240Z Hazard Switch

[GongZ]

Hi 240z Guy,

 

Thanks for the pic and info - I will have another look tomorrow for the connector for the light source, now that you have pinpointed where it should be.

 

Did you buy the light source (or can with a bulb in it, as you call it) or was it already there? My 9/73 compliance plated car does not have an illuminated cigarette lighter (yet - I have one ready to use if this all works out) - does yours?

 

How far have you got with this? Do you have a hazard switch yet? Have you found the last connector (the 3-wire one)?

 

By the way, I used my Dremel clone to make a groove in the ignition switch security screws and removed the switch/steering lock assembly which of course, now that it is out, works perfectly. 

[240Z Guy]

Hi Gongz,

 

No the light source for the cigarette lighter was already in place, one of the reasons i thought the hazard switch might be easy to put in.  Fairly sure that the light source will only really illuminate the cigarette lighter holder when you pull the lighter plug out, as the plug is fairly solid, but i actually haven't tried it, i know the globe works.

 

My 73 is also in mph, which surprised me, is yours?

I haven't gotten any further with the hazard switch and haven't bought one as yet, I have being working on replacing the heater core and i have some fuel tank issues I am trying to sort out.  I was hoping someone had actually connected this before to an Aus Z and could point us in the right direction.

[GongZ]

Hi once more 240Z Guy,

 

My car had a 'solid' black lighter when I bought it from the original owner. When I originally researched adding hazard lights, I discovered that US market '73 cars had a lighter with a translucent green face (to match the hazard switch knob) - like this one;

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-70-89-240z-280z-280zx-300zx-LATE-GREEN-LIGHTER-/261733931684?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cf08edaa4&vxp=mtr

 

I have attached some photos of the US lighter that I bought on eBay, one of which shows the lighter next to a desk lamp to show the lighting effect. You will see in the photos that the lighter has apertures in the sides, between the element and the face of the knob, to allow the light to get to the front.

 

I will probably find that I have a light source already fitted to my car when I play the next round of under-dash Twister. Incidentally, I have yet to see the light source shown on any 240Z wiring diagram.

 

I was also hoping that someone would have already tackled adding hazard lights to a late 240Z, and would chime in here, but it looks like its just you and me so far.

 

The speedometer in my car is in mph, and obviously the odometer is in miles too.

[gav240z]

Well there you go, I've learnt something new about S30z's never saw that translucent green version before.

[GongZ]

I have had another look at the dash connector for the Hazard lights switch today. Although it is a 6-pin connector - it only has 5 wires connected to it.

 

Comparing my connector (and its wire colours), to the US market wiring diagrams, I think the pin out arrangement is as shown in my attached diagram.

 

If this is correct, then the missing wire is the Green/Yellow - which (in the US) would be constant power from the fuse box to the Hazard lights switch. The Hazard switch then applies power to the wire going to the brake light switch (only when the Hazard light switch is OFF). If our cars are missing this wire, the brake light switch must be getting power from somewhere else.

 

This also means that the 3-pin dash connector for the Hazard switch will probably only have 2 wires connected to it. The third wire on US cars takes power from the Hazard switch to the brake light switch.

 

This circuit is why the US cars' brake lights do not work when the Hazard lights are on - this circuit is only closed when the Hazard light switch is OFF (ie. when you have the Hazard Lights dash switch ON - the power to the brake light switch is cut).

 

This means that if we manage to get the US Hazard light switch to work, we should still have operating brake lights when the Hazard lights are on.

 

I have also attached a diagram from this page http://woodworkerb.com/home/datsun-240z-rebuild/datsun-240z-multifunction-switches/ to show the pins connected when the Hazard lights switch is OFF and when it is ON.

[GongZ]

Hazard lights are working!

 

The problem I had was with the hazard lights flasher can/unit/relay. The one I bought on eBay, was described as an "NOS 240Z" item, but it was stamped as being for 24V.

 

I replaced it with a new electronic 12V version, hooked up the US 240Z hazard switch, connected a battery to the car, and bingo! - working hazard lights.

I can also confirm that the brakes lights still work when the hazard lights are on.

 

So, in summary, all you need to do to add hazard lights to an Australian 1973 240Z is;

 

- Obtain a US hazard switch

- Remove the loop-back connector from the 6 pin connector and plug in the US switch

- Install a 12V flasher unit to the previously unused L-shaped two pin (one green and one white wire) connector near the blinker flasher unit.

