I have a voltage problem. I have a good twelve volts going to my left head light and only has about 11 volts. It's not major but annoying. I'm leaning toward the voltage regulator but I'm not sure. I'm a new Z owner and not much of a mechanic. Any help would be appreciated.

Terry

 

I think you either have a weak ground on the right or a high resistance from corroded harness plugs. Try a contact cleaner on them.

 

Is your car a 240Z, 280Z, or 280ZX? This problem is more common on the 240Z and 280Z.

 

It's a 1982 280zx. Needs some TLC it's only been driven about 1000 miles in the last 5 years. Looking for problems to look for in a Z. I've never owned one before.

Terry

 

Congratulations on owning your first Z! Once you get the bugs worked out. They are addicting to drive. Take it from me. I have 2 ZX's. Anyway in my '82 I had a problem with my taillights blowing a fuse. It turns out the previous owner. Which was 50 watts short of a lightbulb. Plugged the horn into my lights. Causing a dead short. Anyway just make sure you have the lights grounded. And like theramz said. Clean your contacts too. Also make sure no wires are crossing each other(touching) That could cause some problems. I am no means a mechanic. But after owning a Z for almost 5 years. I have learned a lot about them. I will try to help you if I can. Good luck on your new ZX!

 

I had the same problem and it turned out to be my actual light switch. My drivers side headlight was super dim until I turned my lights on and off anywhere from tho to seventy or so times then it came on bright.

 

Yeah I replaced my headlight switch, thinking it would solve the problem. But I still was blowing a fuse when I turn the lights on. Then I decided to put aluminum foil in the fuse. I saw smoke under the dash, also the car started talking to me. And I found 2 burnt wires. So I unplugged them. And it all worked fine! What a mess that was. Later