Need a new headlight switch?

[austex]

Hey everybody, just wanted to get some input before I drop $150+ on a new headlight switch...

The problem I've been having is that the wire for the tail lights that goes up to the top of the headlight switch (see picture) would intermittently get so hot that it would melt the solder and obviously disconnect and leave me without tail lights. It was annoying, but I would just re-solder it and it'd fix the problem.

Now, today, it melted again and I re-soldered it, but still no tail lights. I checked all the fuses and they're fine, and the switch contact is getting battery voltage when I turn the lights on. I'm thinking I need a new switch because all that soldering might have melted something internally or otherwise damaged it.

What do you think? It's the top left contact (sorry about the cell phone pic quality). Me and the previous owner have had to re-solder it a lot, as you can see.

[260zCaliCar]

You need to send a P.M.to Zs-ondabrain, he is the electrical expert and can probably rebuild your switch for you or exchange yours for a rebuild one.

[FastWoman]

If you install headlight relays, you won't have the melting problem. You'll also have brighter headlights.

There are four tabs holding the switch together. You can carefully bend them back (not much!) and pull the switch apart. Be careful, as you will probably have an exploding spring or two. Once the switch is open, you should be able to determine pretty easily how it failed and correct the problem. You'll of course have to play that part by ear.

Edited October 27, 2009 by FastWoman

[Zs-ondabrain]

If it's a 260Z with a 9-pin connector on the combo switch? You need it rebuilt and you also need a "Parking light Upgrade Harness" that I sell. A full rebuild of both switches (Combo switch and Turn Signal Switch) is only $65 and the PLH Parking light harness is $50. Email me at wolfin32z@yahoo.com for more info and also use the search button for "Parking light upgrade harness" here at CZCC.

Dave

[Zs-ondabrain]

If you install headlight relays, you won't have the melting problem. You'll also have brighter headlights.

He has PARKING light issues and fixing the headlights won't fix the melting Parking light wires.

[260zCaliCar]

I don't want to get into the middle of anything, but are PARKING lights and TAIL lights the same thing? Austex said "no tail lights"...

FYI, I didn't realize you had a PLH for the 260. I've never really had a problem in this area, but I'm interested in learning what you created, which lights it manages, and how it installs. I'll do the search per your suggestion.

[FastWoman]

:stupid:Duh!:stupid:

This makes me think I should install another relay on the parking light circuit. Is this a frequent problem?

How about turn signals? I have an electronic flasher I'll be installing to offload some of the current, but the turn signal switch takes a lot of abuse.

[Zs-ondabrain]

The Parking light circuit consists of the 7-Dash lights, 4-Side markers, 2-Front marker lights, 4-taillights, 2-license plate lights. for a total of 19 light bulbs. So you can see why the circuit overheats and melts solder joints and causes failure of the contacts in the switch. Old connections and wires create a lot of resistance, and that causes heat.

My PLH harness plugs right into your 9-pin combo switch, between the switch and the dash harness, the relay mounts under the column, the fused power wire runs from the battery, thru the firewall and over to the relays socket. $50 upgrade harness or $150 switch. Not a tough decision.

Dave

I don't want to get into the middle of anything, but are PARKING lights and TAIL lights the same thing? Austex said "no tail lights"...

FYI, I didn't realize you had a PLH for the 260. I've never really had a problem in this area, but I'm interested in learning what you created, which lights it manages, and how it installs. I'll do the search per your suggestion.

[Zs-ondabrain]

:stupid:Duh!:stupid:

This makes me think I should install another relay on the parking light circuit. Is this a frequent problem?

How about turn signals? I have an electronic flasher I'll be installing to offload some of the current, but the turn signal switch takes a lot of abuse.

It IS a frequent problem for those of us who Daily Drive our Z's and have the lights on more than others. Never a bad time to update an old design.

Electronic Flashers do require less amperage and are better for your turn signal circuit. I suggest them all the time and use them in all my cars.

Cleaning the ground wire below the battery and the one between the taillights helps as well. but you probably already knew that.

Dave