head lights are out please help fine ppl of classic zcar

[silvey19k]

ok the problem is my head lights went out wile driveing home. i need to get them fixed soon i just got the car back from a long deployment to iraq. and i wanna see if any body ealse has ran into this problem i dont have either bright or dim lights. i cheaked the fuses and they are all good and i looked at the wireing best i could will be back at it tommrow after work. i just need to find a quick fix for it i go on leave and wanna see the family. thank you for all your time.

pfc silvey

[robftw]

its usually something inside the switch, in my case it was a bad +12v wire, i think its red/white?

Do a few wire traces and report back

[EScanlon]

Both went out at the same time....?

What about other lights?

There is a common ground in the steering column which is the last bit of the headlight circuit, if that wire gets disconnected then you lose both high/low beams and probably the wipers.

If that fails then you may have a different problem in the combination switch.

E

P.S. You might want to put your vehicle information in your signature, as the above definitely applies to the 240 model but I can't vouch for it on the 260/280 or later.

[silvey19k]

yes both went out at the same time and all other lights and acc's work wipers ect...but the z it a 1978 280 base modle with 4 spees trany.

[olzed]

I have had this twice on my 240. Once was a bad solder joint at the switch. Easy fix.

Second time a tiny plastic plunger thing had worn in the switch. I fashioned one from

a tiny piece of plastic knitting needle. Bit fiddly, but it's still good after 5 years.

[silvey19k]

robftw good look. it was the red/white it was disconnected but i did see some other things that are mentioned here that would have caused problems in the near futher thank all of you for your help. and this is the best place for info on the net well with z cars.

pfc silvey

[SteveJ]

Be sure to search on this site. There are plenty of posts on headlights. Dave Irwin & I have described the circuit ad nauseum.