Dash help

[siteunseen]

Here's a write up about the 240's combo switch but they're pretty much the same on both cars. You'll have to bend the metal tabs up with a small screwdriver and then bend them back with small needle nosed pliers. Then you can use a wire to jump power to the solder spot to see if they come alive. If they do, you'll need to take it off and refurbish it. Flip the rocker strips and shine them up. It'll make your headlights brighter too.

You've read an encyclopedia on here.

This is easier to read, http://www.kamikazeracing.org/dl/ZTech/Rebuild_240Z_combo_switch.pdf

Repairing 240Z combination.zip

Edited March 24, 2014 by siteunseen

[bhermes]

First of all is it possible for headlights to be working and combo switch be bad? I thought that if this was the case the dash and headlights would be out.

Secondly, the dash is about to give up the fight. I just ran out of time today; however, it will come out tomorrow. I have taken photos and will begin documenting the removal procedure. If others are like me; we have read some of the dash removal write ups and have decided to hold off on removing the dash. Although the write ups are great without schematics or photos we just were afraid to try. I will try and get the procedure online this weekend. I am not the greatest with manipulating photos with words so it may take me a little more time.

In general the removal was not as difficult as thought. Getting it back together may be another story.

Be in touch soon.

[siteunseen]

It's kind of like a see-saw. When it's down, nothing touches so everything is off. Roll it forward to the middle and the left plate touches the contact solder spots energizing the parking lights and dash lights. Forward again and the right plate contacts the headlight solder spot, the Z Gods say "let there be lights". Everytime you turn them on it arcs which over time burns the contact spot down. When you take it apart and flip the plates it's like new again. You can buy the headlight harness from Dave Irwin, eliminating all that. It wires straight to the battery from what I've read, soon I'll know for sure.

I forgot to answer your question, YES my headlights worked but my dash lights were out. I thought I burnt them installing a stereo.

Edited March 25, 2014 by siteunseen

[bhermes]

Jordan, did you get your dash off? Sorry man didn't mean to take over the thread. Just got carried away and was in the process of trying to get mine off as well.

I should have photos, schematics, etc posted soon.

[bhermes]

Finally got time to get back to the dash and dash lights.

The first bulb appears to be good. I checked the resistance and got 5.4 ohms. Does this make since? I think it means bulb is good but not sure. Regardless I should probably get new bulbs. Where can I get new bulbs? I saw somewhere the mention of 4W vs 3.4W bulbs.

Secondly, in regards to checking the combo switch, on #9, just to make sure, a wire from the constant power to green with white strip? I assume at this point I will need to remount the dash to make this work or at least get all of the electrical plugged back in. Is there a way to run something to the battery to check the switch or am I out of luck. I am not real good with electrical stuff. I will try the cleaning mentioned soon.

Thanks.

[siteunseen]

I remember there is a plug that I had to unplug to get the combo switch out of the car, so yes you'll need to plug that one back up. I used a 12 volt test light to jump power from the white/red to the green/white and my dash lit up. The kind with a needle-like point on 1 end and an alligator clip on the other works for a jumper. If you take the 2 part cover off behind the steering wheel you should be able to find the plug that runs to that combo switch. It's on the bottom of the steering column and will have those wire colors. If your seat belt light comes on I'd think it's the combo switch instead of blown bulbs. See if your side marker lights and tag light are working, there all tied into that confounded combo switch. Best of luck!

1 more thing, there is a fuse for the switch's power. I believe it's the 4th from the top on the right side of the fuse block. Probably says park lights/headlights or similar on the fuse box cover.

Edited March 29, 2014 by siteunseen

[bhermes]

Found the bulbs at MSA about $30 for 15. I will plan on replacing them all with the 4W bulb. I played around a little with jumping the combo switch with no luck so far. Still concerned that I have everything disconnected that I may need to reinstall the dash to try this again. I did reconnect everything around the switch area but still have the big housings on the passenger side unconnected.

I did find a problem with the plug going to the back of the ignition. The housing is not doing a very good job of holding the contacts in place and one actually was out of the housing completely. Not sure when this happened.

[bhermes]

Got some of the plugs back together to check the combo switch. I had an issue with the ignition switch plug. The female terminals would not stay in housing. I currently have them plugged directly to the tabs without the housing. Not sure this is smart long term. Previous owner had done some modifications.

I tried to jump between white/red to green/white and got a lot of sparking but no dash lights. Does the key need to be on? Is the sparking mean anything?

I thinking of living by candle light. Electricity is not my friend.

Thanks.

[siteunseen]

Make sure your dimmer knob is turned fully clockwise. Mine is next to the trip reset knob, below the farthest left round dash vent. I got sparks too but also lights. Mine made a contact spark, like hooking jumper cables to the battery. You're putting 12 volts straight on the circuit so I'm thinking your dimmer is turned the wrong way.

[bhermes]

Just to clarify and bare with me. Does the key need to be on and do I need to have my lights on? Or is this just one of those stupid questions.

I will check the dimmer knob and try again.

Thanks.

[bhermes]

Dimmer switch was turned completely clockwise. Jumped across combo switch and no dash lights. I need to check the rheostat dimmer now to see if it is bad. I have seen a few write ups but not sure how to check. Any help would be appreciated. I am guessing I can put a meter on the back and tell if it is good.

Side note: what is the fuse listed "floor temp lamp" for? Is this used in my car or one of those CA things?

Thanks.

[siteunseen]

I took my key out when I was fooling with my combo switch, didn't want any surprises. You can turn your lights on since it wouldn't hurt anything but when you put 12 volts on that solder spot it's going to energize the dash lights regardless of anything else, you're bypassing the rocker function of the combo switch. You might start a new thread about help with the combo switch. SteveJ is very electrical minded.