 

I would imagine that the same would apply to earlier 240Z's, using the appropriate vintage US hazard switch. They may even be interchangeable, because the 6-pin connector looks identical - just check the wiring diagram for your model.

 

I still haven't found the light source (or the connector for it, if its missing) in my 1973 or mounted the hazard switch in the dash. I think I will be removing my dash further down the track, to swap gauges and replace bulbs etc. - so I will fix everything then.

[gav240z]

Thanks great info. Post is now sticky.

 

I suspect hazard switches will now see a surge in value on US eBay . Always wanted a hazard switch in my S30z's.

[GongZ]

Totally unnecessary of course - but here is a video of the results 

 

[gav240z]

Totally necessary that's the money shot haha.

[Z]

I've been watching this thread with great interest as I have two toggle hazard switches to go into my 71 eventually, thanks to your problem solving I'll certainly give it a go with more knowledge.

Just want to mention that the US hvac/centre vent console was illuminated, maybe this is where your illumination could come from? I bought one as it was pretty trick - just a thought.

[peter t]

Hazard lights are working!

 

The problem I had was with the hazard lights flasher can/unit/relay. The one I bought on eBay, was described as an "NOS 240Z" item, but it was stamped as being for 24V.

 

I replaced it with a new electronic 12V version, hooked up the US 240Z hazard switch, connected a battery to the car, and bingo! - working hazard lights.

I can also confirm that the brakes lights still work when the hazard lights are on.

 

So, in summary, all you need to do to add hazard lights to an Australian 1973 240Z is;

 

- Obtain a US hazard switch

- Remove the loop-back connector from the 6 pin connector and plug in the US switch

- Install a 12V flasher unit to the previously unused L-shaped two pin (one green and one white wire) connector near the blinker flasher unit.

 

I would imagine that the same would apply to earlier 240Z's, using the appropriate vintage US hazard switch. They may even be interchangeable, because the 6-pin connector looks identical - just check the wiring diagram for your model.

 

I still haven't found the light source (or the connector for it, if its missing) in my 1973 or mounted the hazard switch in the dash. I think I will be removing my dash further down the track, to swap gauges and replace bulbs etc. - so I will fix everything then.

I have done all the above to my 75 260z but only the right hand indicator lights work when the hazard  light switch is on. Any idea why this is happening.?

[peter t]

Got home today and pulled the switch apart and filed all the contacts and bingo the hazards work. Now to buy another six pin plug from super cheap and pull the console out and wire this switch in permanently.  

[gav240z]

Does anyone know what the hazard flasher can part no. is?

 

25520-89994 - appears to be: Turn Signal Flasher Unit

 

Apparently this suits:

 

Suits

Datsun B110 1200

Nissan 280Z 280ZX

Datsun 260Z

Datsun 240Z

Datsun 521 Ute

Datsun 620 Ute

Datsun 510 1600

Datsun 610 180B

Datsun 710 140J 160J

 

Hazard Flasher Unit

Part No.

25520-89960 - apparently.

 

Genuine NOS Datsun Nissan Hazard Flasher Unit

 

Part Numbers: 25520-89997, 25520-89990, 25520-89960, 25520-B5500, 25520-E4600

 

Suits

Datsun B110 1200

Nissan 280Z 280ZX

Datsun 260Z

Datsun 240Z

Datsun 521 Ute

Datsun 620 Ute

Datsun 510 1600

Datsun 610 180B

Datsun 710 140J 160J

[mossy]

Wonder why the flasher cans are different for the hazards and turn signals?

[PB260Z]

Wonder why the flasher cans are different for the hazards and turn signals?

I used the Tridon HD12 Electro Mechanical flasher can for both the turn & hazard on my car.

[mossy]

I used the Tridon HD12 Electro Mechanical flasher can for both the turn & hazard on my car.

 

Thats the one I just used for my hazards, the electric flasher seems a lot stronger than the thermo flasher too.

[Agno]

Did you get it working in the end Mark?

[mossy]

Yep, just plugged in the 6 pin connector on the hazard switch and the new flasher can just in the drivers footwell and it works great, not sure what the other 3 pin connector on the hazard switch is for.

