! plz help me and if you want to see that i can send you picture about that. thnx
Any body home??!
I have found out a little sun/star popping up whenever I hold on light on/off. why?
Hi!
Just received my G-shock (Module 5081). Was just wondering is there any way to make the digital display little brighter or can change the contrast?? The watch is fine but the digital display is too dim 🙁
Thank you for this site, they are very helpful. In verifying the information I found another hidden function. In radio setting mode, press buttons B, C, D and the display will show “J 40”. Pressing the D button further changes to “J 60”, “U 60”, “G 77”, “L 60”, “B 01”, “D 02”, “G 03”, “T 04”. I return to the default mode with C. Do you know what those symbols mean?
I have a 9052 from way back (still love it) and upon finding your article I followed the A,C,D display test and it worked fine. But the follow up D press just brought me back to the time setting. According to several sites this indicates a fake. Since this was bought around 98-2000 I ask, could the watch not have the option test function for this model? Am I not running the test correctly?
I bought it at an authorized dealer. It was way before I bought online.
Thanks for any thoughts.
For the LCD diagnostic mode, when you begin cycling using the D button, the first (not the last screen) will show the Casio module number. For those mechanical watch enthusiasts, a module is similar to a movement in the Casio quartz world.
I tried those diagnostic tests and all passed except Solar Panel Test. I do have GX-56BB, I tried to perform the steps several times but no reponse and SLR does not show… Any advice?
On GW6900-1, auto light feature is toggled by holding the light button. Same for PRW-3500.
in time keeping mode my watch is stuck on UTC. Model 3193 3200 solar atomic. tried resetting my city many times (to LAX) but no joy: always goes back to UTC. Suggestions?
Same with mine…does anyone have a suggestion?
How to test solar panel in g921
G shock
I have an interesting problem; I’ve had the GW-7900 for some time now, and very pleased EXCEPT one thing. if I turn on the power saving, often it won’t come back to life for some time, despite movement, pushing buttons, sunlight etc. When it eventually starts up, the time is set to 12:00 and the date 1/1/00, and it’s a hassle to have to reset it as it doesn’t always receive the time signal. I now avoid turning on the power saving although I feel it’s a good feature. Any thoughts?
I can’t seem to test LCD on my gshock 5600BB 1ER any way to diag this LCD??
Thanks
How about vibration resistant and wave ceptor
Wow…you learn something new everyday. Thank you!
Thanks for this little tutorial. Well done!