Hello Shady,

I have a 1978 Datsun 280 Z. Yesterday I noticed that all the gauges have no illumination except the map lite (must have separate circuit). The fuses are OK. My Z repair manual shows "Control Panel Illumination Lamp" and "Illumination Control Rheostat". Where are these located at so I could start tracing?

Any suggestions?

Thank you,

Reuben

 

Hi Shady,

I found the problem !!!!

I also noticed that NOT only the panel lites not working but also the side marker lites and the license plates lites. I checked all the bulbs on the side markers and license plate lites and they are all OK and put them back. Then I turn on the car (not start) then the switch and ALL the lites came on. There must have been a bad contact on one of these lites that DID NOT complete the circuit.

Anyway, this probably helps somebody.

Thank you for your time.

Reuben

 

Hi Shady,

Two days ago, the dashboard illuminator lights, side marker lites and license plates light went OFF again. I duplicated what I did recently BUT to no avail. I checked the park lites fuse with my ohmmeter and checked out OK. I took it out of the fuse box and noticed that the end metal cap was loose causing intermittent contact with the filament. I replaced fuse and the lites came back ON.

Reuben