83zed owner Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 This is why I tried to post a DIY that never got posted, I believe the admins decided they didn't like it? Are you sure your switch is in the ON position? Yep i turn headlights on and nothing just the headlights, at first i forgot to put the parking light fuse back in, so i put it back on and still nothing, do i need that green and white wire on there or it's not necessary? because i just cut it off maybe that's it? is it possible that it is a ground wire for parking lights? ,thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftover z Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 I had the same problem Easy fix was buying a used light switch for $25 (dhp123166 still has one more left). Plug and play. Now I have all my lights working... hell, even my horn started working again LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bone028 Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 That green with white stripe goes directly to your combo-switch and I believe is the power wire for the parking lights. If you have stock wiring, you should need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aalleniii Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 My head/brake/hazards/reverse all work, hell my dash Tail and parking lights even come on when I activate my alarm, but they won't com on when i use the combo switch...on the Threads no one seems 2 had this exact same problem...i drive a 1971 240z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bone028 Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 (edited) Sounds like your switch might be corroded/faulty. Try this link for a rebuild how-to. Pretty simple and only takes about 25 minutes. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17688 You can also install the parking light relay from zcarparts.com if it solves your problem and you want to extend the life of your newly rebuilt switch. I ended up using just fine 000 steel wool for cleaning the contact points and switching them so I had fresh unpitted contact points for both the parking light and headlight position. Works great now. Edited February 8, 2010 by T-Bone028 forgot link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aalleniii Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 I bought a new Combo Switch on Ebay and it didnt solve the issue. So I'm pulling out my wire cutters and solder iron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftover z Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 DOH!!! Hope you didn't spend alot for the eBay switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aalleniii Posted February 9, 2010 Share Posted February 9, 2010 i got it for 39 bucks with free shipping...its a 260 switch and it mounts funky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftover z Posted February 9, 2010 Share Posted February 9, 2010 i got it for 39 bucks with free shipping...its a 260 switch and it mounts funky It's possible you got a bad switch. Not sure what you mean by mounting funky though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aalleniii Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 the slope is slightly tilted upwards, rather than totally horizontal like the original 1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftover z Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Hmmmm. Doesn't sound like a factory switch. Made in China??? I'm guessing the wires and plugs all matched up ok? Not sure if the 260 switches are the same as a 280 (your's is a '78 280 according to your sig). You might want to verify with someone if the 260's are different. I know alot of the stuff for a '74 260 might work for a 75-76 280, but alot of stuff for the 77-78's aren't interchangeable with even the 75-76's... let alone a '74. Just a though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aalleniii Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 I drive a 71, and the connections were different. I had to splice and solder the new wires with my old connections. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bone028 Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 So still no parking lights when trying to activate through the column switch? I know the parking light circuit has like 16 lights on it. Front turn signals, front marker lights, rear marker lights, tail lights, dash lights..etc. IF all of those lights "flash" when you activate your alarm, but your switch doesnt turn them on, I would begin by taking a look at your old switch for a reference point. From the driver seat the contact points/terminals on the left should be the one's to look at (on your original switch, not sure what the 74 switch looks like), then follow the wires from those two terminals leading to the rest of your harness. Hope you can find your gremlin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftover z Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 i got it for 39 bucks with free shipping...its a 260 switch and it mounts funky I'm betting the "new switch" you got off eBay is either the wrong switch for your application, or simply not good. $39 for a new one including shipping sounds fishy. A new switch should cost well over $100 plus shipping. I had the same problem on my '77. Get a good switch made for your car. Even though the 280Z's appear to be the same, there are some differences in parts. As you mentioned all your lights work from your alarm, and to agree with T-Bone, it sounds like your light circuit is fine (power, ground and fuse). Something is funky with your switch. If you can't fix your original switch, I'd get a good used one that is from the SAME year as your car ('77 and '78 are the same). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bone028 Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Leftover, I think he said he has a 71 240Z. AallenIII, The link below will help you easily rebuild your original switch. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=17688 Even if your original switch is not faulty, rebuilding it only takes 20-25 minutes and doesnt require anything other than some steel wool, fine sandpaper, or anything really to shine up the old contact points. I just think its something that will help you familiarize yourself with the operation of the switch and column stalk. As far as connections, I would venture a guess that your alarm is powered off of your parking light circuit based on your observation when you activate your alarm. I would look for a cut/exposed/corroded wire somewhere between your alarm and your comboswitch. Another idea, ff your 240z is somewhat stock, check out your fuse panel...this area is notorious for melting due to the high current going through it for the parking lights. Post results if you find it! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftover z Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Ok, had a brainfart. I see that Aalleniii mentions he had the '71, but Clutchdust is the one who started this thread. Aaleniii kinda of unintentionally hijacked the thread. These electrical gremlins are common in all the S30's. My bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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