atomreflex

you're right Dave. the problem was the window is out of alignment. and i'm sure that put a lot of pressure on it, which led up to the window crank snapping. so i'm sure it would happen again if i just stuck on a new window crank. does this mean that i just need to get new window seals? i figure the window glass should be okay? i tried using a towel, which tore in several different places, and was unable to unhook the window crank from the door. i still have to try the bent J wire method.. what a mess! ...and to top it all off, it's been raining here! :surprised

thanks so much guys! now i have several methods, i can try to get it worked out. in the event that i'm unsuccessful- where did you happen get that tool that you used Stephen? Also, thanks for the post on getting replacement securing clips!

oh. hrm. so do you mean i should replace the steering column combination switch? i saw a small part about that in one of my car manuals. it said to disconnect the negative lead from the battery, remove both halves of the steering column shroud, remove the two screws which secure the switch to the steering column. so translated, does that mean i just unscrew the steering column and then unscrew the headlight/wiper's mechanism? then do i just have to find that same headlight/wiper mechanism part online somewhere and screw that back into the steering column to fix it?

i didn't see a protruding securing clip, unfortunately. what snapped off was basically almost the entire handle up to the big round part that is stuck into the door. i peeked into the piece attached to the door and saw that it had the splined shaft, but the piece that goes over it, is still stuck to it and won't pry loose. i was hoping that i could just get a new securing clip (didn't come with the window crank that i bought on ebay) and pull off the old left over handle or pry it off with a screwdriver, then mallet-tap on the new one. but it seems like since the splined shaft is connected to the window mechanism (regulator?), that i would have to remove the door interior panel and door glass to fix it? is that too difficult to manage without a help or should i go to a body shop or mechanic for that kind of work instead? thanks for your help enrique!

i read all the posts about melting fuse boxes and it sounded familiar. i had problems with my headlights a few years ago in combination with the dash lights flickering on and off and not wanting to stay on without fiddling of the light switch. the mechanic i took my car to said he'd fixed it by lubricating the light switch. ? . it worked for a while until most recently, with all the lights going out- first the dash console, then all of the following at the same time- park, tail, and interior. one other thing- i noticed that one of the pigtails was unplugged today when i replaced the fuses. i plugged it back in, but still sadly, nothing seemed changed. so you recommend replacing/upgrading the fuse box? is it difficult to install- or do i need to have a mechanic replace it for me? is it that you just plug in the pigtails and screw the fuse box in?

thanks for the suggestion. i tried what i believed to be the dimmer switch(es?)- there were two black turnable knobs on both sides of the steering column. they did not seem to affect the dash console lights, even though i changed the common fuse (bottom right/cigarette lighter etc), tail/park lights, and dome light fuses.

thanks for the pictures, that really helped! you're right, my fuse console box is the older model, and does use glass fuses. i got some at ace hardware and installed them but the tail lights, speedometer lights/dash console, park lights, and interior lights are all still out.

My window crank/handle broke off my door. Darn the cheap plastic/fake metal! Anyway I bought a replacement window crank from ebay but, I don't know how to install it. It seems to be bolted into the door, as I imagine it has to connect to the window that way, but I'm not sure how to remove the door. If anyone can help, I would be grateful!

If anyone can help, it would be much appreciated! I'm sorry if I sound unfamiliar with stuff, but I'm a girl who hasn't had mechanic classes, but want to try to fix the basic stuff myself. The main situation is that my tail lights & dash console lights are out. for the tail lights- i checked the bulbs, so i'm hoping it's a fuse problem. none of my manuals show a specific fuse list/guide for a datsun 240z. i need to replace the back tail lights, the dash console light (speedometer, oil meter, etc), the clock, and the cigarette lighter. i went into kragen auto parts and they said they needed to know *what color of fuse and type (male/female)* to order for me. i'm hoping to have a guide to work from so i know what fuses to replace, and hopeful can order them from kragen or another store online. does anyone know where to buy 240z fuses online? If you know the answers to any of these questions, please please help!