280Z No low beam headlights, new switch

[bbordelon2]

1978 280Z

Replaced with a new switch and worked fine for a few months then back to same problem. Took apart all connectors at steering column and under dash and sprayed contact cleaner. All connectors looked fine and shiny. Still nothing.

Also checked connectors to each headlight by the headlight buckets in front of car. Help! Brake tag due soon.

[EScanlon]

If you replaced the original 45/50 W headlamps with some higher power units, then you're probably having trouble due to the excess current that's flowing through your wiring.

Check the fuse box, make sure you haven't melted it. Then check the wiring at the switch area again, except this time check the dimmer switch which is on the Turn Signl Switch.

FWIW

Enrique

[bbordelon2]

I checked the fuses..fine.

Turn signal/dimmer switch is new as I stated. Worked for a month or two then back to the same problem.

I did replace previously brighter Halogen Headlights from Pep Boys.

I checked all connections, disassembled, cleaned and sprayed with elect contact cleaner.

What do I do, replace switch again?

Remove headlights?

I'm perplexed.

Thanks for your advice

[bbordelon2]

I checked, the headlights I replaced is the Sylvannia Silverstar 55/65 watts.

Did it fry the new headlight switch or the turn signal/dimmer switch?

Is there a repair if so?

Would it work as before if I reinstall the old headlights?

Again thanks for any help.....

[EScanlon]

When you replaced the switch, did you make sure you got all the grounds and other wires that cross connect the turn signal to the headlight / wiper switch connected properly?

Remember, the switch only switches the GROUND for the headlights, if the ground isn't hooked up right, you won't get any headlights.

E

[bbordelon2]

I get hi beams only now, but after I replaced the new dimmer switch both worked for a while. When I had the original switch fail it was doing the same thing.

I wonder as you said about the headlights that I replaced to high wattage and whiteness.

I replaced them and it wasn't too long that the headlights began to fail. I then bought and installed a new headlight switch and a dimmer switch.

Light worked fine for awhile, and now back to the same thing.

Do you think if I replace the old bulbs both the low/hi beams may work? Or is the switch now fried?

Any remedy to get brighter lights other than replacing a new harness/relays for the lights as I had read somewhere on one of the forum posts?

[2003z]

the harness with relays is plug and play and inexpensive. In my opinion, a system with relays is the only way to go. As it is now, the full current runs through your headlight switch, and even through the high beam indicator in the speedometer. If you add the relays, you will get full power to the headlights, plus it will be easier on the rest of the system.

It sounds like you've burned and shorted a wire somewhere in the system. Try doing a continuity check with an electric meter. Another possibility, albeit a slim one, is that both low beams are burned out. That happened to the high beams on my last 240 and I spent months trying to figure out why they didn't work, even though they had power.

[bbordelon2]

Do you still operate the headlights (hi/low beams) with the headlight and turn signal/dimmer switches when you install the harness?

[Arne]

Do you still operate the headlights (hi/low beams) with the headlight and turn signal/dimmer switches when you install the harness?

Absolutely. But the harnesses that you read about are for 240Zs and don't fit 280Zs (different plugs).

[code3z]

Same problem as with my car. The problem was traced to an unplugged connection in the passengers footwell. I unplugged the wire to replace the glove box. When I reassembled it, I forgot to plug in the wire. Look for the disconnected wire in the footwell. if you cant find it, let me know. Ill try to help you locate it.

[sblake01]

I checked, the headlights I replaced is the Sylvannia Silverstar 55/65 watts.

Did it fry the new headlight switch or the turn signal/dimmer switch?

Is there a repair if so?

Would it work as before if I reinstall the old headlights?

Again thanks for any help.....

I have 'Silverstar's' on both my 78 280 and my 79 810. They haven't caused any problems on either of my cars.