DoTheDrew888

I just recently put a new engine in my 280zx and I finally got it running today. I have a few minor problems and one big one. First my tail lights, running lights, interior dash lights, and my talking lady are not working. This is a problem when I drive at night. I found that out the hard way tonight. Also, the thing I am most concerned about is that every time I go above 3500 RPM my engine makes a loud screaming/shrieking sound. I was trying to figure out what this might be but I am stumped. Any help would be greatly apprieciated. This thing is really starting to scare me. Thanks a lot in advance.

-Andrew

Skully

the beast of a turbo spooling up?!??!?!?!

duckyz

It could be something as simple as the belts being too loose. Without hearing the noise myself, it's a little difficult to diagnose.

DoTheDrew888

Its an N/A engine. I'll also check the pulleys. Any onther suggestions or help would be apprieciated.

rifleman502

throw out bearing in the transmission?

DoTheDrew888

It was the belt the thing was way to loose. But now my real issue is the lights. My tail lights, parking lights, dash lights, and talking lady are all not working. My brake lights, reverse lights, and head lights are all working fine. Any suggestions? It isnt a fuse so I have no idea what it might be.

Bleach

Pull the lower dash panel out that is on the driver's side. (the panel with the light in it) There you should see a big plug that connects lots of wires from the steering wheel area to the rest of the dash. Try to unplug it and plug it back in. It is very difficult to move. If you can't get it unplugged then just squeeze it together to make sure it is tight.

duckyz

Do that and check your fusable links (black box passenger side USA closest to the firewall....if not, it's the other one ). Sometimes they get loose or go bad. Just pull 'em out and plug 'em back in. If it sitll doesn't work, well...time for new ones......only if the previous reply (fuse box wires) doesn't work.

Also...See my reply in the "general" section about the talking lady.

DoTheDrew888

I pulled the plug apart and I even cleaned the connections. Still the same problem. I have already checked both fuse boxes and they look fine. I have some extras so maybe I will try switching them out tomorrow. Thanks though. Have any other ideas?

Bleach

Check to see the main engine relays are in place. Maybe switch a couple around to see if the lights start to work. If they do, then find the bad relay and replace it with a used one. New ones run $50 each from Nissan. A junk yard will usually charge you $5.00 each.

DoTheDrew888

Last night I was messing around with my lights trying to get them to work and they came on. Then I turned them off and tried to turn them back on and they didnt come on. So I flicked the switch about ten times and they came on again. Its kinda annoying but atleast they work. Is there anyway I can fix it so they come on the fist try? I was thinking it must be a short in something. Also, sometimes when I have them on they go out randomly and I have to flick them until they come back on. Thanks, -Andrew

fenderbender02

sounds to me like a bad switch but I could be wrong.

Bleach

ya, that's good to know they work. It could be the switch on the steering column, or the relays I mentioned before.

DoTheDrew888

The switch on the steering column? Do you mean the actual switch to turn on the lights?

Bleach

yup yup!

DoTheDrew888

Yeah, that might be it. The lights seem to be working ok now. One final little thing that isnt really a problem though. When im driving, the brake light, gas light, and door light will randomly flash on and off. Its not a problem just a little annoying. Thanks, -Andrew

Las VegaZ

My lights come on usually but every now and then I have to play with the switch. And when the dash lights don't come on neither do the other lights.