Subject: Re: '71 240Z, Headlights Died
Date: Tue, 02 Mar 1999
From: zdoc <zdoc@yosemite.net>
Hi Nate, Doc here. It sounds like you have the old 240Z
light switch problem, but have no fear. First of all it sounds like you
have some mechanical experience, so I want you to remove the plastic trim
around the steering wheel and access the headlight switch. Notice the
connections on the top of the switch and inspect them for the possibility
of being unsoldered first. If they are OK then you need to get a can of
something like WD 40 and install the tube. Notice that on the top of the
switch there are some small holes, so put the tube to each hole and squirt
some lube into the switch. Operate the switch
several times on and off. You should start to see the lights come on now.
Respray it again and operate the switch several times. That should cure
the problem for you. If not let me know. I have never had a switch that
could not be corrected in this manner. There is always a first time, but
I don't feel that this is the case.
You can send the report back to me or to the newsletter editor, or even the Webmaster, Gary Goodlund at the ZONC Web site. I hope that this helps you...............
ZDOC OUT
Nate Crosno wrote:
The headlights on my 240 have suddenly decided they do not want to work.
Both of them went out at the same time. I checked the fuses and the switch
with a voltmeter and everything is hot at the appropriate times. The parking
lights still work too.
I have a Haynes manual with some wiring diagrams, but there are two for US 240's --late and early-- but no time references. My Z is a 9/71 (although registered as a '72 =). On the "early" there is some kind of "passing relay" that some of the headlight wires go through, and I have some unknown relay under the passenger side dash, but the colors don't match with those on the diagram (the # of wires does).
I have had this car for five years and have had to solve many wiring problems, but have usually been able to track them down pretty quickly. This one has me a little stumped. I don't want to run out and buy parts that I may not need.
If anyone has any suggestions on what the problem might be, or a way
I could test this unknown relay, it would be much appriciated. Also, if
you think it is that relay, where would be a good place to get a new one
(fast)?
Thanks,
| Nate Crosno |
'72 240 (my first and only car) |