Mysterious electrical issues...

[ddezso]

When I got my ZCar the first thing I tested was the tail lights and brake lights and they worked just fine.

Since I got the car I have really done no electrical work other than replace some bulbs and take off the heater console cover to replace and see what is inside. I also removed and reinstalled the clock.

I have also washed the engine compartment since I got the car.

Now, for some reason, the tail lights and brake lights don't work at all but when I depress the brake pedal (whether the car is on or not) the interior dash lights and the front parking lights light up. They turn off when I take my foot off the pedal.

I finally got a test light and started poking around. I poked at the edge of all of the fuses with the car in the on position and they all lit the light except for the 3rd from the top on the left side. It is a 1970 Z. The fuse cover indicates that the fuse in question is for the 'flasher'. The fuse is not burned out at all and looks as perfect as the rest of them. When I turn on the hazard lights both front and back flash just fine. The turn signal works off and on and it clicks real slowly.

Any ideas?

Thanks............

[DatsunZsRule]

Only way to find the problem is to study the wiring diagram in your Factory Service manual and correct the wires that are hooked up incorrectly. Hope you have a F.S.M.

Next time you disconnect any wires, label them to prevent headaches like this from happening. just a friendly helpful tip. Can't always rely on memory.

Best of luck.

[Zedrally]

Bet you replaced the globes! Twin Filiment with Single.

This is a common problem when you "accidentally" replace them with the incorrect ones.

MOM

[ddezso]

globes? Please elaborate....

[Zedrally]

globes=bulbs

[ddezso]

I've replaced the 'dome light' bulb and the clock bulb. Is it possible that a wrong bulb there would hose me up?

[Zedrally]

Check the tailight globes, make sure that the brake light has twin filiment globes, not single. ie it has 3 connectors not 2.

[DatsunZsRule]

Wrong bulbs in the tail lights wont cause the interior dash lights to come on along with the front parking lights when you hit the brake pedal.

I still believe It's got to be a wiring issue somewhere.

[Zedrally]

Oh yes they do....Swap out the bulbs and see.

[DatsunZsRule]

Why would I want to try it? :laugh:

Never knew that since I've never made that mistake If it's not that then It's for sure got to be a wiring problem.

[monkeyman]

I had this problem once, took a long time to work it out too! If you put a single filament globe in the socket made for a double filament globe, the single electrode on the bulb shorts out the two electrodes in the socket. So when you put your foot on the brake, 12V is connected via the bulb from the brake light circuit to the parking light circuit, and on go the tail lights!

Definitely check the globes.

[EScanlon]

~Normally~ a twin fillament bulb (1157) will NOT fit into a single fillament bulb (1156) housing. Both bulbs have small pins on the side of the main barrel of the bulb connector. The twin filament bulb has them offset while the single has them in line with each other.

Trying to put an 1157 bulb into an 1156 socket can only be accomplished if you FORCE the pin out of the groove and into the metal cylinder of the socket. (And vice versa).

2¢

Enrique