headlights

[intangible3]

my headlights dont turn on and i dont know why

[hogie]

Check the obvious, ie fuses and bulbs. Also the switch tends to crap out with age and use, it can be taken apart and cleaned up real easy.

[intangible3]

i just pulled the fuse-box out and its melted around a couple fuses... what could have caused that? cause everything is connected correctly

[hogie]

The circuits get corroded and build up a lot of resistance in the wires. Which leads to everything getting really hot and melting down.

[intangible3]

do they make fuse boxes for the new style fuses like in new cars?

[Mike B]

do they make fuse boxes for the new style fuses like in new cars?

MSA sells them http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SEIC04D/50-5011.

-Mike

[Jeff G 78]

If you aren't worried about originality, make an all new circuit using heavy wire and a relay. The lights will be brighter than ever before and you won't have the problem again.

[Zs-ondabrain]

Seriously?? Nobody??

intangible3,

The fuses, fusebox, headlight switch and wiring ALL get hot due to resistance. Nissan (Datsun) Never put relays into the headlight or parking light circuits. Therefoe, all the listed parts carry the whole load of amperage from the battery all thru the circuits and finally to the headlights. I make and sell, as does MSA, a 240Z Headlight relay Upgrade Harness that will eliminate all the issues you're having. No more overheating, weak or dim headlights, melting or failing fusebox and headlight switch.

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/SRC19

The link above will show you the Headlight upgrade harness, the Parking light upgrade harness (I also Highly suggest this one) and The 280ZX alternator upgrade.

You'll also find the Fusebox you're interested in, on that same page. Start with the new fusebox, then the Headlight upgrade harness and Parking light upgrade harness, all at the same time. I also rebuild combo and turn signal switches for a fee if you find that they are damage due to the overheating.

Dave

[Travel'n Man]

Questions are good, but there is a whole lot to learn by using the "search" button!! It's amazing what you can read and learn about our cars - and then you stumble over another topic and read more!!

It's an educational journey!!

Edited October 8, 2010 by Travel'n Man

[olzed]

On the subject of headlight switches. A couple of years ago my light switch on my 72 240 became faulty and my first thoughts were to pull the thing apart and look inside it. Before taking the switch off the car, I thought to check in my Haynes manual. They said that none of the switches was repairable, so I ordered one in from MSA. When it arrived in NZ, which only took four days, by the way, the total including freight was $700. Exchange rate and all that. Anyway after taking off the old switch, and expecting to toss it in the bin, I had a bit of a look at it and noticed a small cover screwed on to it, so promptly took that off. I discovered that inside one of the small nylon spring loaded plungers had worn away. I fashioned another from a piece of plastic knitting needle, put a touch of lube where needed, and she works like a charm. Brand new switch sitting in my parts draw---

I can highly recomend one of Daves headlight relay upgrade. Works great. Just a couple of screws, plug the wires in, and you will be sweet.

Brian