Running lights not working

[Coastalman]

This is the latest problem with the '72 Z I bought back in the spring. For several months after buying my Z the running lights worked fine. Recently I drove the car to a restaurant for dinner and left the running lights on by mistake. They were on for about an hour when I came back to the car. I cut them off, started the car and drove off. As I was driving I noticed the dash lights were not working. I tried the dash light control and no luck. At the time I did not think about the running lights. When I did, the next day I checked and they were not coming on either. I checked fuses which turned out to be good. Before I really get into trying to run this down, are there any starting points you fellow forum members can recommend to me? I don't know to fix this and don't know where to start. I do have a good manual and can read schematics.

Thanks,

Charlie

[Virto]

Try flipping the switch back and forth quickly a few times. It may be really dirty and preventing a contact.

When I got my 280, I had that problem, and after flipping the switch a few times they did come back on, but it convinced me to clean the combo switch.

[SteveJ]

The parking light circuit is a problematic circuit on the Z car. If you search on Google for "Running lights" and 240Z, you'll get lots of results from Z car forums.

Download a copy of the 72 FSM. Find the link in my signature. Read the wiring diagram to find the wire colors for the circuit. Take off the clamshell on the steering column and inspect the wiring, especially at the connectors.

Do you know how to use a multimeter? If so, I can give you more detailed diagnostics. If not, try contacting the Cape Fear Z Club to see if someone can help you or recommend a local shop.

I suggest doing a proper fix and then buying the parking light relay harness from MSA as designed by our very own Dave Irwin, aka Zs-ondabrain.

[djwarner]

I had a similar problem in my '71 Series I, turned out to be corrosion on the back side of the fuse panel. I could measure 12V on both sides of the fuse, but only 7 volts at a center terminal of a bulb socket. Since it is affecting both the running lights and instruments lights, I would suspect the problem will be found inside the car. An easy place to measure the voltage at a socket is the service light under the hood. It is on the same fuse.

[Coastalman]

Great info! I will be able to work on it again Thursday and will let you know what I find.

Thanks,

Charlie