[gav240z]

So, in summary, all you need to do to add hazard lights to an Australian 1973 240Z is;

 

- Obtain a US hazard switch

- Remove the loop-back connector from the 6 pin connector and plug in the US switch

- Install a 12V flasher unit to the previously unused L-shaped two pin (one green and one white wire) connector near the blinker flasher unit.

 

Awesome, so I finally got this working on my 72 240z. I have the US "Flasher" switch from the early cars. To my surprise to toggle it on you have it in the UP position, toggle it down to switch it off. I didn't have the L-shaped two pin connector in my car, rather I had loose Green/White and Blue/White spade connectors near the bonnet release cable mechanism.

 

I'm not sure which wire is meant to go to L and which one to X on the hazard flasher can, both configurations work. The can gets warm but that's because it's the old style thermal version. I may replace it with a modern unit in the future, but I like the old Niles tube.

 

Now the fun part, cut a hole in the dash to feed the switch through into.*

 

Yep, just plugged in the 6 pin connector on the hazard switch and the new flasher can just in the drivers footwell and it works great, not sure what the other 3 pin connector on the hazard switch is for.

I think the 3 pin connector is for Japanese Market Cars with the parker switch configuration in the console.

 

*Damn it, I tried my best not to balls it up.. But I'm not happy with the cut out. The switch doesn't come all the way through and the ring with thread that secures it in place doesn't sit on the outside of the dashboard to hide any imperfections in the cut.

 

US car reference photo, you can see the cut out allows you to see into the dashboard a bit...

On my car I cut a hole, it's a little rough. Although not seen in photos. I may try and tidy it up with a sharpie.

[GongZ]

 

... To my surprise to toggle it on you have it in the UP position, toggle it down to switch it off. ...

 

I think that's a US thing Gavin - all the house/hotel light switches I have used in the US are that way too.

I haven't been to Japan - anybody know which way their switches operate?

Edited December 24, 2016 by GongZ

[gav240z]

Money shot.

[gav240z]

So my flasher has stopped working. Maybe the old school unit has quit? I'm going to look at replacing it with a modern unit.

 

I hope the polarity of the wiring on these is not an issue? Anyone know if it makes a difference?

 

Can anyone confirm which modern unit they are using? I was looking at this thread.

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/15619-turn-signal-flasher-unit-repair/?hl=hazard

and saw this recommended unit.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/252433790050

[GongZ]

I used this one;

FLASHER 12V 2PIN HD12PAC

$17.99 from Supercheap Auto

 

I believe that the original turn signal bulbs are 21 Watts each and the dash bulbs are about 3 Watts each, therefore;

(21 x 4) + (2 x 3) = 90 Watts / 12 volts = 7.5 Amps

 

So the 25 Amp model I have used is overkill - but being electronic, the flashing rate is unaffected.

 

And in regard to polarity, looking at photos of the connector in my car, the green wire goes to the 'X' terminal and the white wire goes to 'L'.

 

** Edited 29/12/2016 - I added the second picture. The first photo tricked me - I got the polarity wrong.

 

 

Edited December 28, 2016 by GongZ

[gav240z]

Thanks mate, I just unplugged the regular flasher can for indicators and put it into the loom for the hazards to test if the can was at fault and the hazards were working again fine.

 

So the old Niles can has given up the ghost, I guess serves me right for trying to use 40+ year old electronics.

 

I will buy a modern unit now and it should work fine.

 

I also visited Mark (Mossy) yesterday and saw his loom didn't have the L-shaped plug either (70 model 240z) so that L-shaped plug might have been introduced with the 73's.

 

So steps to get Hazards working in an AU market 240z.

 

1. Buy modern flasher can.

2. Buy working hazard switch.

3. Remove loop back loom plug from around cigarette lighter area under dash.

4. Plug hazard switch into loom plug you just removed loop back plug from.

5. Plug flasher can into loom in driver footwell near accelerator pedal (Green Wire to 'X' and white (73 model) or white/blue (70-72) model) to 'L').

6. Test.

 

For some reason my car never felt complete without this working. Great thing to have for added safety, especially if your car breaks down (it is 40 years old after all).

[gav240z]

Flasher can I bought from Supercheap others were not in stock and this seems to do the job. No AMP rating on it though just says 12v.