Lost dash and other lights.

[ken280zx]

I have a 280z 1978. The other day i'm driving to work and next thing I know I've lost my dash lights. I also lost my side marker lights and tail lights. I have head lights,brake lights,turn signals and flashers work. I've checked my ground in the back of the car.All fuses changed. The headlight switch is new (but it could be bad??). I am bad on eletrical issues. Any help would be great. Ken P.S. I did do a search but at a loss.

[EScanlon]

I would first check the fuse for the lights.

The Z has a separate fuse for each headlight and the other lights. I'm on the road so I can't access all my info to give you more information, but don't just visually check the fuse, pull it and do a continuity check through it or simply replace it with a new one if you're not sure how to do a continuity check.

2¢

E

[7277]

..... pull it and do a continuity check through it or simply replace it with a new one if you're not sure how to do a continuity check.

2¢

E

better off just replacing. continuity MAY register on your multimeter even though the fuse IS bad...they can corrode in the endcaps, where you can see and can have some of the fuse element still touch the end cap, but can't handle the amperage...

$0.03

[SteveJ]

1. Did you or a previous owner change the headlight switch? Why was it changed? (Did the responsible party diagnose a fault or start throwing parts at the car hoping it would be fixed?) Is it correct for your year?

2. Have you examined the fusebox, including the backside? Corrosion in the fusebox can increase resistance in the circuit, causing a hot-spot that promotes further corrosion or even melting of the plastic in the fusebox. (Been there, done that, got the t-shirt)

3. Are you sure all of the wiring harness connections for the circuit are in place? It's not unheard of to have one become disconnected/loosened as you are wrestling with putting in new parts or performing other maintenance.

[sblake01]

Pay particular attention to the top right fuse in the fuse box as it's the one for the circuit you lost.

[Tkach]

Im having a similar issue Id suggest checking all of your bulbs.

[sblake01]

What's more likely? All the bulbs on a circiut going out or the fuse that protects it?

Edited August 12, 2008 by sblake01

[Tkach]

sblake01 Its a suggestion, It could be a possibility as nothing ever works as it should.

[sblake01]

sblake01 Its a suggestion, It could be a possibility as nothing ever works as it should.

Can't argue with that but I was just thiking in terms of the manner in which he lost his lights. Plus, I've experienced that same problem and the fuse was the culprit. Same year car....... Edited August 13, 2008 by sblake01

[Tkach]

I have the same problem but I have a ez harness (crap) the signal lights work headlights brake lights reverse lights all work. However the running lights and dash lights fail to function.

[sblake01]

Signal lights, headlights, brake lights, and reverse lights aren't on the same circuit as running lights, tail lights, and dash lights. At least, they're not in the stock setup.

[Tkach]

My thinking is this on my problem (I'm not trying to hijack this thread) That the Turn signal Lights and brake lights also function as the running lights, and these function normally meaning if I hit the brakes or signal they function, however when I put on my head lights the dash lights do not function nor do I have external running lights. So I can safely assume that my problem lies in my dash lighting system. correct?