240 SX Electrical Problems

[n2jkw]

I have a 1989 240 SX Coupe and have two problems, 1) The cruise control does not work with the lights on (but the green light stays on as if it was working ) 2) The left (drivers) side headlight only works on low beam ( even when replaced, but hitting it can bring it on on high ) 3) The center brake light ( behind the rear wind shield) housing was melted at the place the lights will be ( I got the car like that, but I saw an article about that problem, something about the wiring being incorrect on the main stop lights they work fine ) Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Javier

[wiwalsh]

With an interaction (i.e. a short somewhere) like that, you either need an FSM and a long weekend to trace and test wires, or just bite the bullet and take it to a good garage or the dealer.

The lights you should be able to tackle with an FSM. Buter personally, I would stay away from trying to rewire my cruise, if for no other reason than to maintiain a professional look

[kansas240]

check the time control unit, a small white box in the driver side kick panel. that can cause weird problems. then take out he gauge cluster and inspect the harness for a cross/ short on the cruise and surrounding area. i had a similar problem, but then i put in a new tcu and it fixed many gremlins, but i swapped a analoge cluster in place of the digital one. i got real familiar with my fsm and a paper clip. if you need fsm scans e-mail me.

[n2jkw]

Eureka!!! I found the problem with the lights...It is the Headlight Switch (about $48.00 in auto zone) my brother used to work in auto parts (I guess that a alot of people asked for the same problem or something) and told me that Nissan cars manufactured with the same type of headlight switch ALL have the same problems and eventually have to be changed....I saw myself with a VOM and all kinds of instruments to try to correct the problem (nnoooooo!!) all I did was mess with the old switch ( you can open the back and do it for a temp fix ONLY!!!) and the problem was gone..then I had a problem with the rear stop light....but hey...then I knew THAT was really the problem!! so payday will bring a new headlight swith.

The other problems.....will be taken care of as we go along..just trying to get the car inspected to have it legaly on the streets first.

I'll keep all posted (not bad for a $200.00 car).

Javier