Dash Lights

[mmagnus]

I just purchase a 1970 240z that is in overall very good shape.

I noticed that the dash light is very dim. when I put on the gas it gets a little brighter but no where it should be. Could this be the coil or voltage switch???

[StinkyFatPig]

Well I will start off by saying I am not a mechanic but I don’t think the coil would have anything to do with it. The coil just puts out power to the Distributor.

And for your sake I hope you don’t have to put new bulbs in, I wanted blue dash lights on my 82' and now that was a pain. Had to take the whole dash off and wiggle around feeling for the wholes to put the bulbs in. Good luck

[mmagnus]

I am kind of doubting it would be the bulbs because all of the guages are reacting that way. It seems its comming from the electrical sourc. Any thoughts??

[jeff grable]

I have the same problem with my dash lights and head lights in my '71 240. If I am just idleing they are dim, higher the rpm's brighter the lights. I have been told it may be the alternator. I haven't had it checked yet though. Good luck with it, and let me know what you come up with please. I am going to try to get mine tested this week, I will let you know.

[mmagnus]

Thanks for the reply. I sure would like to hear what you found.

Mark

[Daniel]

The dim lights are"normal" for 240's. I've had 4 they all did it .The voltage regulator can be tweeked to solve the problem,but only by someone who understands auto electrics.Severe damage can occur if this is not done correctly!

[mmagnus]

Daniel, do you think that if they are very dim to the point they are almost dark that it could need a new voltage switch or possibly somethink else.

Mark

[Daniel]

Mark,As I say the dim is "normal'.Lets discuss a couple of things in hopes of a cure.The first is if your battery is staying charged,cranks strong you haven't got alt. or battery problems.The coil is what fires your spark plugs.It has nothing to do with lights.Thebulbsat are in your car are most likely 71 models as well.As the lamp burns the filament burns up.The black stuff you see at the ends of a flouresent tube is burnt filament.Even though the light burns the filament has grown weak and deposited the burnt filament to the inside of the glass envelope.In your case that is almost like putting sunglass lenses on you bulbs.I think new bulbs will make your dash problem less severe.Oh yeah I was told once that those were I think 6watt bulbs and you could replace them with8watt.So i was told.

[Daniel]

Mark,Also make sure your dimmer knob at the dash bottom under tach.is turned up fully.Sometimes the simple things will drive ya' nuts! Daniel

[mmagnus]

I tried the dash light knob and it doesnt adjust the lighting at all.

Is it possible I have a faulty dimmer switch??

[Daniel]

No more calls we have a winner!! Yeah Mark If that thing won't dim you don't know what position it was in when it broke.I would wire around it.Then you know you are getting full voltage.I have never had a use for that dimmer in any of my Z's.The other info. I gave can then be tried for maximum results.

[mmagnus]

Thanks for the great advice. I will try to pull the switch tonight and see what it does. Talk to ya soon