Brake Lights and Turn Signal Problems - '73

[jtmorgan]

Ok, I've seen a lot of threads on Z electrical issues and mine is probably just another variation on the theme...flashers stop working when brake pedal pressed; headlights also throw in some other variations when combined with brakes. If you have any suggestions I would really appreciate it. I am still cleaning contacts, checking bulbs, etc just to cover the quick and easy stuff.

Also, I have one of those color coded wire diagrams I purchased off e-bay and its pretty helpful, but it references a hazard switch that seems to be a common junction for hazards, turn signals and brake lights. Does anyone know where this switch is located? I don't think it is referring to the actual pull knob for the hazard lights.

Keep in mind, electrical is all PFM to me! Thanks for the help.

1973 240Z

Original owner - well, I inherited it from my late father in 1990.

[Zs-ondabrain]

The hazard should be on your center console, below the radio.

Start by disconnecting the brake light and test everything without the brake wires connected. That will tell you if the brakes are the real problem. Then follow the brake wires, looking for any shorts or crossed wires along the way.

Also inspect the hazard switch (when you find it) for shorts, bad smells or obvious signs of damage.

[zKars]

The hazard switch on a 73 is the green faced pull knob below the lighter. Earlier Z's have a paddle switch in the same spot 260-280 have the hazard toggle switch on the console below the radio. Switch contacts in the hazard switch are often the source of these problems, especially on the 72 and prior switches. Spend time tracing that diagram. Be systematic with your checking.

[jtmorgan]

Thanks for the replies. The "hazard switch" on the diagram has 9 wires leading to/from turn signal/stop light, stop switch, turn signal flasher, four way flasher and fuse box. The green hazard light pull knob didn't seem to have more than two coming from the back, but it's pretty tight in there so I'll take another look.

[Curtis240Z]

As long as someone hasn't "rewired" the car incorrectly, the first thing to check when you get multiple lighting problems is a bad ground connection.

[torker]

Sounds familiar. When I turn on the headlights on my sons 260 the hazard light illuminates. The rt. headlight is dim and doesn't work at all on hibeam and the turnsignals are very dim. The brake lights and backup lights work great. I've downloaded the fsm but I am not sure I can get the schematic printed large enough to read it.