Optical Ring Question
 

Hi folks, I am new to this site and would appreciate any help possible.
I own a 1985 300ZX. I had trouble with the light switch on the steering column and was able to remove the wheel and replace the switch no problems. BUT.... putting things back together isn't so easy. The optical ring is the problem. I don't know how it stays in place. I don't know if the light switch housing is too far forward and how do I line up the optical ring with the steering wheel contacts and keep it all in place. There don't seem to be any guides or fittings.
Thanks in advance

Welcome to ZDriver! If you don't have a copy of your factory service manual, you can DL one at XenonZ31 Reference . It's loaded with good inspection and troubleshooting guides that are easy to follow. Also be sure to post some pics of your Z here. We can never see too many fotos!

The light stick issue has been covered a lot here. There are threads and videos, some of which are all inclusive and excellent. Have you searched our archives? I am sure you will find an answer to your question in one or more of them.

Try to locate this thread: "Headlamp switch problem? One Hi, one low beam works...??!! Or go straight to the vid on you tube:


Let us know how it works out for you.

Again, welcome! :icon_super:

Yup - I have the hard copy of the factory service Manual - nothing in it about optical ring re-assembly. I have also viewed the youtube video that you mentioned quite a while ago. It talks about the switch & repair for a 1986 or 87 - they don't have an optical ring.
So nothing there I also checked out the threads on light sticks on this site - nothing about optical rings - at least none that I could find. That is why I posted. Thanks for the suggestions though.

do you have a digi dash or ws the car a GLL. I don't think it is optical I have the same thing on my 86 and i just put the steering wheel back on and everything works so probably yours should be the same

Thanks for your reply.
Yes I have a digital dash and the controls in the steering wheel. Quite certain I have an Optical ring between the steering wheel and the switch module.

OK. Good time to request a photo of the optical ring and its place in this scheme. Can't find a reference to it or a diagram of it. Thanks!

Why do you think it is optical??? see any lights?. see any slots for light to shine through?

It's not optical. sends signals to a unit on passenger side under the cardboard that then sends signals to cruise and the old audio system. might be some sort of crude bluetooth about as sophisticated as a tin can and string telephone

regardless put the wheel on and see if things work. mine does

Ha ha ha -funny. I guess it seems like crude technology now but at the time it was advanced.
Anyway - I misnamed the part - the optical ring part which sends an LED impulse is on the steering wheel side and fits into the slip ring which I incorrectly thought was the optical ring. It is the slip ring that I can't get to stay in place with the combination switch cluster and line up together. I will try to send some photos - don't know how to attach them to my posts yet. Also - the reference I am using is from the 1985 service manual pgs EL-138 to EL-143
Many thanks in advance for your time

Here are some photos - I included some from the manual and also of the slip ring which just seems to hang there. There doesn't seem to be anything to lock it in place or to line it up.

yep that is what it does. same as my 86 I just get it in place then slip the wheel back on. you should have a black rectangular box hanging off a wire that works with the ring. I forget the details and don't feel like pulling the wheel to verify. altho with faulty memory and all seems like something is missing there. I felt the same way the first time - what the heck what holds this together

Thanks for the reply- I felt the same way about what is holding it in place. I tried your method and the slip ring simply fell down. I then loosened the clamp holding the switch cluster and moved it towards the steering wheel thinking I had too much clearance. When I re-connected everything and turned the wheel, I could hear clicking and "grinding" noises - not a good sound.
So...... still trying to figure it out.