darom

Hi guys, I went through the wiring diagram a few times and need your input. a. 1976 280z - I studied the wiring diagram for 1976 and it looks like a lot of wires' colors are wrong coded. I am trying to determine what the cut wire is in Picture1. I am assuming this 6 wire plug is for the whole engine harness? On my car's diagram I can't find the Green with Red stripe wire (BE-94). b. My water temp/oil pressure/voltage gauges don't work. The water temp gauge goes to maximum indicator position. The FSM suggests ignition relay, voltage regulator and bridging the thermal transmitter's yellow wire to see if the gauge's needle fluctuates. I checked the continuity off the thermal transmitter's contact (yellow wire) and it is grounded. Is it supposed to be grounded? (BE-34 diagram shows ignition relay that grounds it via black wire). Logically it shouldn't. Hence bringing the yellow wire per FSM is pointless. c. I found a pair of Green and Red wires (2 pairs) at the junction block next to the externally mounted distributor coil. One pair used to lay on top of the a/c compressor and is completely melted. The other pair goes into the wiring loom headed back to the car's cabin. I guess since the car is without the points distributor, I don't need this pair of Green, Red wires? Can I cut this pair off the distributor? Picture2. d. How often do voltage regulators go bad? Your help is appreciated. Thanks, Den

Thanks mriz and Arne. The seller emailed me his 77 switch pictures and I saw the difference in connector shapes right away. Rectangular in 77 and square on the 76 model (9-pin plug).

Thanks, Dave - I saw your thread to compile the list. Unfortunately my switch is hacked to death by the P.O. I found a used one off eBay and will update your thread once I receive it.

Does anyone use a light/combo switch on their 76 from a 77 Datsun? I found a seller, but he is not sure if it will fit mine. What bugs me most with these electrical Datsun deals is how fast the company was changing connectors. And, will the plastic top/bottom steering column covers for the switch from '77 fit my '76 280z? Thank you! Den

Ok, thanks Stephen. I started looking for a used headlight/combo switch for my car. The non-working gauges and other accessory lights drive me nuts. I appreciate everyone's input. Den

webdawg1 and stephen, thanks for your help. Yes, that 4th fuse down was my first check. It is good and tested. I also tested with my voltmeter both ignition relays, and they both showed the same 2 terminated contacts in non-energized state. To me it looks like the common ground is missing somewhere for the: - gauges - check the parking brake light - floor temp (CA only) light - the glove box light because when I start the engine, the oil pressure gauges pegs out to max. A question: I checked all black ground wires on the passenger side (above fuse panel), is there another ground somewhere next the gauges pods? With the key in ACC, the radio works, so does gauges illumination, parking lights, but with the light/combo switch in 2 position, the headlights don't turn on. They do work while the car is running, but in high beam mode :-( On your cars, in ACC can you turn on your headlights? Could someone please identify the loose wire coming out of the key cylinder and the base of the wiring mess (picture part3)? My combo switch has been hacked bad. I am attaching a few pictures. Thank you, Den One of the pictures shows the rigged zip tie job on the combo switch. I have this feeling the switch needs to be rebuilt and I need to find a donor car's wiring for it.

Thanks - do you think B5230-89985 relay will work on my 76? Those flickering parking lights (position 1 on the light combo switch) - is it the going south alternator or is it pretty common for this cars? I appreciate any input. Den

Hi guys, I have just bought a 1976 280z. The car passed smog and is in a great physical condition. There are a few issues like a sun roof that was supported by 2x4 wooden blocks from inside, non-working temp/fuel/voltage gauges, seized up a/c pulley, disconnected a/c, bad brakes and door bell switch mounted on the side of the steering column as a horn :-). The inside illumination for gauges works, the tach works as well. I downloaded the wiring service manual for 1976 and it shows only 1 ignition relay (page BE-36). All gauges connect through this relay. I took the relay block apart (pass. side) and I found 2 relays hooked together,part B5230-W0500, MR5A031A1K 12v! How can I test them before I start ordering them? Courtesy parts shows 25230-89915 part for ignition relay, is it interchangeable with 76 model (5230-W0500)? Who else sells them? I found some posts on putting headlight relays to provide more juice for them. Mine does the opposite - my parking lights flicker at different RPMs, is there a similar fix? Thanks in advance, Den