Headlights not working

[zdude1967]

So the headlights on my late model 260z are not working on brights or regular. The brights blue rectangle in the tach does not light up either. This car has a newer headlight switch and turn-signal switch and I think the headlight harness upgrade as well.

 

It has worked in the past until last night when I was out late then expected and tried to turn them on...that was fun

Does this car have a headlight relay(s). Fuse is ok.  My electrical skill level weak so please keep explanations very simple. As always I appreciate any help

[SteveJ]

28 minutes ago, zdude1967 said:

So the headlights on my late model 260z are not working on brights or regular. The brights blue rectangle in the tach does not light up either. This car has a newer headlight switch and turn-signal switch and I think the headlight harness upgrade as well.

 

It has worked in the past until last night when I was out late then expected and tried to turn them on...that was fun

Does this car have a headlight relay(s). Fuse is ok.  My electrical skill level weak so please keep explanations very simple. As always I appreciate any help

Start by giving us more background on the car.

Who put in the new switches and why? Why do you think it has a headlight harness upgrade? The one sold by MSA/Dave Irwin has relays, but @Zs-ondabrain(aka Dave Irwin) had to modify the headlight connectors to make it work.

Do you have a test light? Do you feel comfortable taking things apart? Are the parking lights working?

Edited October 23, 2021 by SteveJ

[dutchzcarguy]

14 hours ago, zdude1967 said:

This car has a newer headlight switch

They have .. i assume.. the same old contacts that used to work with the old 45-50 watt lamps and these days the lamps are 55-60 watt and thats just enough to ruin these contacts.. i would start with checking these switches and check contacts when there is no conductivity. (also check fuses of course.)

[zdude1967]

Steve J

 

I put the new turn signal and headlight switch in a few years back one of the reasons was to fix the turn signals not working. I also replaced the hazard switch for the same reason. Since my my skills to evaluate electrical issues is weak I generally just replace things until the problem is solved and things work correctly. I think this is called a swap- nician, like a technician but with poor skills- LOL.  As far as the headlight harness update I am not sure which one I put in- I need to look through me receipts to determine that. If I recall correctly the upgrade does have a single new style modern fuse in it- if that is of any help. The parking lights are working, the turn signal (right side) stopped working about a year ago. I have not tried to track down the issue regarding that problem. The rebuilt turn signal switch did not come with the connector attached- It came with the pins ( I think it is 9 pin) and I had to crimp them on and slide them into the new connector, the pieces were included just not assembled. I assume the turn signal issue may be be something loose in that connector. I do have a multi meter and when I use it (very infrequently) I watch a you tube video on how it works. I do feel comfortable taking things apart with electrical I just feel like I have no idea what I am doing

I have I have removed and reinstalled the engine, replaced the clutch, rebuilt the suspension, generally rebuilt the car, even painted it after watching too many episodes of overhaulin but I am completely in the dark with electrical.

[zdude1967]

Dutch zcar guy

 

I will take a look at the connections - would the  issues be obvious, like melted or discolored connections 

[SteveJ]

1 hour ago, zdude1967 said:

Steve J

 

I put the new turn signal and headlight switch in a few years back one of the reasons was to fix the turn signals not working. I also replaced the hazard switch for the same reason. Since my my skills to evaluate electrical issues is weak I generally just replace things until the problem is solved and things work correctly. I think this is called a swap- nician, like a technician but with poor skills- LOL.  As far as the headlight harness update I am not sure which one I put in- I need to look through me receipts to determine that. If I recall correctly the upgrade does have a single new style modern fuse in it- if that is of any help. The parking lights are working, the turn signal (right side) stopped working about a year ago. I have not tried to track down the issue regarding that problem. The rebuilt turn signal switch did not come with the connector attached- It came with the pins ( I think it is 9 pin) and I had to crimp them on and slide them into the new connector, the pieces were included just not assembled. I assume the turn signal issue may be be something loose in that connector. I do have a multi meter and when I use it (very infrequently) I watch a you tube video on how it works. I do feel comfortable taking things apart with electrical I just feel like I have no idea what I am doing

I have I have removed and reinstalled the engine, replaced the clutch, rebuilt the suspension, generally rebuilt the car, even painted it after watching too many episodes of overhaulin but I am completely in the dark with electrical.

Well, if the relay setup has one fuse, have you tried changing that fuse?

[Zed Head]

14 hours ago, dutchzcarguy said:

(also check fuses of course.)

Don't forget the obvious.  There's a left and a right.  They might be bypassed in your setup or they might not be.

[Captain Obvious]

5 hours ago, zdude1967 said:

I am completely in the dark with electrical.

I see what you did there.     

[dutchzcarguy]

Hey CO.. what about this one..

Tell us how we can EnLIGHTEN you..     

 

Btw.. zdude..  I meant the contacts in the switch itself they can get hot from just a little to much ampèrage.. ask me how i know.. 

Edited October 25, 2021 by dutchzcarguy

[zdude1967]

I just did some time with the Z and I think my switch may be the issue. I replaced it with a rebuilt one from E-bay a few years back. It seems like it is not moving correctly, as you click through the off position - to accessories- to on- it is just not smooth. It also seems to maybe not click well into the on position. It did make the lights work for a short time then failed again. My question is it possible to dissemble it and try to clean it or do I just try to get another one. Also my wiring upgrade is the "parking light upgrade harness " by David Irwin of Marysville Washington. I wanted to verify which one I had so I looked up the paperwork on it. 

 

Look forward to hearing back

[SteveJ]

There are plastic pieces in the switch that have a spring under them. They push up against the contacts to give the click. They can and will wear out.

[dutchzcarguy]

18 hours ago, zdude1967 said:

a rebuilt one from E-bay

I first would have liked to see pics of the contacts of that switch.. before buying it.. most are half way gone.  i don't like the stuff they sell on Ebay..

When the switch is not clicking/feeling right it IS the culprit most times..  it needs to have a sharp click in it. You can take it apart but some experience on objects with springs in it comes in handy