Z32 Reversing lights gone

Discussion in 'Technical' started by yellow300zx, Sep 2, 2021.

  1. yellow300zx

    yellow300zx Pimpin Ain't Easy

    Hey guys,

    Just trying to get my car from NSW to WA rego and failed on some very minor things like number plate lights and reversing lights not working.

    We (both I and the inspector) just figured it was globes, but just getting it back home globes seem fine with the reverse lights, number plate ones I'm yet to check but the housing has been sprayed over so I'll just clean those up (might even be the issue)

    But what else can I check for the reverse lights? Is there a fuse? As I've checked the engine and the kick panel and doesn't seem to list a fuse for these?

    Any help would be MUCH appreciated as I've got till tomorrow to fix these issues or he'll have to fail me and I'll have to do the inspection again, which is another $162!

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. ryzan

    ryzan Moderator Staff Member

    If your reverse lights aren't coming and you've checked the bulbs then I'd start with the reverse switch and associated wiring. It would help to know if your car is auto or manual (or auto-manual swapped as that's a whole different ball game).

    Are you basing globe condition just on a visual inspection or have you actually swapped them out?
     
  3. yellow300zx

    yellow300zx Pimpin Ain't Easy

    Thanks for the reply, it's a manual (always has been)

    And just basing global condition on a visual inspection as the wire inside the globe is still completely intact (both of them actually) and almost looks new (nice and clear glass etc).
     
  4. yellow300zx

    yellow300zx Pimpin Ain't Easy

    Just swapped the globes out, didn't make a difference unfortunately for the reverse lights.

    Got the number plate ones working, was just loose, seemed after 20+ years vibration had worked the light out of the socket enough just to stop working lol

    But yeah this has got me stumped now. Is it possible to fix the switch easily? Saw a video of some bloke crawl under his car and solder it. Didn't report if it made any difference or where the actual location was under the car though.

    This was the light globes I took out, for some reason they were attached after turning them to pop them out and look different on the bottom vs the new ones. (Old one has a hole in the bottom where it was attached)
     

    Attached Files:

  5. NI85

    NI85 Active Member

    Check the globe pin locations. As the pins can be parallel or offset (for different socket types). You might have had a wrong globe put in (normally noticed by how hard put in or take out), causing arcing and excessive heat melted the solder.
    --
    Reverse switches can fail, plugs die, solder joints. I actually have to drop my Z31 gearbox down next week to get it's reverse switch, to repair broken connections.
     
  6. Martin Williams

    Martin Williams Well-Known Member

    Reversing light switch is on the right hand side of gearbox The front one of two. Cant remember if it can be removed without lowering back end of gearbox, but it can be disconnected which will allow you to check the rest of the wiring. Unfortunately wiring from the plug to the switch is very often the culprit
     
    yellow300zx likes this.

Share This Page