Replacing the headlight stalk assembly question

[BastianMan]

Hi all,

I have a Canadian spec Z, but live in the US. Which means that my Z has no way (that I know of) to completely turn off the headlights. My options are either ON, or AUTO, no OFF option on the stalk. This is becoming an issue for me as I am supposed to turn off my headlights when going through a security checkpoint I pass through on my way to my job. The security guards have already made a couple comments to me about making sure to turn my lights off. But if its dark out, there isn’t a way to do so. I am wondering if I replace the headlight stalk in my Z with a US spec one that has the OFF option on the stalk, will that allow me to turn my headlights completely off? I found a stalk assembly on ebay for less than $50 so I figure it might be worth a try. But before I dismantle the interior of my car does anyone know if simply replacing the stalk will even fix this issue?

 

[NocturnalEmber]

Hi all,

I have a Canadian spec Z, but live in the US. Which means that my Z has no way (that I know of) to completely turn off the headlights. My options are either ON, or AUTO, no OFF option on the stalk. This is becoming an issue for me as I am supposed to turn off my headlights when going through a security checkpoint I pass through on my way to my job. The security guards have already made a couple comments to me about making sure to turn my lights off. But if its dark out, there isn’t a way to do so. I am wondering if I replace the headlight stalk in my Z with a US spec one that has the OFF option on the stalk, will that allow me to turn my headlights completely off? I found a stalk assembly on ebay for less than $50 so I figure it might be worth a try. But before I dismantle the interior of my car does anyone know if simply replacing the stalk will even fix this issue?

As far as I know even USDM spec Z's still have the DRL's on during the day even if the headlights themselves are off. Best bet would be to look up the wiring pinouts in the FSM and see. I can't say 100% as I haven't looked at it myself, but I would think that would all be controlled through the switch, no way to tell unless you check the FSM to verify, though.

 

[BastianMan]

As far as I know even USDM spec Z's still have the DRL's on during the day even if the headlights themselves are off. Best bet would be to look up the wiring pinouts in the FSM and see. I can't say 100% as I haven't looked at it myself, but I would think that would all be controlled through the switch, no way to tell unless you check the FSM to verify, though.

Thats kind of what I figured. And the DRLs are fine. But the actual headlights coming on without my control is what I am trying to avoid.

 

[ThePoorZ]

Tell the guards to take it up with the Canadian department of transportation. You can’t control what they specify for imported vehicles.

 

[ZillaZ]

My completely un-experienced opinion is if you can install it and the same wires / plug are used on both then it should work. I cannot imagine a car company changing the wiring for something like that and would instead leave it up to the buttons / knob on the "stalk" or stick.

But again, I have no experience with something like this. If it were me, $50 is worth a shot if you are willing to try it yourself or buy the part and have a shop swap them out. But that's just me.

 

[FSUZ33]

You can't turn them off when it's dark, or can't turn them off at all, day or night?

If it's a dark-only thing, you could turn your phone flashlight on and sit it on the daylight sensor in the dash.

I'm not sure if that helps. And I'm not sure if that will even work. But that's sort of on par with what I do here.

I agree with @ThePoorZ. It's not a modification you made to the car. It's out of your control. Find that page in the manual and shove it up their a show it to them.

 

[bpeckham]

Huh. There's a Type A and a Type B.

@BastianMan, If you use the Type A stalk, won't you lose control of the rear fog light?

 

[FSUZ33]

Other than the “A” and “B” these instructions are identical.
Great work again Nissan!

 

[BastianMan]

Huh. There's a Type A and a Type B.

@BastianMan, If you use the Type A stalk, won't you lose control of the rear fog light?

That is something I didn't think of. I assume the US spec Zs don't have a rear fog light?

 

[bpeckham]

That is something I didn't think of. I assume the US spec Zs don't have a rear fog light?

We do not. Two backup/reverse lights.

 

[FSUZ33]

Pretty sure the US and Canadian manuals are identical for the portion below. Not sure if this helps, especially if they want your lights off as you’re rolling through. To get then to turn off is more complicated than entering cheat codes for NBA Jam ‘93.

…and quit driving with your arm hanging out you dirty hippies!

 

[FSUZ33]

Regarding the rear fog light…

 

[Supremekai]

…and quit driving with your arm hanging out you dirty hippies!

It means no female drivers

 

[bpeckham]

I like the cell phone flashlight on the sensor idea. Does it work?

 

[C89]

Worse case scenario, maybe you can put in a "kill switch" for the headlights? Trace the headlight fuse and add in a manual switch for the positive wire?