I have a 1976 280Z with 42K miles. Recently the Speedo, Tach ,Fuel, Temp, and Oil gauges went dead, simultaneously engine went to a high idle (about 2500 rpm) and red "charge" light illuminated steady on voltmeter. Has anybody seen anything like this? Got any ideas?

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Do you mean the gauge LIGHTS or the actual gauges? The speedo shouldn't go out because it's cable driven... unless you ran over something that took out everything under your car.

The CHARGE light means the alternator isn't charging. That would be the first thing to check.

 

The Actual gauges went dead, needles dead and all lying to left. All dead except for Voltmeter and Clock. Voltmeter reads 12 volts and red charge light on. Also, car idles high, I guess 2500 rpm or so, can't tell because Tach dead.

 

The red light means no charge from he alternator because it is no good or some break in the circuit from it to the battery. There are fuses(fusible links) on the ps inner fender. If you don't know what I'm saying then download the free FSM from http://www.xenons30.com/reference.html. This will be your most valuable tool. Don't be afraid to donate to their cause.

 

Thank you so much Theramz. I'm going to have a mechanic check the fuses. Sorry about the delayed reply, been out of pocket. D

 

My 76 280 had an electrical problem. Without warning the Tach, Oil Pressure Gauge, Temp Gauge and Clock went dead. The car also went to continuous high idle. No one had an answer. Found problem to be the 10A fuse for the fuel gauge. Thank you Steve Elhers from Rising Sun Performance, Benbrook TX for figuring it out and saving me the $1,000 the auto electrical shop was going to charge me.
Hope this helps someone. David