280ZX (S130) Forums Dedicated to 79-83 ZCars

Electrical Problem :(

Old Oct 29, 2006 | 06:13 PM
  #1  
Steves1979280zx's Avatar
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Electrical Problem :(

Hey guys,
I have an issue with my brake lights. Im hoping this a common problem. the brake lights/running lights stay on when the fuse is in the panel. Ive checked each bulb. But still no joy. This may not be a common problem, which leaves me with going through and try determine where the open is.
Any sggestions , helpful.
Thanks,
Steve
Old Oct 29, 2006 | 06:39 PM
  #2  
NismoPick's Avatar
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From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
Read this thread: https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ht=stop+switch
Old Oct 29, 2006 | 08:35 PM
  #3  
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From: Formerly Atlanta, GA; now Central FL
If the link Nismo posted didn't solve the problem, look in the driver's side floorboard for any broken pieces of plastic. There's a plastic stopper located behind the brake pedal which eventually deteriorates and breaks, causing a constant contact (electrical flow) to the brake lights.

Click HERE if you'd like to see where it's located. This is on a Z31, but the stopper is located in the same place on the 280ZX. If you need a new stopper, they're about $2 at a Nissan dealership. Installation is easy - just press it into the hole.
Old Oct 29, 2006 | 09:03 PM
  #4  
jfairladyz's Avatar
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From: Temecula, CA
Originally Posted by Steves1979280zx
Hey guys,
I have an issue with my brake lights. Im hoping this a common problem. the brake lights/running lights stay on when the fuse is in the panel. Ive checked each bulb. But still no joy. This may not be a common problem, which leaves me with going through and try determine where the open is.
Any sggestions , helpful.
Thanks,
Steve
If its the brake and the running lights staying on then it sounds to me like a contact in the headlight switch is stuck in the closed position. Remove the steering column cover and then the steering wheel and there is one screw that holds the switch to the column. Pull the switch off and you'll have to remove a plastic cover on the backside to access the contacts. With the switch in the off position make sure none of the contacts are touching. If they are then you'll have to bend them a little so the dont. Make sure they will still close when they're supposed to though (dont bend them too far). If thats not your problem then the running/taillight circuit are crossed with another circuit. But I'd put my money on the combo switch as both those circuits are controlled by the same contact in the switch.
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