1971 240z Interior Lights do not work, few other things.

[94b16coupe]

Guys,

New here, after searching for a little over a year, I finally broke down and purchased a 71' 240z.

After driving it home, I realized the interior gauge lights do not work, and a few other things are a little weird as well. I have not broken the Multimeter yet, but wanted to see what you guys thought, perhaps this is a common issue?

Here are the details:

Interior gauge lights do not work when opening the door, or switching on the headlights.

The dome light, behind my head on the headliner does work. Map light doesn't work, from what I can tell, the cig lighter does not work either.

There is a aftermarket radio that I fear as a hack job behind it, it is wired to constant 12v, the radio stays on all the time.

I have checked all the fuses, all of them appear to be solid, however I have not ohmed them out yet.

The passenger headlight is very dim, drivers headlight seems fine. I did a little searching, and this may be caused by the combination switch correct?

The brake lights work, as well as the turn signals (although the turn signals seem to be a very weak pulse when on, barely noticeable.....is this normal for these cars?). license plate light also works.

Clock doesn't work, although this is quite normal from what I have read so far.

Gas gauge seems to be just above half way mark when the tank is full, I suspect a floater issue, possible gauge issue....worth mentioning though only because it appears to be part of the electrical circuit.

Amp gauge works, oil pressure gauge works.

Tach is from a 280z from what I was told, all calibrated etc.

I realize this is a lot of info, and every situation is different when it comes to electrical gremlins, but any advice you guys have based on common problem areas would be appreciated.

Thanks again,

Keith

[Mikes Z car]

The constant on 12V is supposed to be connected to the map light, clock, cigarette lighter and probably the light above and behind you for the door open light (also the hazard switch). If a wire jumper is connected between the existing radio constant on 12V and the map light or cigarette connector wire some things may start to work. On my car the door open light started working when I pulled out the door switches and used a pocket knife to scrape the car frame and switch body.

Do the parking lights work? Sometimes a parking light socket shorts to ground internally taking out the parking lights and lights for the dash gauges though dash gauge lights can quit because of the dimmer switch (try rotating it back and forth a lot to possibly make it work).

Edited January 14, 2014 by Mikes Z car

[Mark Maras]

Before you start on the weak electical. make sure that any add-on wiring is from a fused source. I almost lost a 1st. Gen. RX7 that started on fire in the driveway because of a lousy wiring job.

I would start by cleaning all connections, both hot and ground. I found that this alone frequently will clear up the electrical gremlins that plague old cars. If that doesn't do it then go at it with your multi-meter and start checking voltage at the fuse block and follow the wire to it's destination. Anything that is dim is probably a poor connection.

Mark in Portland

[Mikes Z car]

I almost had a car fire once a long time ago for the same reason, an unfused wire. Can't blame anyone else though because I did it (never repeated that mistake).