Home-market S30 Factory Options

[EScanlon]

Alan:

I'm mainly interested in how it operated. On the majority of cars that I have driven that have this feature, a simple pull, just as if I was switching to the higher beam element, is all that is required to activate the headlights. (In many places in Europe, you are required to "flash" the person in front of you when you overtake them.) My 76 Capri II had the HORN on the end of the stalk, and you pressed it by pressing down towards the steering column.

So, the "dot" on the end of the stalk, denotes that you can press it and the lights will flash, or am I mistaken?

As far as the wiring schematics, I'd be principally interested in finding out where the relay was, if there was one; and the wiring required to effect the circuit. If possible what the switch or stalk switch would look like. I would love to be able to add that to my car, as the Passing Light is a feature I miss.

Enrique

[HS30-H]

Hi Enrique,

Are you saying that some ( all? ) of the USA market cars didn't have the "Passing Light" system? If its true, then I'm surprised. I never knew that.

I know exactly what you mean about the headlamp flashing system on most UK / European cars. Usually a single pull back on a column-mounted stalk will flash the headlamps. I've had a few American cars, but can't clearly remember a similar system on them ( too long ago ).

On the S30-series Z, pulling back on the Indicator Stalk simply clicks a switch that controls main beam and dipped beam on the headlamps ( it doesn't do anything unless the lights are switched on ) - am I right? The Passing Lamp button on the end of the Indicator Stalk allows the headlamp flash function ( press in: on, let go: off ) even while the lights are off.

The Indicator Stalk on the Passing Lamp system-equipped cars is therefore a busy little bee. Talk about multi-tasking! I'm sorry, I don't have a pic of the insides of the switch at the end of the column to show you.

I've dug out a wiring diagram for the domestic market S30 and HS30 cars, and I have scanned it. You can imagine just how much detail will be lost in the scan once I have reduced it to a reasonable size to upload here. I can send you a bigger, higher quality scan direct if you want it. Wiring is definitely in one of my blind spots, I'm afraid. I can't help you to decipher it very much ( its too big ) unless you point out specific areas of interest. I'm hoping you will spot the differences and home in on them.

Here's the diagram:

[abas]

Alan:

As far as the wiring schematics, I'd be principally interested in finding out where the relay was, if there was one; and the wiring required to effect the circuit. If possible what the switch or stalk switch would look like. I would love to be able to add that to my car, as the Passing Light is a feature I miss.

Enrique

Enrique

on my 1972 HS30 (UK spec) car there is an extra relay attached to the cardboard kick plates next to the driver's footwell, that is operated by the button on the end of the indicator stalk.

I thought about trying to fit this into my 1970 HLS30 car, but as the stalks go on different sides ( LHdrive compared to RHD) I might have to retrofit both the turn signal switch and the headlight switch. I have not gone into it any further than this.

Hope it helps

Andrew

[EricB]

On our USA market Zs, the only way you are going to flash the lights at anyone is with the lights already on & switching between low and high beams, there is no other shortcut as you Euros/Australians & NewZealanders describe on our cars.

-e

[EricB]

sorry duplicate post

[EScanlon]

Are you saying that some ( all? ) of the USA market cars didn't have the "Passing Light" system? If its true, then I'm surprised. I never knew that.

I know exactly what you mean about the headlamp flashing system on most UK / European cars. Usually a single pull back on a column-mounted stalk will flash the headlamps. I've had a few American cars, but can't clearly remember a similar system on them ( too long ago ).

On the S30-series Z, pulling back on the Indicator Stalk simply clicks a switch that controls main beam and dipped beam on the headlamps ( it doesn't do anything unless the lights are switched on ) - am I right? The Passing Lamp button on the end of the Indicator Stalk allows the headlamp flash function ( press in: on, let go: off ) even while the lights are off

Of the 5-6 of the Z's that I've recently worked on, there was no Passing Light Feature. The only thing available was the High/Low Function when the Headlights are on. When the Light Switch is on the "Park" position, it does NOT light the Headlamps.

The Passing Light Feature, to clarify for those who may not know what it means, (and those that DO know, can correct / clarify .) is a switch that permits turning ON the HIGH Beam Light without having had the headlamps already lit, nor any part of the lighting circuit. This is usually on a Momentary Close switch as opposed to the Double Pole Single Throw switch that the standard High/Low beam uses. It seems that Datsun used BOTH switches to make this work. That implies that the Turn Signal Stalk is hollow and that the rubber end piece has a hole in it to accept the MC switch. Unless the whole stalk pushes IN to actuate a switch on the column.

In some vehicles, such as my Acura or my wife's Subaru, and since the early 90's on many US vehicles, the H/L Switch performs BOTH functions. Canadian cars, with their requirement of Daytime Running Lights, may or may not be equipped with the same system.

A very interesting discussion this is turning into.

Enrique

[EScanlon]

Enrique

on my 1972 HS30 (UK spec) car there is an extra relay attached to the cardboard kick plates next to the driver's footwell, that is operated by the button on the end of the indicator stalk.

I thought about trying to fit this into my 1970 HLS30 car, but as the stalks go on different sides ( LHdrive compared to RHD) I might have to retrofit both the turn signal switch and the headlight switch. I have not gone into it any further than this.

Hope it helps

Andrew

EXCELLENT!!

This is exactly the type of information I was hoping to garner. Now, I can start zeroing in on the circuitry. Andrew, do you have the wiring diagram for your specific car? By that I mean a 72 UK HS30 .... If so, any chance you could scan and send? I'm sure that with that and a little creative effort, I might be able to design and make an "add-in" wire loom.

Alan, I will see what I can do with the diagram you sent. I'll have to correlate a known english text one with the one you posted to determine what / where the differences are. Thank you for the post.

Enrique

[MikeW]

The Passing Light Feature, to clarify for those who may not know what it means, (and those that DO know, can correct / clarify .) is a switch that permits turning ON the HIGH Beam Light without having had the headlamps already lit, nor any part of the lighting circuit.

This is how it works on my Nissan 240SX. However, since it also has pop up headlights it's not as useful for flashing someone who's swerving into your lane since there's a slight time lag for the headlights to come up.

[Zedrally]

Alan, I'm not to clear on whether you believe the passing light was standard or an option in RHD cars?

My 73 does not have this feature, however the 77 does...

In fact the 73 is pretty bone dry with no heated back hatch or hazard lights.

Mike

[Alan Pugh]

I thought a few pictures would help, so as my steering column is out of the car here a few photos of the pass switch for those who haven't seen it.

[speedyblue]

My 73 is the same as Zedrally's. No passing/flash button, no hazards, no rear demistor.

[abas]

EXCELLENT!!

This is exactly the type of information I was hoping to garner. Now, I can start zeroing in on the circuitry. Andrew, do you have the wiring diagram for your specific car? By that I mean a 72 UK HS30 .... If so, any chance you could scan and send? I'm sure that with that and a little creative effort, I might be able to design and make an "add-in" wire loom.

Enrique

Enrique

Do you have a Haynes manual for 240z/260z/280z? The wiring for the relay and switch is in the wiring diagrams in the back of the electrical section. ( for some reason it doesn't appear on the UK spec wiring diagram but it is there on one of the USA wiring diagrams - strange.)

If you don't have a copy I will try to scan it for you.

Andrew