ignition relay interchangeability

[darom]

Hi guys,

I have just bought a 1976 280z. The car passed smog and is in a great physical condition. There are a few issues like a sun roof that was supported by 2x4 wooden blocks from inside, non-working temp/fuel/voltage gauges, seized up a/c pulley, disconnected a/c, bad brakes and door bell switch mounted on the side of the steering column as a horn :-). The inside illumination for gauges works, the tach works as well.

I downloaded the wiring service manual for 1976 and it shows only 1 ignition relay (page BE-36). All gauges connect through this relay. I took the relay block apart (pass. side) and I found 2 relays hooked together,part B5230-W0500, MR5A031A1K 12v!

How can I test them before I start ordering them? Courtesy parts shows 25230-89915 part for ignition relay, is it interchangeable with 76 model (5230-W0500)? Who else sells them?

I found some posts on putting headlight relays to provide more juice for them. Mine does the opposite - my parking lights flicker at different RPMs, is there a similar fix?

Thanks in advance,

Den

[webdawg1]

That part number (25230-89915) is superseded by B5230-89985. You might give it a try at your local Nissan dealership with part number in hand...You would be amazed at what you can still get from the dealership...

webdawg1

[darom]

Thanks - do you think B5230-89985 relay will work on my 76?

Those flickering parking lights (position 1 on the light combo switch) - is it the going south alternator or is it pretty common for this cars?

I appreciate any input.

Den

[webdawg1]

I also checked on the first relay part number as well and it is still a good part number. I checked at the following url and it's showing "In Stock", so you could give them a shout or check at your local Nissan dealership...

http://www.nissanparts.cc/cart/?pn=B5230-W0500

webdawg1

[sblake01]

I'm not sure that your car would run ore even start all if the ignition relay was bad. The gauges you mention also have a fuse in common, 4th one down on the left side of the fuse box. Have you checked that?

[darom]

webdawg1 and stephen, thanks for your help.

Yes, that 4th fuse down was my first check. It is good and tested. I also tested with my voltmeter both ignition relays, and they both showed the same 2 terminated contacts in non-energized state.

To me it looks like the common ground is missing somewhere for the:

- gauges

- check the parking brake light

- floor temp (CA only) light

- the glove box light

because when I start the engine, the oil pressure gauges pegs out to max.

A question: I checked all black ground wires on the passenger side (above fuse panel), is there another ground somewhere next the gauges pods?

With the key in ACC, the radio works, so does gauges illumination, parking lights, but with the light/combo switch in 2 position, the headlights don't turn on. They do work while the car is running, but in high beam mode :-(

On your cars, in ACC can you turn on your headlights?

Could someone please identify the loose wire coming out of the key cylinder and the base of the wiring mess (picture part3)? My combo switch has been hacked bad. I am attaching a few pictures.

Thank you,

Den

One of the pictures shows the rigged zip tie job on the combo switch. I have this feeling the switch needs to be rebuilt and I need to find a donor car's wiring for it.

[sblake01]

I, and I assume everyone else with an S30, can turn on the headlights without turning the ingnition switch at all so something's wrong there. I believe that wire is for the buzzer.

[darom]

Ok, thanks Stephen. I started looking for a used headlight/combo switch for my car. The non-working gauges and other accessory lights drive me nuts.

I appreciate everyone's input.

Den

[pamato]

Den, 

Did you ever sort this out? My '76 is having the exact same problem.

What was your solution?

 

Thanks in advance,

Paul

[SteveJ]

Den, 

Did you ever sort this out? My '76 is having the exact same problem.

What was your solution?

 

Thanks in advance,

Paul

He described several problems. Do you have all the same problems?

[pamato]

Oil pressure and temperature gauges only work when starting the car then fade to zero. 

Gas gauge does not register but I think that's a sending unit issue. 

ebrake light does not work.

 

Headlights have quit working all together even though it has a new fuse in the box.

Park lights and turn signals work.

[darom]

Hi Pamato,

 

Have you sorted your electrical issues?

 

Re: the ebrake switch - make sure the parking brake switch at the base of the handle makes a good contact with the ground. Check the BE-36 page for the diagram.

 

Headlights - they are all routed through the combo switch (page BE-11). I had to find a used combo switch for my '76 and rebuilt it. While troubleshooting the electrical gremlins, I modified  the headlight wiring with dedicated 2 30AMP relays to give them more juice and take the load off the combo switch. There was a diagram on hybridz on how to do it.

 

Regards and Merry Christmas!

Den